The Forbidden City was amazing. I got there first thing in the morning and rushed through the larger areas trying to get some photos without hundreds of people in them. Then I got an audio guide and spent another 4 hrs wandering... some very interesting stories. *Stephen those creatures on the corners of the roof are there to fend off evil spirits, and depending on the importance of the building there are more or less present (9 is the most). The first picture is of a wall made up of many tiles, and showing 9 dragons. Emperor's were apparently reincarnations of dragons. And 9 is the strongest number (also my soccer number...)I'm at a new hostel now, it is fine but there aren't many people staying here so it's not very social. I did however meet a German on the subway and we (along with 5 others, 2 of whom I'd met the night previous) went out for dinner and drinks last night. I saw dead Mao... sort of an eery experience - being 10 feet away from a man who is so historically important, considered by some a hero and by others a monster. Just like most of my opinions, I am open to a grey area. Not to say I believe he was a good man, but there are a lot of political leaders who have done a lot of bad things. Bored?
Today I went to the National Olympic Stadium. I loved it - I walked around the track and imagined Husein Bolt's perspective after he broke the 100m record, and then I sat down in the first row where only the coaches were allowed to sit. Now I am back at the hostel, tired. I will go for a simple dinner, maybe Bjorn is around again.
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