July 4, 2006
While in Beijing, we wanted to try the famous duck, so we did. Leah and I pedalled a rented 12 foot long, plastic, canopied duck on the lake in Beihei park, which is just northwest of the Forbidden Palace. I really wouldn't recommend travelling by large plastic duck. For one thing, the forward view is spoiled by what looks like the top of a huge bowling pin. For another, duck boats aren't as hydrodynamic as the more common variety. Also, the short seat, small petals and metal railing made a bruising 45 minute trip, and the squeaky gear box overpowered any potentially pleasant sounds. But we still had a lot of fun.
On dry land, we did make the short hike up to see white pagoda, which is no more impressive up close. There is an impressive multi-armed animal statue tucked away at the top and hundreds of low-relief Buddha tiles. From an upper railing, the views of the Forbidden Palace, the park and surrounding Beijing were vast, smoggy.
-David
