and the memories were laid down...

What a day...

It was an explore Beijing day - a day of no 'official' meetings or obligations and the relative downtime was much needed.

We explored the Summer Palace which was extraordinary beautiful and fascinating. Our guides were Peking University students who delighted in sharing their insights into the palace whilst giving us an insight into the young of China.

After lunch we headed to Tiananmen Square much to the amusement of our hosts who couldn't understand our interest or fascination - it was vast and dramatic and we captured and captured ourselves again in it.

We skirted the vast Forbidden Palace but did not enter (a time and lack of passport issues!) and then 'hung' out in a 'punk/heavy metal rock' cafe that was aimed at travellers which had extraordinary light and atmosphere. We chatted as a group - 6 nationalities, played some tunes and took photos. Sometimes spending times like these really getting to know the people that make up the country that you are visiting is worth ten times more than another tour around a perceived historic building. Personally I love this image I captured - my husband relaxing for once and being able to share it with our daughter.

Then it was time exploring the hutongs and dinner on a lake framed by red lanterns and miles of walking soaking in the evening atmosphere and many, many moments of happiness that this was our reality for this day.

Lucky us.