We actually met the tour in Beijing while most people came from the US. We had a morning briefing with introductions that lasted longer than it should have. Then off to the Temple of Heaven and the summer palace. There are 41 of us as I mentioned before and herding everyone is a chore. We follow along in a line oohing and ahhing while wearyan earpiece so our tour guide George can explain some of the history and what we were seeing.
Our tour guide is great with enough bathroom stops, he has great English and a sense of humor. Additionally for each city we are in there is a local guide. I am sure they get the same questions over and over since they have worked for the company for several years. Each group has a little different dynamic mix. We like our fellow group members. There is no one that is "annoying " except maybe Dan. I am sure our group members are tired of his coughing especially with the poor air quality in Beijing. George is attempting to teach us some Chinese but it seems like a failed attempt on my part.
I think the best part of this tour will be the guide and his recollections of growing up in a closed controlled environment and the rules and regulations as well as the famine and living conditions he experienced. Discussions of needing coupons to buy food once a week and rules and regulations regarding healthcare and citizenship in the city you were born in affecting your status and right to buy a place to live or car.
There has been a lot of discussion regarding the plan for tomorrow and the amount of walking and stairs. We go to the Forbidden City and Tinnamenn Square.
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