This reminded me of the poorer parts of Mexico. There was a nice lady who invited us into her compound. Basically, a hutong is like a little village with compound after compound. Each compound consists of several small buildings with a courtyard in the middle. The nice lady who showed us hers said it was only one family in her compound--but 8 people. Many compounds have several families. There are hundreds of hutongs around Beijing, and at one time (before the 1940's)our guide said that Beijing was mainly the Forbidden City surrounded by hutongs. Now, the hutongs are being demolished to build high-rises. The lady who showed us her compound said that she was going to hang on to her compound as long as possible because property values for them are going way up. She said her son will inheret it when he marries.
5 comments:
Very intersteing. We never saw those componds on our trips but I recall a Chinese movie that now makes a lot more sense.
Your photos are great! So wonderful that you are seeing so much of your daughters birth country.
Your pictures are great - makes me feel like we are in China again - we went on the same tours! I can hardly wait to see you guys with Gracie.
Love the photos! We didn't get to go to some of those places while we were there, makes me want to go back!
And it's Monday night there, I want more photos!!
Traci
Interesting pictures. Ok, so it's Monday morning here (NOV 5th), we want more pictures!!! :) We can't wait to see your little girl in your arms.
Hope all is going well. You were smart to book those extra days in Beijing. Never know when you might be there again. Look forward to seeing pictures of Gracie.
Sarah's mommy and daddy
Mikel & Craig
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