|
Listen to This Story
|
A morning flight from Tokyo to Beijing
when we landed, security was tough.. especially on me!
Remember when I said that my passport picture got washed out from the juice drink in Japan! I was able during my stay in Tokyo to speak to the embassy and had all forms of official identifications with me, that had my name and face on it! AND my Chinese visa too.
I was detained for four hours, after an extremely long investigation, recording my voice, taking pictures (without my headscarf, multiple times), recording me, asking me to tell the story over and over and over again to a million person, I felt humiliated. I was told to sit outside the office (where passengers can stare as they want at me, same as the walk of shame, but sitting.. for hours) I was not going to be let in; they had to use the “Red Phone” for me (to speak with the white house/or federal bureau of investigation!) and, to be honest, all I just wanted to do that time is to go home after all I went through. (Also, they took my luggage, took forever to get them back, after literally running around the airport from one office to another)
Long story short. When I finally got out, I was surprised that my tour guide and travel mates waited for me. I was so upset, tried as much as I can not cry (I am good at that in hard situations), but this time, I cried when one of the other travelers hugged me. (It was hard. tough on me, even as a Palestinian who had gone through hell before as well..)
I wore my sunglasses on the bus and spoke to no one; I was secretly crying and shivering the whole ride to the restaurant. Since my tour guide and others had to wait for me to get out, they lost the time to get some rest in the hotel before exploring Beijing.
We had a Rickshaw ride through the narrow streets and alleys of Beijing—the best way to see the city to a local family’s house for a traditional dinner together.
We had Peking Duck, Beijing famous ducks dish. Right after that ride, I was able to forget that sadness or left it on pause to enjoy the rest of my day.
I laughed, had a great time and pretended as nothing had ever happened.
We enjoyed some beautiful music, oh I wish I can upload the video here.
I spoke to the locals, I showed interest in the area, so I was offered a little tour of nearby of the restaurant by one of the girls in that family before dinner gets served.
I was given a little extra tour by her, also in search of a restroom because weirdly enough they use public toilets in that area (the whole town uses two main public toilets.)
The food was delicious.. for real! I swear the best food ever.
We later got a bigger tour of the city with the whole group.. to our way to the river, where shops colorful bars, vendors were. It was basically like the romantic Paris or Florence.
We passed by a flower shop, where the tour guide told us that they bring flowers to a random person who passes by their shop. All the girls were happy and wished that they’ll get one, or someone buys one for them.
Later we went to a bar for some drinks (a rooftop bar right next to the river) then it got dark.. Click here
A clown came out of nowhere.. and started giving every girl a flower.
I got one too, but I also got more than one; I got five more! From the travel agency, from my tour director and from some of the guys that were on the trip too. (they were the sweets people ever, I was so happy)
Next morning,
We went off a sightseeing tour around Beijing (on a bigger scale)
We had a local guide who introduced us to China’s capital. We saw Tiananmen Square, the biggest public square in the world and the infamous spot where a student rebellion was put down in 1989.
We also visited the incredible Forbidden City, surrounded by a moat and a protective wall. Inside the walls, check out the golden-roofed Imperial Palace, first built during the Ming Dynasty.
Next: The Great Wall of China,
We headed to Badaling; we walked on the iconic Great Wall. The Chinese started building the Wall in the 5th century B.C., as a defense against the Mongols. Today the Wall extends across mountains and valleys for more than 3,000 miles.
I died. Not really, but that wall is so freaking steep and when you reach a hill; the steps get smaller, and you feel like you’re going to fall back.
That is me telling the person who’s taking a picture of me. Take a picture already before I die and fall back. I can not breathe!!
Gift shops are expensive.. but beautiful!
I lost my favorite umbrella here (got it from Tokyo) 🙁
I wanted to buy everything from here. It looked like my antique dream house.
The next day we went to Temple of Heaven Park; a huge outdoor park is full of historical relics and locals doing their morning Tai Chi exercises.
Summer Palace
Visited this imperial retreat centered around Kunming Lake. The Palace grounds bring in huge numbers of visitors each year, drawn by the Qing-style pavilions, bridges, walkways, and gardens.
Bought myself some pearls from the dragon lady’s lake (highly recommended.. expensive! but China offered 50% off sale for students tourists :D) and I also got myself the best silk bed sets the highest quality in the world.. from Beijing <3
813 Comments
I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your site.
It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant
for me to come here and visit more often. Did
you hire out a designer to create your theme? Great work!
It’s going to be ending of mine day, but before
end I am reading this great article to increase my know-how.
Hi, I desire to subscribe for this web site to take latest updates,
thus where can i do it please help.
Article writing is also a fun, if you be acquainted with after
that you can write if not it is complex to write.
great publish, very informative. I’m wondering why the other experts of this sector do not realize this.
You must continue your writing. I am confident, you’ve a
huge readers’ base already!
Greetings! Very useful advice within this post! It is the little
changes that make the largest changes. Thanks for
sharing!
What’s up, of course this paragraph is in fact fastidious and I have learned lot
of things from it concerning blogging. thanks.
Hmm is anyone else having problems with the pictures on this blog loading?
I’m trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog.
Any responses would be greatly appreciated.
Hi there! This is kind of off topic but I need some
help from an established blog. Is it difficult to set up your own blog?
I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out
pretty quick. I’m thinking about creating my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you
have any ideas or suggestions? Thank you
Hey there would you mind stating which blog platform you’re working with?
I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m having a difficult time selecting between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and
Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different then most
blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique.
P.S Sorry for getting off-topic but I had to ask!
We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.
Your site offered us with valuable information to work
on. You’ve done a formidable job and our whole community will be grateful to you.
Thanks for the auspicious writeup. It actually was a entertainment account it.
Look advanced to more delivered agreeable from you!
However, how could we communicate?
Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an really long comment but after I clicked
submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing
all that over again. Regardless, just wanted to say
excellent blog!
Your style is so unique in comparison to other people I’ve read stuff
from. Thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I’ll just book mark this web site.
I was curious if you ever thought of changing the page layout of
your site? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better.
Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or two
images. Maybe you could space it out better?
My brother recommended I might like this blog. He was totally right.
This post actually made my day. You can not imagine just how
much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!
Hello all, here every person is sharing such familiarity, thus it’s fastidious to read this webpage, and I used to pay a quick visit this
webpage all the time.
I go to see day-to-day some web pages and blogs to read articles or reviews, except this website presents quality based articles.
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know a lot about this,
like you wrote the book in it or something. I think
that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is
excellent blog. A fantastic read. I will definitely be back.
Have you ever considered publishing an e-book or guest authoring on other websites?
I have a blog based on the same information you discuss and would really like to have
you share some stories/information. I know my visitors would value your work.
If you are even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e-mail.
First off I want to say awesome blog! I had a quick question which I’d like
to ask if you do not mind. I was interested to find out
how you center yourself and clear your mind before writing.
I’ve had a hard time clearing my mind in getting my thoughts out.
I truly do enjoy writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15
minutes are lost just trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or tips?
Appreciate it!
casinos online
casinos online
slot online
slot game
casinos online
They don’t hold the risk of carrying cash around and you also don’t contain the probability of them having unrestricted entry to most of your bank account.
Accordingly, discover what the most affordable method is to charge up your card.
Card use follows the identical rules as linking a
debit card to a checking or savings account.
Informative article, just what I needed.
Hi there, always i used to check web site posts here in the early hours in the morning, since i love to gain knowledge of
more and more.
Hello there, You have done an incredible job. I’ll definitely digg it
and personally suggest to my friends. I’m confident they’ll be
benefited from this site.
Today, while I was at work, my sister stole my iPad and tested to see
if it can survive a thirty foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation.
My iPad is now broken and she has 83 views.
I know this is completely off topic but I had to share it with someone!
Hello There. I discovered your weblog using msn. That is a very well written article.
I’ll make sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your
helpful info. Thanks for the post. I will definitely comeback.
Excellent goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely fantastic.
I actually like what you have acquired here, really like what you are stating and the way in which you say it.
You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it wise.
I can not wait to read much more from you. This is really a
terrific site.
What i don’t understood is in fact how you are no longer really
much more neatly-appreciated than you may be now.
You’re so intelligent. You know therefore considerably relating
to this matter, made me individually consider it from a lot
of varied angles. Its like men and women aren’t involved unless it is one thing to accomplish with Lady
gaga! Your personal stuffs outstanding. All the time take care of it up!
Right now it seems like WordPress is the top blogging platform available right now.
(from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?
Thanks for your personal marvelous posting!
I actually enjoyed reading it, you can be a great
author.I will make sure to bookmark your blog and will come back someday.
I want to encourage yourself to continue your great work, have a
nice weekend!
Thanks for your marvelous posting! I truly enjoyed reading it, you may be a great author.
I will make sure to bookmark your blog and
will come back down the road. I want to encourage continue your great work, have a nice evening!
It is the best time to make a few plans for the future and
it’s time to be happy. I’ve read this submit and if
I may just I desire to suggest you some attention-grabbing things or tips.
Maybe you could write next articles regarding this article.
I desire to read even more issues about it!
Hi friends, how is everything, and what you would like to say on the topic of this article, in my view its
genuinely awesome designed for me.
Hello! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard
against hackers? I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any tips?
Hello mates, its great piece of writing on the topic of teachingand completely defined, keep it up all the time.
I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was great.
I do not know who you are but certainly you’re going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already 😉
Cheers!
Pretty! This was an incredibly wonderful article. Thanks for supplying this
information.
s important that you think about comfort and fit when buying.
Ladies ned variety in wearing cloths and they like to be in good looks daily like office going women, professionals and even household
workers too. Shoes are being designed with the same as a mainstream
feature.
fantastic issues altogether, you simply gained a emblem new reader.
What might you suggest about your post that you made a few days in the past?
Any sure?
I cannot thank you enough for the post.Really looking forward to read more. Cool.
I am regular visitor, how are you everybody? This article posted at this
site is truly pleasant.
Excellent post. Keep writing such kind of information on your site.
Im really impressed by your site.
Hey there, You have done a great job. I will certainly digg it and in my opinion suggest to my friends.
I am sure they’ll be benefited from this web site.
Hi, I do think this is a great web site. I stumbledupon it ;
) I may return once again since i have book-marked it.
Money and freedom is the best way to change, may
you be rich and continue to guide others.
Please let me know if you’re looking for a writer for your
blog. You have some really good posts and I believe I would be a good asset.
If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d love to write some
material for your blog in exchange for a link back
to mine. Please shoot me an e-mail if interested. Cheers!
For newest news you have to pay a quick visit world-wide-web and on web
I found this website as a most excellent web page for most recent updates.
Thank you for some other magnificent post. Where else could anyone get that type
of information in such an ideal method of writing? I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I’m
on the look for such information.
Hello would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re working with?
I’m going to start my own blog soon but I’m having a tough time selecting between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and
Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design seems different then most blogs and
I’m looking for something unique. P.S
Sorry for being off-topic but I had to ask!
Have you ever considered about including a little bit
more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is important and all.
However think of if you added some great graphics or videos to give
your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but
with images and video clips, this site could definitely be one
of the very best in its field. Awesome blog!