Forbidden City, Tianjin

After Tiananmen Square we went under the road to the entrance to the Forbidden City. Some very stern looking security at the entrance. One Chinese tourist went to take a photo and was quickly reprimanded. The Forbidden City seems to go on forever. We basically walked through the centre. The crowds had started building and it would be easy to become separated from your group. We all made it to the end okay. Our guide took us to lunch at one of his favourite local restaurants. The food was similar to last night. The service is pretty well non existent. We wondered why there wasn't any service cutlery until we watched the guide just eat straight from the platters. The food was good but toilet facilities were very ordinary. Not so bad for men but squat toilets are not all that wonderful for the ladies. After lunch it was time to make our way back to the ship. We made good time and were back at the port by 4pm. The Americans handed out tips but we didn't feel they were justified. Our guide gave next to no commentary which was a pity. It will be interesting to compare with the ships tours we have booked on the last two stops. There was a great show on board tonight, Mark Haslam performing Sleight of hand. Amazing!Read more