How exciting to be here! I guess this trip is different than Europe as I could identify with the places here. This place is really big (covers 100 acres where a half million people can stand here). A little bit like Trafalgar square where you have museums around. On the Eastern side of the square is the Museum Chinese History and Museum of Chinese Revolution. Opposite would be the Great Hall of the People (People's Congress) and south is the monument to the People's Heroes and Chairman MaoZedong's Memorial Hall.

I'm glad we needn't visit the museums! That would take too much time and I don't quite like rushing through a museum. There were quite a number of tourists around and a number of military/police officers walking about. According to Mr. Wong, he cautioned me not to take pictures of the officers as they do not like to have their photos taken.

This is a historical place where on October 1, 1949, MaoZedong proclaim the People's Republic of China. For me, I was just imagining the students having demonstrations at this place. There is a bit of sorrow here. Maybe it's because I don't see the locals having a leisurely stroll or basking in the daylight around here. The many faces I saw were probably foreigners - all having a Kodak moment.

If you have the time, you should visit this place very early in the morning to catch the flag raising ceremony which is a special sight where the five-star red flag is hoisted at the very time the sun emerges on the horizon. I wanted to come here on my own but mom wouldn't let me unless there was someone trusted there with me.

We walked towards the Gate of Heavenly Peace where over its central arched gateway is the famous portrait of MaoZedong. You know, I have one roll of film which was not put correctly in the camera, thus rendering it spoilt. What a disappointment - pictures of mom and the portrait of MaoZedong was taken here. I was telling mom - "Look ma, MaoZedong's grinning at you - he's surprised to see you here!"

We crossed the busy street by using an underground tunnel. We were going to the Forbidden City. Even the name "forbidden" sounds enthralling!