The Great Wall of China is a World Heritage Site built as protection against aggression coming from other countries.
We headed for the Forbidden City after our trip to Tienanmen Square. Huge hectares of land built for Royalty. Here we witness the emperor's lavish lifestyle even having several concubines (over a hundred actually). Fengshui was talked as well. Best fengshui is a place surrounded with both body of water and a mountain. Beijing like the Forbidden City also has very good fengshui. As you can see in our photo, weather was extremely hot during our visit. But the tour must go on. :) I liked the vibrant colors of the temples along with the intricate carvings. Next set of images show you the Temple of Heaven. This sacrificial building is a sacred place for the people during the Ming and Qing Dynasty. This was where the emperors would hold their worship ceremonies. This served as an altar where they would put their offerings to the "heavens". Notice I put quotation marks because the only religion in China would either be Buddhism or no religion at all.
After 9 long years, I had the chance to take a break and visit once again the beautiful city of Beijing. The city has such rich history and culture. It was like going through history classes but so much better. This quick last minute trip reminded me of my roots what kind of people the Chinese folks are. Anyway, our first stop was no other than Tienanmen Square, situated at the heart of Beijing. The place where student led anti-communist demonstrations took place. Students wanted reform from the long communist regime. At that time, it was the peasants who supported Chairman Mao Ze Dong's programs because they believe he could uplift their current status. I stood in this square once during my study tour back in 2004. Brings back great memories.
Thanks to P&G and SPG. I got to use my points to enjoy a night in Guangzhou with my mom. Perfect timing given that it was her birth month - September! It was an awesome feeling of being able to afford something extravagant. As a family, we almost never go for 5 star accommodations. We go for value for money almost all the time. But during my last visit in GZ, we got to enjoy Westin 5 star treatment. extra large room plus an eat all you can breakfast buffet. My mom, Pengfei, XiaoNin,and I were all on a high. :) We went to TaiKooHui for window shopping at night. It was just a night but definitely a memory that won't be forgotten! :) Glad I made my mom very happy! :)
Tai Koo Hui -- Still awesome the second time around. With Xiaonin, we decided to take Pengfei and my mom here to see something different from our everyday view of Guangzhou. During my first visit to TaiKooHui I was extremely in awe at how Guangzhou has drastically progressed over time. Flashy branded boutiques. Xiaonin took Nill and I here last April. I could still remember the taste of xiao long bao! :) When mom saw this last month, she felt the same high I felt. The grandeur of the mall was amaaaazing. You gotta experience it before you could actually get the full picture of what I'm trying to say. It's like an indoor Champs-Élysées except that it's in Guangzhou.
People take leaves to get a break / relax / enjoy. I personally thought of taking a break to spend some time with my mom. I haven't gotten the chance to do so for quite a while. So I thought I'd give it a go. Going to Guangzhou was not a breeze. We'd take long rides to what I'd call the Fabric Land. Whole days of feeling the fabric, analyzing the texture/thickness, looking at loads of designs from checks, stripes, dotted, plain (you name it!), and watching my mother select which designs she felt would sell. I could have just backed out but personally I wouldn't trade this trip for anything. I'm only further reminded of how hardworking & loving my mom is. How she never ever got tired of working for the love of us. Her passion for these fabric/clothes give her a high she'd always tell me. You would never see her in an exhausted state. I have no idea how she does it. I find myself seated resting every few hours. She has been doing this for more than 20 years now. And since I was a kid, I've been a witness to such great passion that continues to drive her until this very day. She's the best!
After work mode, we headed for some enjoyment. We witnessed all these beautiful city lights in Guangzhou and I just can't imagine how advanced the city has turned into after just a few years!!! This was such a de-stressing 1.5 hour boat ride. Mom have been wanting me to see this & guess what, I finally did! I highly recommend the experience! :) |
Welcome!All about the traveling Queen who wanted to share with the world the little and great discoveries that have brought her joy.
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