The Great Wall

Is this not the best picture ever of Sharon? Here we are taking a break on the Great Wall. This particular section was really steep and we lost count of the steps about half-way up this section.

The Great Wall

Here is one of my favorite photos from the Great Wall of China!

Summer Palace

Here I am! My first day in Beijing. First stop: The Summer Palace

This entire area was man made over 500 years ago! The lake, the buildings, the mountains around the lake....all man-made! Take a look at all the amazing sights I got to experience. I hope you like!

Summer Palace

River rock can be found all over the ancient sites of China. This is one of the largest pieces removed from a river in western China and brought all the way to its home at the summer palace. The ancient writing photographed here basically says it was a bitch to move this far and that they would only do something like this for the Emperor.

Summer Palace

I know you can't see it, but there is a tree in this photograph. I know, I know...the camoflauge really makes it hard to see. I didn't want you get stressed out trying to figure out what this was.

Summer Palace

Here is a closeup of the beautiful artwork that adorn all of the columns along the world's longest corridor. All hand painted of course!

Summer Palace

Along the longest corridor in the world are a few small windows. Art was painted on the windows to add to what you see when you walk through. The cooridor for the most part is completely open air so there are only a few of these windows that look out on the man-made lake.

Summer Palace

Here is Sharon and Minnie (our Tour Guide)walking along what is said to be the longest corridor in the world. It leads from one side of the lake to the other. Believe me, it was REALLY long! I would say at least 300 yards! Notice the window on the left!

Summer Palace

It's a known fact that the Empress loved to be out on the water at the Summer Palace. The Emperor thought it was a little too dangerous so he had a stone ship built so that the Empress could sit out on the water whenever she wanted and the Emperor wouldn't have to worry. I like sitting in the mountains....anyone want to build me a log cabin?

Summer Palace

Even though you're away on vacation, you still have the responsibilities of running an ancient kingdom. Here is where the Emperor could meet the officials and still continue to conduct business. It's funny, but all these thrones look the same to me.

Summer Palace

Here is the back side of the meeting room. After this building is when you get the first view of the huge man-made lake.

Summer Palace

High on a man-made mountain, nestled on a man-made lake is the Imperial Opera House at the Summer Palace. It's good to be the Emperor! Unfortunately it was closed for refurbishment as were many of the the locations we visited. I think they are trying to restore the beauty of these ancient locations in time for the Olympic games. I guess I can live with that. I still got to see many things I never thought I would!

Summer Palace

Here is the magnificent archway that marks the entrance to the Summer Palace Opera House. Think of it as an ancient billboard or marquee. I think we should put one just like this at Epcot. Oh, wait. Too late!

Summer Palace

After crossing a beautiful arched bridge, you arrive here in the middle of the lake. Nothing like having your own imperial island to get away from the pressures of running an ancient empire!