T
oday we set out early for a tour of a Beijing Hutong. The hutongs represent a significant place in the incredible culture and history of Beijing. The word "hutong" originates from the word "hottog" which means "well" in Mongolian. Villagers dug out a well and inhabited there. Hutong means a lane or alley, a passage formed by lines of "siheyuan" (a compound with houses, around a courtyard) where "old Beijing" residents live.T
he morning was quite breezy, dusty and smoggy due to a sandstorm that rolled in from Inner Mongolia. We were taken for a scenic ride into the hutong by "modern" rickshaws - 2-passenger carts pulled by a bicycle. We visited a resident's home and courtyard for a quick chat and then visited a 
lovely garden of Prince Gong's mansion. Included in our visit to the hutong was a visit to another 
"kindergarten" classroom for some songs and fun. In the afternoon Tuesday, we rearranged the schedule to have free time rather than visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Though the hutong excursion was nice and the children had fun, it was not as impactful as previous sights on our journey. Maybe it was the windy, gray day, or the very 
quick visit to a 
villager's home, or the seemingly "touristy" feel of the hutong, or the addition of 13 new families to our travels, or the addition of a 3-year old that never stops.... or maybe we're just winding down an amazing trip, and it's time to come home.
he morning was quite breezy, dusty and smoggy due to a sandstorm that rolled in from Inner Mongolia. We were taken for a scenic ride into the hutong by "modern" rickshaws - 2-passenger carts pulled by a bicycle. We visited a resident's home and courtyard for a quick chat and then visited a 
lovely garden of Prince Gong's mansion. Included in our visit to the hutong was a visit to another 
"kindergarten" classroom for some songs and fun. In the afternoon Tuesday, we rearranged the schedule to have free time rather than visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Though the hutong excursion was nice and the children had fun, it was not as impactful as previous sights on our journey. Maybe it was the windy, gray day, or the very 
quick visit to a 
villager's home, or the seemingly "touristy" feel of the hutong, or the addition of 13 new families to our travels, or the addition of a 3-year old that never stops.... or maybe we're just winding down an amazing trip, and it's time to come home.Tomorrow, one last day to shop and then we'll head home on 
Thurs
day. Stay tuned for a final post tomorrow (oh, and a "final" final post with the "After" shot of us at the end of our journey).
Thurs
day. Stay tuned for a final post tomorrow (oh, and a "final" final post with the "After" shot of us at the end of our journey).
5 comments:
Yes it certainly does sound like you're ready to come home. We can't wait to meet Quinn when the jet lag has gone and everyone has settled in. Enjoy your last full day tomorrow in China.
Cheers,
Steph, Rick, Brenna and Garreth
And think of the wonderful new experience Quinn will have when you get back "home" to Canada and he gets to find out about that incredibly important cultural and historical piece of Canadiana - the "hotdog"......what a new and exciting sensation! Amazing pics - as always!
Richard
Sorry, we have been away and I am just catching up on the blog. Quinn is sweet and boy oh boy full of fire! I love it, enjoy every minute, can't wait to meet him and see you all when you get home. Enjoy the shopping! I loved that part.
Shauna
Hi SJHS and J, Not surprised that you are feeling a bit weary with all that you have done and seen. Joyce and I don't know how you have kept up the pace--oh to be young again. Your travel log has been great and we feel that we know a lot more about China. This new technology with pic's has taken us with you virtually. Have a safe trip home. Love, D and J.
Enjoy the last few moments guys and have a safe journey home....see you at the airport!
Post a Comment