Daisy and I left at midnight by train to Beijing.  She booked us a berth.  We had the top bunks, above two other twin sleepers.  It was quite a climb up and then only two feet in height to sleep, rather claustrophobic and extremely warm.     Underneath us was a young officer in the PLA (Peoples Liberation Army), a cute man named Galileo (Wong Zhang Tao).  He is the first Chinese army soldier and the first Galileo  I have ever met.  I couldn’t resist to ask him, “What is your job in the army?”   The response was something I never expected.  He is a magician, an entertainer somewhat like a performer in Bob Hope’s traveling show.  Did he ever entertain us, card tricks and disappearing money.  I laughed at his antics as he changed a Kennedy half dollar into an old Chinese coin.  My fear of the Chinese army was totally dispelled  after meeting him.

Ten hours on an overnight train was interesting to say the least.  Next to our hotel, in a typical Chinese neighborhood near Daisy’s university alma mater.   We had no tub or shower stall, only a shower nozzle overhanging the toilet, another unique Chinese bathroom!   The hotel room was clean and included a buffet breakfast.  I keep forgetting toast/butter/jelly and fried eggs are not on the menu.  I am not sure I like green steamed cabbage, black hard boiled eggs and porridge for my first meal of the day.   Oh well, give it a try, not bad!

Next stop Tienanmen Square.  I have heard so much about this place and was delightfully surprised to find a large civilized outdoor shopping area next to an open assembly square surrounded by government buildings.  The gate to the Forbidden City was at one end with a humongous picture of Mao over the top.  It was sunset and we were fortunate to see the army march out onto the square and take the Chinese red flag down.  Twenty years ago, no westerns would have been able to see this.  It was an awesome site.  I was so excited I bought an army hat!

Tomorrow the Forbidden City and the hutongs!