Whirlwind weekend!

Saturday was fun…Sunday was work…

Saturday, a few of my ‘hotel mates’ and I decided to visit the Forbidden City. Our assignment for the weekend was to see as much of the area as we could and become acquainted with the sights and venues. We took the subway, (I’m becoming quite good at it) it was packed as usual but I think it might be faster than a taxi. And much less stressful!

Then the Forbidden City, home to 24 different emperors and is the best-preserved collection of ancient architecture. Called the Forbidden City because the commoners were forbidden to enter the city. The royalty loved life within the walls so much that many had no idea of what was happening within their country and many never wanted to go outside the walls. (and the city walls are smack dab in the heart of Beijing!).
In front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, where the Emperor’s held their grandest events like coronations and birthdays…

Hall of Perserving Harmony, used for State Banquets.
Very ornate…the little figures on the roof were for protection.
A little Empress!
The Emperors would stroll through the garden and find a concubine they liked. They would take her through this door and up to the little room that had a view of the city. I’m sure they would just enjoy the view and have tea.
More mosaic ideas…anyone need a new walkway????
The moat that goes around the Forbidden City.

After all the walking in the hot, heavy heat (have I mentioned how hot it is here yet?)…we made a reservation for a foot massage. Wowza…what a treat! You sit in a chair like a lazyboy in a dark room with candles and they work on your feet & legs. It was heavenly! $20 for an hour…I had happy feet all day after that.

Today, Sunday, we spent the day on the bus touring all the venues again, reworking the transportation part of our programs so we all know where the drop offs and pick ups are. It was a full day and sounds like we will have a full week. We will be meeting our Chinese staff this week. I will have 3 at my hotel. They will be the hosts for our guests and will accompany them everywhere. They have been trained but we still need to work with them for the first few arrivals. It will be fun to meet them!

Altered uniform pick up next week...