Our Journey to Aeryn Elisabeth
The Highs and Lows of Modern Flight
D and I had a great flight into Beijing. Delta was really good and business class was fantastic. On the first leg of the trip we got into LAX with plenty of time to spare and we noticed that our Korea flight was on time but had a funny gate assignment of “TBT” which we thought referred to some future updating of the gate. However to our horror TBT stands for ”Thomas Bradley Terminal”. I kind of wish they had told us that going into the airport lounge. So with about 45 min to our flight departing we had to make a mad rush (on foot) to the terminal which was a good 30-45 minutes away and we would have to go back into security as well!!!
Well long story short we did make it (take that-crazy airport lounge attendant) and I can leave you with a nice visual of the two of us limping through the airport and dragging our carry-on through the concourse with my my pants falling down (had to take the belt at security and didn't have time to put it back on).
Tuesday October 23 to Thursday October 25, 2007 (a very loooong first day)
Lounging Deja Vu?
Way back in 2003 D ate in a lounge in our first adoption...This time we had the fish and chips...we liked the beef dip better.
Working on the Road
Here she is on the Apple checking email and launching last minute instructions to the people watching our kids.
Touchdown in Seoul Korea
Korea Airlines was simply a dream flight. The attendants were incredible...top notch. This was great and took all the stress off from our near missed flight ordeal.
Yes..I got to lounge too
I actually got to sleep about 8 hours on the flight. I know, that’s pretty good for me. So I was nice and refreshed. Just hanging out.
D - “Okay we’re here let’s go out”
Denise didn’t get much sleep so she surprised the heck out of me when she turned around and suggested we go see the Forbidden City.
My wife, the trooper. Here she is prepping for the trip to the city
I Love My Room
We stayed at the St Regis Hotel In Beijing. Cost: $0 - How you ask? We used our Starwoods points.
The room was fantastic. King Size heavenly bed and good food. Very comfortable digs. This is so much different than our first adoption trip to Kaz.
If you’ve ever been to Versailles and you thought that was big well then you haven’t seen The Forbidden City. Imagine, one emperor and his family lived in 9,999 rooms. Ok he had a big family but he also wanted to be sure he didn’t outdo God who as everyone knows has a house which exactly 10,000 rooms.
Go figure... I personally think it is an amazing architectural feat, but a little over the top for even the biggest of royal families. The one thing we did learn during this first outing was just how superstitious the Chinese people are about everything. Dragons, turtles, Phoenix all have special meaning of longevity, double longevity, life etc etc.
Outside The Courtyard
On Guard
I saw the guard while I was waiting for Christine (our guide) to get our tickets into the city. This fellow was standing in the courtyard (see left)
The Rooftops
The tops of the pagaodas have very intricate ceramic shapes inset into each corner. Many of these have been restored (top photo)
Inside The Courtyard
I’m standing on a stone bridge that takes you over the water (connects to a moat which goes around the city). Only the emperor and his guests could walk across this bridge...did workers swim or did they pole vault across?
Closer Look at the Roof Tops
The restoration of these buildings is amazing. Here you can see one of the corners. Note the wire on top which illuminates the rooftops during special occasions.
Restored Structure
Everything in the city is being restored and when you think about the size and the detail in every building it boggles the mind. The paint on this relief was done by hand...
For the Emperor Who Has Everything
Many of the Emperor's toys were available on display in the Forbidden City. We got to see his vast collection of arrows including his special arrows for killing tigers. Here, we have a hunting horn in the shape of a dragon
Trudging Across the Courtyard
A tour guide tends their flock across the cities grounds. The tours were very organized...the leader holds the flag which matches your hat. Makes sense to me.
Concrete Gargoyles
Gargoyles adorn the entire grounds. Found on most corners and around steps, they served two purposes...scare off bad mojo and drain water.
This Emperor Liked to Rock Out
Right - Picture of elaborate drums. We got to see many musical instruments on display in one of the many displays in this museum.
It Ain’t Over Til The Fat Piggy....
Left - A pig that has it’s blocks played at the end of the performance. There were many instruments on display in the city.
That Ain’t a Dog
A male Chinese lion has its paw on the globe(left)
The female lion has its paw on a baby lion (right)
If I was to modernize these lions today I imagine the female lion would have her paw on her husband's wallet.
Or perhaps on top of the male lion's head.
(Just kidding folks...)
Reach Out and Touch Some...thing?
A fine example of Chinese superstition. Turtle body, Dragon head, Dragon Feet = very long living (double double double) longevity
The lady touching the dragon is actually in the midst of taking a coin out of the lion’s mouth...not too sure that’s going to earn you any "lucky" points.
World’s Largest Bong?
Nope...that is just the Forbidden Cities largest incense burner.
Seriously where do I hookup my pipe?
The Luckiest Door In China
9 is very lucky in China.
Now do the math:
-9 nobs per row
-9 rows
-equals 81 nobs; 8+1=9 = LUCKY!!!!!!!!!
The Forbidden City and Moat
Day 2
