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BEIJING
Well on the last leg of my journey, I spent a few days in Beijing. Everyone here was busy preparing for the Olympics. I have mixed reactions about this city. First off, I do not think they are ready to host the Olympics. The most shocking and disappointing part of my trip were the taxi drivers. On my way back from Xian, I walked around the city for over an hour, carrying three heavy bags! You cannot imagine the frustration I felt seeing hundreds of cabs go by. The first few drivers tried to charge me 100rmb for a 15 rmb ride!! Another one couldn't find my destination even with the help of a map, and a Chinese speaking person on the phone! Others refused to pick me up, and then I had cabs stolen by other people! (Chinese people AND other tourists!) It was a disappointing experience and I must say that Guangzhou wins over Beijing hands down.
THE GREAT WALL
The great wall was magnificent. Climbing it was physically THE most difficult thing I have ever done in my life. But it was all worth it standing at the top of that wall, looking down over Mongolia to one side, and China to the other was something I will never forget. It was breathtaking, peaceful and serene; words cannot describe how beautiful it was. It is the kind of beauty that brings tears to your eyes, because you never imagined you would ever see anything like it. The climb on the other hand was extremely daunting and quite dangerous. I lost my footing many times, and felt like I was going to pass out in the heat and be unable to go on! My legs were burning, my feet were aching, and I felt like I was going to puke! This was partly due to me being out till 4am the night before, clubbing! But each time I looked down, I was filled with joy and felt so blessed at the opportunity. The only annoying part was the "farmers" who followed my tour group almost the entire way trying to sell postcards and water! Maybe I was just really annoyed because of my previous experience in Beijing, or too tired from climbing but I just wanted to be left alone!
FINAL THOUGHTS
The nightlife in Beijing is great, though kind of bizarre.(Again, I prefer Guangzhou) I met many great people at the Peking International youth hostel, and the staff was extremely polite, helpful and sweet. I also had the opportunity to attend the Peking Opera, which was a strange experience. The story made didn't sense, and did not connect at all. Most of the scenes were fight scenes! I was still glad I went. I didn't try any Peking duck, since I don't eat duck,. but it's supposed to be really good.
At the end of the trip, I felt extremely nervous about returning to Canada and seeing my family and friends. On the plane ride back to Canada, I reflected on my journey, and my stomach fluttered at the thought of seeing my loved ones.
"There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered."
- Nelson Mandela
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