By Anika and Izzy
This morning some of us missed our wake-up call! This meant a rushed breakfast and a quick start to the day as we prepared to some of Beijing’s most famed sights. We got on the bus and headed to the world’s biggest and grandest city square: Tiananmen Square. Every inch of the massive buildings was decorated in an ornate style, with red and gold being the predominant colours. As the sun struck our faces as we watched the many people from all over the square come and go, watching the famous soldiers guard the flag of PRC. As we crossed the Square and walked through the massive gateway, we were all instantly immersed into the Forbidden City.
The most impressive part of the Forbidden City was the palace gardens. The old trees towered over us with unique beauty. When walking through the gardens, the twisted trees caught the eye of any onlooker. The rocks in the garden were eroded into strange yet magnificent shapes which the sea created. The buildings that were at each end of the gardens had many different uses. The building where the Emperor of the previous Qing dynasty would sleep had many bedrooms with 27 beds in total, so that one knew the exact room in which he slept. This meant that if someone were to assassinate him, they would have to have found the right room. The Emperor was very paranoid about someone killing him, he had someone taste the food before every meal.
We had lunch at a restaurant in the Forbidden City, and the food was very good. After lunch, we climbed the stone stairs right up to the top tower where we had a beautiful view of the city. We were grateful that we had a chance to see the city from another point of view. We then walked back down the hill and jumped on the bus to the acrobatic show.
The show was full of many amazing stunts which made the audience constantly. Some of best stunts consisted of spinning plates, the wheel of death, and a cage full of motorbikes. Each act was performed with stunning talent and skill (which we cannot demonstrate at home L). A particular favourite was the Wheel of Death, which consisted of two people on each end of two separate wheels connected by metal bars. It was breathtaking watching them jump and swing from the spinning wheels as they had no harness. Anika’s favourite act was the motorbikes in the sphere cage. Each time they added a motorbike we all cried no. They had six in the end! The motorbikes spun sideways and upside down, causing us to lose our breaths and feel dizzy just watching them. At the end of the show, we noticed a cultural difference where instead of waiting for the bows to finish, people got up and left. After a sumptuous dinner, we walked home exhilarated.
Izzy:
Dear Mum, Dad and Luca, China has been so much fun. I have learnt so much about the culture here. I have really enjoyed the food as well as the many hotels we have stayed at. I miss you all so much and can’t wait to tell you all the amazing adventures we have had. I hope you are all well and safe and have been looking after all the animals. See you soon. Love, Bella.
Anika:
Dear Mama, Daddy and Xavier (Jazzy and Tigger) What up! China is really cool! Mama, you’ll be happy to know that I haven’t needed to use the alarm thing you gave me. I sent a postcard a few days ago so I hope you get that soon. I don’t really know what else to write that isn’t in the postcard so… love you! Bye!
