Busy Beijing

The last three days here have been quite eventful. On our first day we explored the surrounding hutongs (alleyways) near our hostel. Although Beijing is very modern, the hutongs really give a better taste of more traditional China. We then met up with Morgan and walked to the Forbidden City and had our first taste of the Chinese people en masse. Line-ups are only suggestions, and sharp elbows are necessary. We also visited Tiananmen Square and disappointingly missed Mao. Apparently visting hours to view his body are very short, as it is said they take the rest of the day to put his body back together after viewing : )

One thing we have noticed and have discussed frequently with anyone that will listen, is why the bathroom situation here is so dirty. Beijing is clean, the people are clean, yet they seem to have no difficutly using toilets that smell so bad, look worse, and do not provide soap. Hand sanitizer does not exist, everyone smokes and eats in the streets. I get a stomach ache just thinking about it.

One fine example is our visit to the Great Wall. Beauty! After our long treck we decide to sit on the stairs a little off to the side but still quite visible. While enjoying the tranquility a man takes his son, about 4, down these stairs and about 15 feet in front of us, the little boy drops his pants and squats and proceeds to drop a deuce. Needless to say the bathroom was not far.