Beijing part 2

Every AM , indded at any time I can look out the hotal window from the 12th floor and watch the action in the little strip of park across the street. Last night as Chinese opera blared on a loudspeaker a group of women did a fan and ribbon dance in unison for over an hour in near darkness. this AM the ping pong games started at 6AM and continued- women replacing men around 8AM. Meanwhile the metal exercise machines are in constant use and motion.
This morning we struck out on our own. Taking the subway was quite easy. The cars were very modern and only a bit crowded at times. We were the only Caucasians the whole hour causing many to stare. As much of the ride was elevated we saw a bit more of the city. We have yet to see any slums or rundown sections.
Our destination was the Temple of Heaven. A huge park containing a temple to the good harvest 125 ft high- a tall circular building featured in many pictures of China. There were many smaller temples all used by the Emperor to pray for the crops. Sacrifices of animals were done in large green ceramic ovens. The park itself was about a mile square, filled with ancient cypress trees and paths. We saw many magpies- large black and white birds with dark blue heads and very loud cries. Tjhere thousands of people enjoying the cold but clear day. We watched fan dancers, couples dancing to all kiinds of music, ribbon dancers and people who just burst into song as they walked. These people are fascinating to watch. They sometimes will just start waving their arms as the walk or even begin to walk backwards. I greet them with "Ni Hao"- Hello and they are thrilled. Frequently they will ask us to pose with them for a picture. Apparently this is an honor for them.
Tomorrow after a visit to the Hutong- the old Beijing shanty town, we leave on an overnight train to Xi'an. This should be an experience. they are tiny berths, 4 to a section with bathroom (read that as hole in the floor) down the hall. We are hoping to have just the two of us in our section but that may not be possible.
I am glad we got to see Beijing. Yesterday we passed the Olympic venues- the bird's nest and ice cube. They looked more impressive on TV. Beijing was so proud to host the Olympics. It really is a world class city and we have enjoyed our visit.