Today, I met a funny and insightful person named Burton (like the ski wear company). Burton was my group’s tour guide for the Summer Palace, and I seriously hope that he guides us again. As we drove to the Summer Palace, he informed us about the palace’s long an rich history, as well as the symbol and cultural meaning behind some of the main attractions. For example, the Summer Palace’s gorgeous lake is shaped like a peach, to promote long health!
The tour was extensive and breathtaking, but the weather was really hot. Our group walked for miles in humid Beijing summer weather, through fields of lily pads and across stylized marble bridges. I wish I could have taken a photo! The long corridor was decorated beautifully, with over 10,000 unique paintings.
After the palace, I and a couple other students went shopping for basic goods. I have never been so entertained by a grocery store. Some items were remarkably cheap, while others weren’t even available in American stores. Needless to say, it was plenty of fun, though I wish that I knew more conversational mandarin. I definitely embarrassed myself when I stumbled over basic transactions, but I guess that’s all part of the learning experience!