Beijing Part 4

We traveled about 30 minutes on the bus and then had lunch in one of the smaller villages. This place was a huge tourist stop… an enormous souvenir shop with a restaurant. The food was the same as we had had all along but it was fun looking around the shopping area. I’m just not a great shopper for souvenirs… I used to buy them but after a couple years they just become dust collectors.

After lunch we went to the area of the Ming Tombs. There are 13 tombs throughout the area built by emperors of the Ming Dynasty. We visited the grand tomb of changling built for Emporer Yongle in 1427. The actual tomb is in the hillside behind the structures and you don’t go there, but the main building had been turned into a museum and was interesting… anyway I love the ancient Chinese architecture.

After this we did a leisurely walk down the Sacred Way. A stone pathway lined with statues and stone animals… another great photo op!

This was pretty much the end of the tour. We headed back to the hotel. Many of the people were heading out to dinner and shopping but I didn’t have one ounce of energy left so we stayed in and hit the bed early as we had to meet the bus at 6:30 in the morning for our return to the airport.

Alarm clock at 5:00 am and bag outside the door by 5:30... Aaack, but we did it and then had a bite of breakfast… then on to the bus. The airport went quite smoothly although I did give in and use a wheelchair (as did a couple others) - a good thing… I’d still be walking. It was a loooong way to the gate.

We landed at the Hong Kong airport, claimed our luggage and then boarded the buses for the ship. It was a good hour ride to the port, but all we really saw were huge apartment buildings and many bridges. They welcomed us back onboard with a glass of fruit punch… we headed back to the cabin and doctored ours with a shot and sat on the balcony to relax. The night ended with the light show on the Hong Kong harbor as we sailed away.

WHAT AN EXPERIENCE THIS HAS BEEN.

Cruisephobic - you asked what place I would return to so far. I think I would like to actually see Shanghai. We didn’t get to see it as we left for the overland tour. Easter Island would be my choice as a complete getaway from people. I’d like to rent a little house overlooking the sea and spend a couple weeks… then I’d miss King Soopers and it would be time to go home.