M-whY

Jon had gone off to check out some of the things I had already seen. We agreed to meet back in the common area at a certain time. Everything in Beijing is laid out along east-west, north-south, lines, and with my map... Jon's a big boy, he wouldn't get lost. Meanwhile, I hung out around the hostel, looking for signs: Talking pictures, curious animal behavior, anything. I was leaning towards going with the travel agency. Yes, it'd be expensive, but the troubles it'd save me would make it worth it.

So when, by noon, no old man miraculously empowered with the ability to speak english leaned over and whispered, "Do it yourself," my decision was made. I returned to that office operating out of a hotel room and outlined the exact itinerary I wanted. In many ways, their services were perfect. Russia can be a dangerous place to backpack through independently (though chances are nothing would happen, after all, I am Superman) and by going through them, I know I won't "disappear". On the other hand, I won't be part of a fixed tour group - I'll be on my own most of the time, with just people waiting for me at each train stop to make sure I had arrived safely and take me to my accomodations. A good mix of peace of mind and adventure.

This ate up enough of the afternoon that I just hopped on the internet afterwards and caught up with (NFL) news. Jon returned promptly at 6:00pm, and from there, someone from the hostel took us to the Red Theatre to see a martial arts show. The acrobatics performance had been astounding, and Cherry claimed that this would be even better. There were certainly more people in the audience. Lights dimmed, and the show began. While yesterday was astonishing feat after astonishing feat, this was more of a choreographed program that told a story. Whether the martial arts was real, I'm of mixed opinions. I doubt they were real chunks of metal they were breaking with their heads, but being propped up by spears, sharp or not, had to take some training.

I'm not sure what I was expecting - maybe sparks from lightning quick swordplay? - but whatever they were, they were too high. If I had to do it all over again, I would've returned to see another round of acrobatics - I think I could watch that every night for a week and still be awestruck. The one redeeming thing about it all was the performers were available for photo shoots afterwards. I struck my best 'I'm going to kung fu kick your ass' pose next to a few members of the supporting cast.

"So did you decide what you're going to do about your Russia trip?" asked Jon over sheep spine hotpot. We had gone over the pros and cons of my choices over previous dinners.

"Yeah, I'm going with the tour."

"Good choice. I was beginning to get a bit worried about you." Safety had been one of the sticking points of the do it yourself method. "I mean, I know you think you're Superman and all..." But had there been fortune cookies at the end of the meal with a pithy saying like 'The independent man is destined for success', it wouldn't have been too late to change my mind!

Thanks to everyone for their support and comments! Knowing people are reading keeps me motivated to continue the updates!