Breakfast was included with our room at the cafe next door. After sitting down, we noticed the food grade of the cafe, a “C”. Ryan decided to stick to the toast, while I ate the toast, eggs, and bacon, hoping not to regret it later. (Four days have since passed, and I’m feeling fine).

Ryan’s breakfast was at a Starbucks in a mall (clean, bright, like the airport). As we both noted, this is the first Starbucks we have been in where the coffee doesn’t taste the same. While the mall was very clean, the bathrooms in the mall were not. So far, most of the bathrooms we have encountered in China are relatively gross. But then again, we may have high standards.

Off to our intended destinations, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Whoever coined the phrase “Everything’s bigger in Texas” has obviously not been to Beijing. Both were massive and much larger than we had ever imagined. Workers were in the process of putting up bright flower arrangements in the square, and we just wandered around looking at the surrounding buildings and monuments. Beijing is full with beautiful flowers, both planted in the ground and arranged in the sculptures like in the square.

We then crossed under the street to the Forbidden City and were immediately taken aback by its scale upon entering. This is the Hall of Supreme Harmony and the courtyard in front of it. North of the Forbidden City is Jingshan Hill, providing nice views of the entire city on a clear day.