Sum-sum-summer(time) Palace
The final day of our BOCOG-sponsored tour brought us to the western part of the city and Summer Palace. In modern times, this would be known as the Emperor’s house in the Hamptons. It is an amazing collection of intricate and well-preserved gardens, chambers, and temples. Even though it was a Sunday, and the grounds overrun with people, it was still peaceful and gorgeous. Covering more than 700 acres, most of which is water, it was originally known as the Garden of Clear Ripples. Being a Cape Cod native, those ripples were my favorite part. The large lake that sits in the center of everything hosts dozens of paddle boats and several full-on dragon-boat ferries. I wouldn’t call it swim-able, but on my paddle around I did dip a foot in the water (I took that typhoid vaccine after all, I figure I should get my money’s worth) and found it to be quite nice. Fortunately, I didn’t loose any toes to an ornery koi or some sort of Chinese Loch Ness Monster.
If I make it back to Summer Palace, I think it will have to be with a cooler of cold light beer and enough money to paddle around until they are drained. And, a few friends of course.
Check out the gallery for more photos.
Your Comments
Great photos! I see you are looking fine. Your Mom saw a mark on your right arm and wants to know if anyone got fresh with you!
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Forget worrying about people being fresh! Have you spotted any good places yet to do some whitewater kayaking? China is supposed to have some stompin’ rivers!!
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