Second Day in Beijing - Jingshan Park, Beihai Park, Olympic Park

Today started off with a disappointing breakfast.  Everyone had realized how delicious the waffles were, but the waffle machine was broken this morning.  I taught Jayson how to use the toaster in the hotel.  He enjoyed it so much, he offered to make toast for everyone.  

We visited quite a few parks!  They were each very unique.  The first two parks were built by emperors for relaxation and only they were allowed to use them.  We were lucky enough to enjoy them today.  The weather was beautiful, warm with a slight breeze.  The first park, Jingshan Park, was built by the Ming Dynasty.  It is 57 acres of lush landscape centered on an artificial hill, built using the soil from excavating the moat that surrounds the palace.  We did a LOT of climbing, but it was well worth it.  This allowed us an amazing view of the Forbidden City.

We then rode over to Beihai Park.  This is another beautiful park surrounded by a lake.  The central point is the White Tower.  There was another tough climb to the top.  We enjoyed seeing all of the dancing and Kaitlyn even joined in for a short bit.  There were some really neat boats (some shaped like ducks, some like lily pads with petals, and even a dragon boat).  I especially loved the little ones practicing calligraphy on the sidewalk with giant paintbrushes and water.  I am definitely making one for Addi and Ry!

We then headed to lunch at... McDonalds (for something different).  I am getting better at ordering.  Kaitlyn decided she needed to use the bathroom.  The problem was, there was no public restroom.  So, we headed across to the Hutong.  This was our second stroll through the Hutong.  Kaitlyn and I both used the facilities (squatties) in the Hutong.  This was DEFINITELY a first!!  :)  We found out that the Hutong is premium property!  It costs about 300,000 US dollars per square meter.  It is the only property in Beijing that is not under the "70 law".  When you have owned a property for 70 years, it goes back to the government, except for the Hutong homes.

We finished up our tour by visiting Olympic Park.  We saw the Birds' Nest and the Water Cube.  There was a long walkway, but no seating or shade.  Meilynn and I rested about half way and let the others go on to get a closer look.  We would have appreciated a seat, but at least there was a slight breeze.

We did learn some interesting facts from our guide.  We knew it was expensive to live in Beijing, but we realized how expensive today.  It costs 1 million US dollars to buy a 1000 square foot apartment.  Therefore, most young people rent with roommates.  The average apartment rents for 600 US dollars per month, while the average salary is 700 US dollars per month.  If a young couple gets married and has a child, that child may only go to public school if the parents are native to Beijing.  Many people have to send their children away to their hometowns to live with their grandparents while the kiddos attend school.  This is very hard on families.  There is also a significance to the finger young men wear their rings on.  The pointer finger is "I like girls as friends".  The middle finger is "I have a serious girlfriend".  The ring finger is "I am married". And the pinky is "I am interested and looking".  We seriously learned so much today, I am sure I have only remembered a quarter of it!

Tomorrow we are going to the Temple of Heaven and the Pearl Market.