Our very knowledgeable tour guide shared all sorts of interesting facts with us, including architectural details I now can't quite remember because I was too busy snapping photos. Dang.
I do remember that businesses line the north-to-south roads and homes are along the east-to-west roads. I think. Aren't you glad I'm not your tour guide?
These two big sisters had their hands full chasing their little brother up and down the street. They paused just long enough for us to say hello and capture a few adorable shots:
Our tour ended with a visit to this nice lady's home. She was a great hostess and had her living room furniture set up to accomodate our group of about 20. She served us hot tea then shared history about her home that has been occupied by her family for several generations. Her children are grown and have moved into newer high-rise apartment buildings, but she still loves being part of the close-knit Hutong community.
The second big event of the day was dinner at Bai Jai, affectionately called the Princess Restaurant by the Lesh Girls and their posse. This is Chinese dining and dinner theater at their best, set in beautiful gardens at the end of a lantern-lit walkway and staffed by beautiful young people in period dress. It's what Disney's Epcot Center aspires to recreate:
As we passed through the beaded curtain and into the restaurant, we were nearly knocked to the floor by YELLOW! which is the Chinese symbol for power (and certain blindness):
We were treated to a sampling of traditional music, graceful dancers and ear-splitting Chinese opera:
Old World truly meets New World at Bai Jai. Our authentically costumed waitresses took our orders on Blackberries and received constant guidance via Bluetooth technology:
But the very best thing about the evening was that The Queen was pleased:
Every good thing I have is a gift from You.
Your people are wonderful,
and they make me happy.
Psalm 16:2-3 CEV
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