Day 6: Beijing Pedi-cabin’ the Hutong & on to Chengdu
So today was an interesting mix, as we actually had activities all morning through lunch, and then were flying out to Chengdu after lunch. It was nice, because it wasn’t a normal rush to the airport type of day.
Suitcases had to be out for pickup before breakfast. Then, after breakfast, we headed out to the area of Beijing called the Hutong. We were dropped off by our bus by a beautiful Gate, where we met a local Guide who was to help us navigate the morning’s activities.
We walked back to where seemingly hundreds of Pedi-cabs were sitting waiting for customers. We were shepherded into Pedi-cabs in twos.
Once everyone was situated, and the requisite photos taken, off we went, on our way through the Hutong.
The Hutong in Central Beijing is made up of centuries-old homes set in small courtyards along narrow alleyways. I have to admit that I had some big misconceptions about this. From things I’d heard, I’d somehow imagined the Hutong to be slums, and that we’d be winding through narrow, bedraggled areas of the city. It totally wasn’t true. The areas are old, and the roadways in some parts *are* narrow, but it’s a beautiful, bustling and well-maintained area. In fact, it’s going through some gentrification right now, and according to Joe, it’s one of the most expensive places to live in Beijing.
As we wound our way through the roadways of the Hutong, my amazement (and embarrassment) grew! Some of the homes were downright opulent, and it was all quite pretty. So much for pre-conceived notions! (This is one of the things I love about traveling. Having those notions knocked away!)
We finally stopped, walked a bit further, and ended up in the first home where we would be doing one of our crafts set up for the day. But first, several of us needed a potty break. It took us a bit to get the man who was guiding us to understand, but once we conveyed what was needed, a rather desperate group of us were led through the roadways to a central area, and the community bathroom. Boy-oh-boy. These folks must *really* get to know their neighbors well! Because apparently the homes in the Hutong do not have their own bathrooms. They all share a common bathroom for each little courtyard community. The bathroom had squatty potties only, no doors, and walls about 3 feet high between each potty. At this point, modesty went out the window, and we just took care of business.
When we got back to the home we’d been led to, we were split into two groups, and would rotate which activities we’d be doing. My group found ourselves in a room with two large, round tables, with paper, ink and long brushes set out.
A very patient young lady, with the help of Ralph, showed us how to properly hold the brushes, and how to draw some Chinese characters.
Continued in next post.