The Blind Post

I don't know whether this post will exist, as I can't view it from the computer I'm working with. I suspect the Chinese government has blocked access to the viewing of certain blogs or blog sites.

First, I must comment on the environment, and the temperatures that lay within. Any liquid that is consumed is rapidly lost in perspiration. I have rashes in places that won't be explicitely discussed in this blog, but suffice it to say, they're not particulary pleasant.

I seem to be somewhat of an attraction in China, almost like a walking freak show. The taxi driver that drove us into Beijing felt it necessary to feel the matte of humidity saturated hair on my arms and legs without permission or invitation. Others in the alleys and streets have stared incessantly without regard for what we may consider common courtesy. Don't confuse this for a criticism of the people - it's simply an observation of the differences in the culture. Walking through Tianiman square, Keith and I quickly received many looks of curiosity, and even had our pictures taken with some young visitors who apparently found two strangers with massive bags attached to their backs a wonder to behold.

The people selling items on the street are very aggressive. Apparently, grimaces, stern looks, frowns, rapid shakes of the head, and a constant barrage of "no's" doesn't deter their push to sell Mao Zedong watches, kites, shirts, hats, books, and everything else that one might commonly consider expendable items - or junk. One kid trying to sell watches followed me for five or six blocks, reducing his prices on the obviously conterfeit products from 13 dollars to 2 dollars, until he finally became so fed up and frustrated, that he just gave me the watch and started walking in the other direction. Not to be deterred myself, I followed him for a block or two, trying to convince him that I wouldn't take the watch for nothing, until I finally just left it on a concrete barrier, exchanged additional facial expressions, and ran quickly in the other direction. Madness I say, madness.

During the rapid composition of this post, the stomach felt stable and agreeable. I mention this only because Keith and I haven't been excessively vigilent and selective of the food we choose to consume. It's all far too delicious to ignore or disregard because of potential death. So, we continue forth, eating all that looks appealing and interesting. Additionally, you can't beat 5 dollars for a wooden bucket full of dumplings, two giant bowls of seasoned noodles with some kind of meat (maybe dog, maybe bat, maybe dragon testicle - who can tell), and four massive beers.

We walked the compound housing the Temple of Heaven this morning. The intricate carvings, beautiful painting, and what appeared to be inlaid gold make the temple and surrounding buildings a spectacular sight for our weary eyes to behold. Within the park, in small brick laid courtyards covered by tall, small leafed trees, the Chinese residents practice playing strange, primitive instruments. Some play alone, some with small ensembles, and some play opposite singers, who allow their voices to radiate far into the park. We watched a group of four play hacky sack with such grace and talent, it would make participants in the US envious.

Tomorrow we either wonder back into Tianiman square, and the Forbidden City, or we rent bikes and ride into the unknown. Either way, one thing can be known for certain - those selling trinkets will show no mercy.