So, this week I went to Beijing for 3 days to visit our CNN bureau there. An unexpected trip, but I am so glad that I went!I'll skip all of the boring work stuff, because none of you really care about that ...
As soon as I got off the plane in Beijing I could smell the pollution. (And I thought HK was bad!) The traffic was horrendous, and yet there were still tons of bicycles on the road. The city has a lot of work left to do before the Olympics start in August. It seems like everything is currently under construction. Here's a shot of the Olympic stadium (a.k.a. The Bird's Nest) that I took from the taxi - pretty cool.
After work one day, I hurried over to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. I got there shortly before they were closing, but had just enough time to grab an English audio guide and begin my tour. Hard to believe that Chinese emporers lived and walked the grounds here dating back to the 1400's.
And now for the best part of all - THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA! Yes, that's right -- I got to walk (and climb) a part of the great wall. The bureau chief arranged for a driver to take me on this 2 hour drive to Badaling - the closest part of the wall to Beijing. What a magnificent site! Just walking on it I could feel the history of this 2,000 year old 'wonder of the world'. I took about 50 pictures here, but here's just a sample, along with a brief cheesy video of my journey. I only had about 45 minutes to spend here because I was out of time before needed to catch my plane back, but it was worth it. 
Now - I'm back in Hong Kong at the good ol' Harbour Plaza hotel, my temporary home. Only 1 more full week in Hong Kong before I head to London for the International Newsgathering meeting. And - for anyone who may be counting (other than me) ... I fly back to Atlanta two weeks from today!!
4 comments:
Hi Marissa,
Thanks for sharing all your adventures. The video of the "Great Wall" is amazing. The whole family enjoyed your blog. I can't wait to see all the photos you have taken. Enjoy the rest of your adventure. See you soon!! I love and miss you very much.
Mom
Hey Marissa! That's so cool that you got to see the Wall - isn't it amazing? I'll have to take David next time. Enjoy the rest of your time there!
Hey Marissa,
Your blog is wonderful and I really enjoy reading it when you update it. You're right, the Great Wall is Great! I can't wait to see your pictures and hear all of your stories. Enjoy your last few weeks and see as many sites as possible. Be safe!
Kelly
Ok, wow! It looks like you are taking full advantage of your travels. Maybe you should be a tour guide on the side, because you are zipping around these foreign cities like it's nobody's business. It also sounds like somebody is getting a little homesick...
Can't wait to see you again. I know it's work and I know you are having great fun, but the distance is just too much. I guess what i am trying to say is "I miss you Re!" Hurry back.
luv ya, Jenny
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