September 26 Beijing

 Arrived and went immediately to the old section if the city to take a rick shaw ride (bicycles thank goodness for the drivers) through the narrow passages to have lunch at the home of a local artist. His family has lived there for 5 generations. Home cooking is the best! A lovely low key way to be introduced to this historic place. A tea ceremony then back to relax at our 5 star hotel before tackling the Great Wall tomorrow. Still marvelling at how quickly a rural agrarian country has been transformed over the past 20 years. Obviously high rises  and luxury cars seem to be the way to go to get ahead in the world. Equality for all is a dream for many that seems to fall apart when combined with human nature.  Not quite sure what to make of it all. Oh well, I guess I've done my part so far to contribute to the economy and can now sit back a bit and see how it all plays out.