So, today I woe up early (again) to transfer my luggage to the hotel from where the organised trip starts. When I arrive at the subway station, the luggage has to be checked. In most stations there is an x-ray machine available, in this one there isn't. I will never forget the disappointment on the faces of the two security officers when they see my back-pack. After a quick inspection (my laundry made up the top part of my luggage) they thought it was ok and let me go: everybody happy!

Since I am early the other people of the travel group haven't arrived yet, so I just drop off my stuff and head to the Temple of Heaven, my destination for today.

Via the West entrance you first arrive at a park where all kinds of fitness-equipment is available and in-use by the young and old and here are also lots of people enjoying Tai-Chi, dancing (Tango) and singing. Under the long galery lots of people are playing cards, Chinese chess and also singing. I think this is very interesting and nice, so I spend some time lingering around in this area.

Upon entering the real temple area things become more quiet and it starts to rain luckily I did bring my umbrella, so this did not ruin my day .

In the Temple of Heaven the Emperor used to pray to the heavens for a good harvest. The Hall of good Harvest is therefore an important part of the temple complex. Another interesting sight is the fire-pit where offerings were made.

One of the things I started to notice at this place is that the buildings are actually the main tourist attractions; harly any interior details or objects are exposed. At the same time, after walking around the place you get a good feel of the enormous dimensions of the complex.

After quick shopping I went to Beihei park, situated near the North entrance of the forbidden city where a nice white pagoda can be viewed. Due to the large distances I could only get a quick glimpse of the pagoda and the view before I had to return to the hotel as the group meeting would begin in one hour. This was actually easier in theory than in actual practice since the rush-hour had just begun (--> warm and cosy in the subway) so in the end I just barely made it on time. I love just-in-time management.

The group only consists of 5 persons and the guide: Pedro from New York (roots in Peru), Greg and Kate, a couple from New Zealand, Christopher from the US but currently living in the Netherlands and Michelle our guide from Xi'an.

After arranging all the stuff we went for a group dinner (Peking duck) which was really fingerlicking good but quite expensive. After dinner it was time to sleep since we would spend the next day at the Great Wall!!