Beijing: In honor of Chinese New Year...a Park in Beijing, Nov. 2005

Near sunset, everyone gathers to practice tai chi, play chess, walk around and listen to a band playing "Jingle Bells."

China: Welcome to Tiennamen Square

This was the first stop before the great wall. Our fully bilingual tour guide possessed both vast knowledge of his country and an interesting sense of humor. "You can take pictures, but not of anyone in uniform. Or any protestors. And, if you see someone setting himself on fire, DON'T take a picture...or else they'll take you to the OTHER forbidden city." Fortunately no one set themselves on fire during our tour.