Forbidden City

Liza, Tin and I went to the Forbidden City (called Gugong by the locals). I was not able to enjoy the visit because I really don't know the history of the area. It just looked like a lot of gates and a lot of roofs to me. It's also very cold and I forgot my gloves.

I did get some great shots though.

With Kristine at the yet another gate.

Emperor's throne.

Elaborate ceiling. Carved dragons.


Souvenir dolls.

Trip to Manila

I am so excited... I'll flying to Manila for a 3-day trip. I have missed being in the Philippines even though I've only been gone for two months.

Great Wall at Badaling

at the wall

Many tourists and locals are here today to celebrate the New Year. We even saw dancing ladies earlier today at the entrance.

on our way to Badaling

View on the way to Great Wall. We went to the Badaling section since it is accessible from our apartment. It is so windy today, it is a good thing it has stopped snowing, the snow is already very thick in this part of Beijing.

outside Starbucks

We are all surprised to see the Starbucks at the entrance, but never the ones to let an opportunity pass... we went in to get something hot to drink. We even got the guy at the counter to take a picture of us even though its very cold outside...