Toward the last weeks of September, my tour of China ended in Beijing. My tour group arrived at the train station and headed toward Tianamen Square and the tomb of Mao. Our next stop was visiting the Forbidden City. I was struck with the vastness and grandeur of these public places.
The following day we headed out to the Great Wall, where after passing stalls of eager hawkers, I took the tram to the 14th tower and slowly climbed my way to the 21st tower. I celebrated my achievement by having my photo taken with the Chinese flag! That night my group had our final gathering to enjoy a traditional Peking Duck dinner. I also took a quick visit to see the pandas at the Beijing Zoo before leaving the city center.
My last few days in Beijing, the Reverman family welcomed me to their home, arranged for a professional visit to the International School of Beijing and introduced me to the modern art district, "7-9-8." We also toured the Temple of Heaven and the Beijing Pearl Market. It was the perfect ending to my excellent adventure in China.