The Wall, Beijing and Home

We're home now, a long flight and then some problems at Amsterdam when the last leg was overbooked! Got home about 22:30 on Friday.

We've been to the Great Wall now -- it really is impressive and to visit during the National Holiday was quite special. Badaling was amazingly crowded (above is Juyongguan, much quieter). Also visited the Ming Tombs:

This is the Emperor's throne in an underground tunnel complex, a little like the pyramids, I think. Again, this is a place of pilgrimage for the Chinese people and it was quite busy, even late in the day.

This was followed by an interesting (!) drive along Beijing's expressway system in the dark. Saw or heard 5 or 6 minor accidents in about an hour!

Our hotel in Beijing (The Beijing International) was a 5-star respite. Really comfortable and near the Forbidden City and Silk Street..

The Forbidden City itself is too big to grasp in one visit, but for me, Tiananmen Square was surprisingly moving. So many important events have taken place there. Full (and I mean FULL) of people, it's an amazing sight!