Ritan, then Tiantan

On our third day in Beijing my son and I planned to visit Tiantan Park (Temple of Heaven). It's south of the city and it's huge. (My hubby went to give training at his office on Thursday and Friday.)

But in the morning the taxi driver accidentally dropped us in Ritan Park. He must have heard the doorman wrongly or whatever. But my son and I decided to check it out anyway.

It's a public park so entrance is free. There is one small pond near the front. Very serene.Little children with their mums or grandparents play around it.

The park goes deeper where there are many corners for people to exercise. An old couple sat together under a gazebo, the husband was playing a chinese string instrument while the wife turned the musical sheets for him. No one was watching. They didn't ask for money either. They were just playing it.

We spotted beautiful grey colored birds jumping from tree to tree. My son had fun trying to get as close as he could. But the birds seem to anticipate his next move all the time.

In the middle of the park there was also a big circular mound used to give sacrifices. It's a big area and was deserted because it's all stone.

Finally after a short lunch and coffee, we got the correct temple of heaven. It's where the emperor gave sacrifices to the God of heaven to appeal for good bumper crops.

It's a beautiful park with lots of ancient cypress trees. and very green at this time of year.

We came out right on time for... rush hour. Thank God for sending a taxi driver for us in that middle of nowhere (it seems to me!). The taxi driver also endured at least an hour of driving through massive traffic jam along the highway. He didn't complain at all. Amazing. And all the meter charged me for all that distance and jam was less than 8 singapore dollars.

At night we had peking duck and some sichuan dishes for dinner at the hotel's restaurant. I wish we could go to the famous peking duck restaurant in a hutong somewhere in the city, but the traffic jams was a major deterrant for us. So there.

I am thankful for God's protection and His mercy that day, that I could reach the hotel back safely.

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
The Holy Bible : New International Version. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. Php 4:6-7