Prisoner of Shangri-la

lake-side Summer Palace, originally uploaded by grimlockq.

6 days in Beijing. Only one more day left. We’ve done and seen it all! Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Lama Temple….and the list continues. Overall its been exhausting but also eye opening, especially for my Dad I think. This is his first time out of the country, finally returning to the land he was born 55 years later. And I don’t think its be easy for him, physically or mentally. At the same time I’m sure a couple weeks from now, I think he’ll realize how important this trip was for him. Until then, I’ll hold my own reflections…

…for more pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/grimlockq/

Mao’s Mausaleum, originally uploaded by grimlockq.

Dad made it! This is living proof, a picture infront of Mao’s Memorial Hall (i.e. where they keep is shriveling preserved body). T’was rather smoggy today, but nothing new for a Beijing summer day. Oh, and we weren’t allowed to see Mao’s body because of renovations to this museum you see behind. I guess I’ll just have to be content with his staring into his portrait. More photos, just click on the picture and follow your nose….

"Old Beijing", originally uploaded by grimlockq.

While this should not be taken to represent all of Bejing city folk, there are a select and brave few who will take large scissors to their big toe nail. Now here for your viewing wonderment.