Beijing

We started the day at the Ancient Observatory, mounted on the battlements of a watchtower in the middle of Beijing. It dated back to the days of Kublai Khan. The Chinese relied heavily on astrologers before making any decisions. It houses various astronomical instruments designed by the Jesuits.
Then it was time for a shopping expedition to the Friendship Store while the boys found the closest A/C restaurant for a few beers.

Finally, we headed to the Liulichang- Antique and Cultural Street. The stores are all designed to look like an ancient Chinese village. The place was awash with tourists for the first few hours. The tour buses left and we spent a few hours stoop-sitting with the locals. Martin and John bonded with the local guys next to the master bicycle repair guy who was repairing bikes while drinking moonshine with his buddies.

For dinner we headed to Henry J Beans for some good American burgers. Even good Chinese food can get old if you have it every day.