Day 3 - Imperial Palace, Tiananmen Square, and the Silk Market

Day 3
Saturday July 5

Today we had a lot on the agenda. First was breakfast and then we hopped on the Beijing subway to head to Tiananmen Square. Turns out Tiananmen Square is an actual attraction where you must buy a ticket and be admitted. The line to get in was insane! Literally hundreds of people were packed in like sardines pushing and shoving.

 After waiting for awhile, our handler, Vivian aka Anmeng, decided to allow one of the solicitors to show us the "back way". Instead of Tiananmen Square, she led us to The Imperial Palace, aka The Forbidden City. This is where the emperor lived most of the year. See pics:

The next part of the day was the most interesting thing that has happened so far on this trip. Vivian decided we would just approach Tiananmen Square from the side and not actually go in. All of us were fine with that because the line was insane. As we stood looking at the group, I was asking one of the women, Gayna, about the history of the Square. She was telling me about the protest etc. Vivian overheard us and asked us what we were talking about. We told her and she had no idea what we were talking about. I was shocked that she didn’t know. So, Gayna got out her China tour book, made and sold in the USA, and looked up the details. We searched and searched. However, the book had NO information about Tiananmen Square at all. NOTHING. NOT A WORD. I couldn’t believe it. The Chinese don’t know about it and it wasn’t even printed in the books. It was the first time I really noticed the effect of the controlling government. It felt so bazaar. How could they hide such a thing? Something that was such a big deal? It was very eye-opening to me that the government can really prevent people from knowing any information they really don’t want getting out. Unless you were at the Square or immediate area, it doesn’t seem like you knew that the protest and “massacre” happened at all. I want to sit down and tell Vivian the details, but have decided it would not be productive and/or polite. She’s not going to leave China, so there is no reason to upset her about her own country.

Our next stop was the Silk Market. This is a 6 floor building with tons and tons of shopping. This was where we were told to buy our souvenirs etc. Vivian told us to offer 20% of the price quoted to us to begin negotiations. I was very nervous because I do not like to bargain or negotiate, but something came over me. After I did it the first time it became like a game. I LOVED the back and forth, and trying to get a good deal. My group members were so impressed and had me do negotiations for them. The salespeople said “you are tough” and “you like to bargain!” So, here’s how it went:

First you find what you like. Then you say, “How much?” The salesperson will type a price into a large calculator. Then you counter. Then they counter. They huff and puff. This goes on for several minutes until a deal is made, or you walk away. I walked away a few times and was chased down and given the price I wanted. You have to be tough though. I spent about $250, but bought several things: a silk robe, a Michael Kors purse (fake I’m sure), a pair of Nike’s, pearl bracelet, necklace, and earrings, jade necklace, Chinese tea set, a traditional Chinese top, and a skirt.

A few funny things happened. First when buying the robe the lady asked me if I was pregnant. I was appalled – because I’m not fat. Although I could use better posture and to lose a few pounds. I used it as a negotiating tool – I asked her to give me a better price because she called me fat. It worked J

When buying the Chinese top, the lady insisted I try it on. I put in on over my tank top and she then dressed me. She buttoned all the buttons, checked the shoulders, etc. It was hard not to feel slightly violated – but I appreciated her diligence.

The pearls were VERY exciting. All of the pears are hand strung and hand knotted. When I chose what I wanted the girl made both my necklace and bracelet right in front of me. I watched the whole thing. I then picked some matching earrings. They are so beautiful and I know I will treasure them forever.

After about 4 hours of shopping it was time to go –thank god. I bought way too much stuff. We headed back to the hotel. Had dinner and rested. The other handler, Sally, but us each a gift. I got a set of Panda coasters and a panda keychain. It was so kind and thoughtful. I plan to frame the coasters and perhaps make the keychain into an ornament so that I will have it for a while and always remember this trip. 

So far I am having an amazing time. I am so glad I came. I am so appreciating all the local culture, and consider it the experience of a lifetime. I can already feel my world view changing.

Tomorrow is the Temple of Heaven and then on the train to Baoding! So excited to get started with my students J

P.S. here is a pic of something I think  the US could stand to adopt from China. Notice the little mouth guard thing the person serving the food is wearing. Not cute, but super practical!!