The Bird's Nest, Water Cube and Temple of Heaven!

Yet another glorious day in Beijing, clear skies and cold but dry and quite comfortable. We started off with a visit to the site of the 2008 Olympics, and a stroll around the Birds Nest Stadium. The structure is as fascinating up close as it is from a distance.

Family Nest

Snowy Stadium Panorama

 The Water Cube equally impressive in its design. We spent a couple of hours here taking in the sights and the information provided by various multimedia formats. Then off for lunch in a very authentic eaterie, very cheap and very good, always go where the locals go you know you'll get great vfm, even if you have no idea what you're ordering! After lunch we visited the Temple of Heaven, the largest sacrifice temple in China, it was too big for words that are made up of mainly superlatives!

 After another 8 hours spent walking we crashed out early to re-energise for Today's visit to Beijing's biggest themes park.

Foot Massage

 Happy Valley wasn't looking as happy as the name suggested, out of season it is very quiet which was great for getting on the bonkers crazy roller coasters, I didn't queue more than 5 minutes for any, unfortunately neither Deb or Sen fancied the rides so I went solo! Biggest Child in the theme park in more ways than one!

The Sky Ride

 Sennen again proved to be more of an attraction than the attractions with crowds of kids and young women all wanting photos with him. It is starting to wear thin for him now.

Me ready for take off in the front seat.

 It's 16.30 now and Sen and I are chilling drinking Jasmine tea on the 16th floor while Deb is in her theme park, Beijing Macaua Plaza Shopping Mall! We're off to a Kung Fu Show tonight to finish this great visit off in style.

Sen and Deb Go Extreme!

 The Kung Fu Show was astonishing, without doubt the best theatre experience I've ever had, we all sat opened mouthed for the full 90 minutes, and wanted it to go on for another 90! No photos allowed so these are web advertisements.

Today has been very relaxed, late breakfast, Deb went shopping, Sen and I went to the gym and for a swim.  Then off for a massage for Sen and me and a manicure for Deb.

Trawl around the tat market having fun bartering for 'best price' and now all packed and ready for the off tomorrow.

Can not wait to get home sometime Sunday evening.

I've been away too long!