This is email #2 from my niece who is traveling across Asia for the next five months. Please follow the entire series in my Travel category.
Ni Hao
(That means hello). What a wacky two days it’s been already. China, first impressions: BIG. Crowded. Beijing is unbelievably large, it’s like Denver X1000. And people are everywhere. There appears to be no rhyme or reason to the roads, I don’t think even traffic signals apply, lanes are also a fairly non-existent guideline. Pedestrians, bicycles, motorbikes, busses, taxis and cars all cramming together. Honking essentially means “I’m coming at you full speed so get out of the way.” and honking is non-stop. Mostly while crossing we stick to the walking bridges like in Las Vegas, or just try and stay with the large groups of people.
Yesterday was our first official day out, and we went to Tian’anmen Square and the Forbidden City. It was overwhelmingly large and very beautiful. It was really our first lesson in Tourism in China. On our walk there, we were “befriended” by an incredibly friendly “student” who wanted to practice his English. He walked with us for about 15 minutes and asked us all sorts of questions and we talked about Carmello Anthony and other Denver related items. He then told us he was an art student having an art exhibition that he wanted us to come to. Kevin shot a look at me and I knew it was going bad. Kevin is a smart guy, and thankfully researched scams extensively. It was a word-for-word scam, where upon entering this art studio, they pressure you into buying something extremely expensive and don’t let you leave until you do. Good thing Kevin was around, he sure is the best! Anyway, we parted from that guy after much assurance we’d go to his art studio later that afternoon, and entered the Forbidden City.
About every ten steps we were offered a tour at a great price, and wouldn’t you know it, we met another art student! What are the odds!? Basically what we learned was that anyone who wants to talk to you and practice English with you, is a phony. Which is disappointing, because in the Airport we actually did meet a very nice old man and his granddaughter who legitimately did want to practice his english. His granddaughter was extremely cute and told me how beautiful I was and that she loved me (I loved her too). She had a stuffed seal and I taught her how to say seal and she was very happy and sweet.
Anyway, the Forbidden City was spectacular. It was hard to get a good look into any of the rooms though, as there are not really “lines” to see anything, more like mosh pits. It’s every man, woman, and child for themselves. I started getting the hang of it today, short of elbowing grandma in the face to see what ever throne was just inside the building. On our way out we met yet another group of young Chinese eager to practice their English, perhaps sit down and have some tea and talk. Kevin informed me that’s another classic scam where you go out together and they stick you with an inflated bill. So we almost got scammed three times yesterday, it was exhausting.
Today we went to the Pearl Market (You hear that, mom!? You can stop telling me to buy pearls now). They don’t sell just pearls there, though, they sell basically everything you think you might need or want, and you have to bargain. I’d like to say we didn’t get scammed today, but we probably did. Everything we read said to first offer 10% of the asking price, and they literally laugh in your face and tell you no. Then you go up a little further, and you can get about 75% off of any item. Kevin bought himself some sort of illegal video game for about 40 CNY originally priced at around 150. It’s pretty scary in there sometimes. Walking down the aisle all I could hear was “hello, lady. Which one you want, take a look.” From about 5 people at the same time from different booths, and sometimes they were a little grabby. When you walk away they grab your arm to get you to come back and keep looking. It’s pretty easy to just walk away though. Fairly uncomfortable for any westerner. We might have been ripped off a little bit, but hey, it was the first bargaining experience of our lives.
After, we went to the Temple of Heaven, which was extremely pleasant. It was just gorgeous, lots of blues, and no one bothered us. That made it so much better. We could really just enjoy ourselves without being on the look out for another scam. The park surrounding the buildings was very nice, lots of active people around singing and playing cards and games and ribbon dancing. We have been asked for a picture twice, not for us to take a picture, but for people to pose with us. It’s weird, but, whatever, we’re happy to oblige. Perhaps they’re going to tell their families, “Look at these handsome westerners! Couple of lookers!”
Grandma, you’re right about two things: The people here spit all over the place! The worst is the “farmer’s blow” though, ugh, gets me everytime. And, I used the bathroom today at the Temple of Heaven, and there was no TP!
Our Hotel is down a Hutong, which is an extremely narrow street with many shops, convenience stores and salons. Also, public restrooms, which is great but a little stinky. The Hutongs are charming, but extremely dirty. I was surprised to find our hotel to be so wonderful. Which is exactly why this email is so long. Elsewhere, when we have to pay for internet, my emails won’t be so thorough or frequent. But, taking advantage while I can.
I think that’s all I got right now, hear it’s a blizzard over there? It’s freezing here, but sunny, so we’re happy 
Hope everyone is happy and warm and safe. LOVE YOU!
Kori and Kevin
