Thursday 21 June 2012

Day 5

We got to sleep in this morning which meant we weren't as tired when we were picked up by our partner school. At school we showed them pictures of our school and the things we have built in the school grounds to promote wildlife. We then went to the university where we enjoyed an exhibition of stuffed animals- there was every animal imaginable! We then looked at lots of traditional Chinese artefacts and saw a painting that is worth millions of pounds (and it was a picture of shrimps!) We had lunch at school again, then went to a polar world. We saw a seal performance which was funny as everyone was getting wet. Paul threw a hoop for one of the seals to catch. We even fed them! We then saw a whale show where the whales made a shape of a heart with their bodies. We are going out again tonight for another banquet- and probably more toasting. Miss Hepworth is getting very good at making 'on the spot speeches'. Didn't go to tiger zoo- think we are going tomorrow and then we are flying back to Beijing. Leaving one more day to shop and buy presents.

Wednesday 20 June 2012

Day 4

Went to school and were treated like royalty. Day began with a skip dance demonstration with around 250 pupils - Kate was brilliant when she joined in. There were several other demonstrations: dance, musical instruments, cookery and we took part in English and art lessons. In the afternoon we went to the dragon tower and enjoyed the views across the whole of the city. At night we were taken to the 'best' and 'most expensive' restaurant (what we were told). It was like a hotel with four floors and private banquet rooms. We had to choose food to be cooked and were unsure when we saw all the live fish and unusual creatures we could have. Over dinner we had to take part in LOTS of toasts - at least one every five minutes- we were very tired. We met our principles husband who is a very important person from the area and he offered to cook for miss hepworth at his home- this was apparently a huge compliment. We are glad to be back at the hotel now and are definitely ready for bed. Hopefully tomorrow will be as exciting when we see the Siberian tigers.

Tuesday 19 June 2012

Day 3

Flew to harbin today. Greeted at airport with flowers- made us feel like pop stars. Had to go to a formal meeting where we were given lovely gifts. We then had another Chinese banquet- far too much food for us to eat. We walked home from the restaurant and were amazed to see how many people were out on a Tuesday night. There were lots of shops, dancing in the street, people flying kites, a fountain music display and a lights display- we have all agreed we want to come back here on holiday. Tomorrow we are in school and have a very busy day. Love Kate, Paul and Miss Hepworth

Monday 18 June 2012

Day 2

Day 2 in Beijing - another amazing day!

We started our day earlier and went to Tiananmen square. It was soooo big! There were Chinese soldiers marching around it and guarding the Chinese flag.  We then went into the Forbidden City - it was very impressive and we felt very important when we were told that 100 years ago - no one but the Emperor and his officials were allowed where we were standing.  For lunch we went to Hutong (the part of Beijing where most of the local citizens live). The streets were very narrow and the houses were all joined together.  We had lunch inside Mr Pang's house. it was very nice and he was very welcoming.  We were surprised when he told us that before the Beijing Olympics they had very little electricity and only one tap that was shared by around 30 people.  In the build up to the Olympics the government refurbished his house, which made him very happy.  The house was very small and only had three rooms: a kitchen, a living room and a bedroom, NO BATHROOM.  They also had to share a communal toilet with his neighbours. After lunch we went back to the hotel, as we were tired and it was very hot. Miss Hepworth gave us some Chill Out Time. Tonight we went to the aerobatics - UNBELIEVABLE!!!! We all agreed that we have never seen anything like it before in our lives.  Miss Hepworth had her hands over her mouth as she was so shocked and scared by their dare devil tricks.  The best being - 8 men on motor cycles riding inside a sphere shaped cage together.  We we amazing with just one man and when another went in we were gobsmacked- can you imagine our faces when the eighth man went in? To end our day we had our names painted in fancy pictures just like the poster Mrs Thompson had made saying Benedict Biscop. Tomorrow we flight to Harbin - cant wait. Thanks again to everyone who blogged- we enjoyed reading your comments this morning. Love Paul, Kate and Miss Hepworth












Sunday 17 June 2012

Post 2

Hi everyone, We have had a fantastic first day. We went to the great wall and the views were amazing! Kate and Paul ran along it with ease, however Miss Hepworth struggled and crawled along, as the height was a little too much for her. We are imagining that we will come back a little heavier- as we had lunch and tea in a traditional Chinese restaurants: eating Chinese banquets. The Peking duck was delicious! Paul is being really adventurous and trying everything, whereas Kate is sticking to her favourites. In the afternoon we visited the Olympic stadium (the crows nest) and the cube. The weather here is glorious- at 38 degrees, as soon as we step outside we are hot. Miss Hepworth is making sure that we are coated from head to toe in suntan lotion and drinking as much water as we can stomach. Tomorrow we visit the forbidden city. We look forward to hearing from everyone and hope you enjoy our pictures. Love Miss Hepworth, Kate and Paul xxx









Post 1

Hi, Kate and Paul both slept like logs for our first night in Beijing. Been to the great wall this morning- WOW. Made me feel a little dizzy being that high, especially the cable car- good job the kids were there to hold my hand. Had a huge Chinese feast for dinner with revolving table- Paul sampled everything!!! Off to birds nest this afternoon and the silk museum. Hope everyone is ok x