8th.June2007
At the KLIA
On 8th.June at about 8.30 pm. we were already at the KLIA . We were among the earliest to arrive at the airport as we wanted to avoid being caught in traffic jams.I had to perform my isyak prayer at the airport prayer room . We waited for our group to arrive for some time . I was getting worried because before this there were cases of some holiday makers who were abandoned by their tour agents at the airport just before their departure . I did not want to be in the same boat as they were . Finally ,I decided to call the handphone number given to me who was supposed to be our tour guide .A lady voice answered and she told me that she was on her way and would reached the airport in a few minutes. I was a little bit relieved . However I was still not totally satisfied until I saw her at the airport .
A few minutes later a Malay lady approached me and asked me whether my name was so and so and I replied in the affirmative . She introduced herself as Puan Salasiah as our tour guide . I thanked God for we were not like those holiday makers who were cheated . She then cleared our baggage and handed over our flight tickets .
At the airport I met one Ustaz Abd.Rahim Raffiee whom I met at the PWTC a few months before where we went to the same boothe to make our bookings for our trip to China . He was of the same age as mine and so we got along well . He was a lecturer at the Faculty of Education at the Universiti Pertanian Serdang but retired a few years ago . Aafter his retirement he became an Ustaz teaching at various suraus and mosques around the Klang Valley . He was also accompanied by his wife . I did not talk to the rest of our group members until we reached Beijing .
The plane- Air China
Our plane - Air China was full . The seats rows were too closed to each other making it difficult for obese people like me to be comfortable when seated. I could not put on my seat belts because it was not long enough . I was also unable to draw out my meal bracket because it touched my belly . As a result I had to place my meal plate on my wifes meal bracket .Luckily they only serve us one meal through out the journey , even that we did not eat the whole thing that was given to us because we were not sure that they were halal .We only ate the fruits and the vegetables .
9th.June 2007
Beijing Airport
We reached Beijing airport at about 6.30 am. local time ( Malaysian time and local time were the same and so we did not have to adjust our watches ) . It was a very busy airport with many tourists from all corners of the world . I was wondering what they were looking for in China .The weather was hot and dry , at about 32 degrees celcius . We were greeted by our local tour guide ,Mr. Hassan ( a nickname he used ,although he was not a Muslim ) .Mr Hassan was a graduate in Bahasa dan Kesusasteraan Indonesia from the Peking University and that resulted in his Indonesian slang . First we were taken to a Chinese Muslim restaurant to have our breakfast . Only then that I had the chance to meet the rest of our group members . There were 17 of us in the group consisting of 9 males and 8 females one of which was a Datin . 5 of the females and 2 of the males were elderlies while the rest were youngsters .Ustaz Abd.Rahim and I were the oldest in the group .Being an Ustaz he normally was our Imam during our prayers .We had a sumptious breakfast .
Beijing City
Beijing city , a very big city with a population of about 25 million people and it is still growing. I could see more buildings most of them skyscrapers were being built . It is a very modern city with many up-todate facilities . I think it is comparable to that of New York and other big cities in the world . Although many bicycles could be seen plying the roads motor cars of the latest models were also seen on the roads proving that the people of Beijing are now rich and affordable .
Forbidden City
After breakfast we were taken to the Forbidden City. It was a city where the Emperor lived with his 3000 wives .Any males living in the city were castrated so that they would not be able to make love to any of his 3000 wives .They were cooks and helpers .The city was surrounded by walls and trenches to avoid intruders .It was a large city and we had to walk for miles .Those with knee problems would find it difficult to catch up with the others who walked very fast . Fortunately my knee problem was almost completely cured and I could still walk with the rest of the group members .The only setback was my wife who could not walk as fast as the others .I managed to take some pictures through the video camera which I borrowed from my son Aizad . I could not bring along my own video camera as the batteries were faulty and a replacement could not be made in time . It was very tiring here as we did not have enough sleep and the weather was hot . After that we had our lunch at another Chinese Muslim restaurant. After lunch we performed our prayers (qasar and jama' - as we were musafirs )at an old mosque .
Tiananmen Square
After that we were taken to Tiananmen Square . This is the place where normally official functions took place .It also became famous where radical students some years ago held demonstrations to voice out their feelings against the Chinese government . A few hundreds of them were then shot dead by the millitary while the rest were arrested . It was a huge area and we had to walk for miles .There were many tourists both local and overseas . Although they might be Chinese looking but actually most of them were either overseas Chinese or Koreans and Japanese . Although it was a huge area there were people almost every where . I wonder how much the Chinese government earned from it's tourist industries . The amount must be huge .
Golden Oasis Hotel
After lunch we were taken to our hotel - Golden Oasis Hotel. It was situated on the outskirts of the city . My family was given a room with an extra bed for our daughter Farin on the 9th floor . For our convenience we prefered to stay in one room .
Acrobatic Show
After a refreshing bath and a short nap we left our hotel rooms at about 3.00 pm.to see an acrobatic show .The show started at about 5.00 pm and lasted for 1 1/2 hours The show was at a a cinema hall which was converted into a stage show .We were then entertained to a world class acrobatic show . It was a very interesting show performed by young kids .We were fascinated with the skills of the kids . Unfortunately we were not allowed to record or took photographs of the performances .Before going back to our hotel we had dinner at a Uyghur (Muslim) restaurant .
10th.June 2007
In summer the Subuh prayer in Beijing begins at about 2.30 am. till 4.30 am. We woke up at about 3.00 am to perform our Subuh prayers after which we continued with our sleep . After morning bath we went for breakfast at the Hotel's 3rd Floor . As we were not sure of it's 'halality ' we took only bread , jam , eggs ,fruits and tea/coffee . I took 3 pieces of bread and 3 eggs for my daughter Farin who did not came along because she was still sleeping . At the door I was stopped by one of the hostesses and told me not to bring back the bread . I had to explain that it was for my daughter who was sick in the room .After some persuasions she relented and allowed me to go with the bread and eggs .
Chinese Medicine Research Centre
At about 8.00 am we left our hotel . We were taken to a so called Chinese Medicine Research Centre where we had our feet massaged .After the massage each of us were interviewed by a so called 'doctor' and told of our ailments . In my case I was told to buy 4 medicine ie;- for my blood pressure , high sugar content in my blood , weak kidney and pills to strengthen my antibodies . All in all I was supposed to buy RM.2000/- of medicine . I did not believe in the so called Chinese medicine and I refused to buy . But the so called Professor was pestering very hard for me to buy . My wife who could be to be so easily influenced pestered me to buy for her her medicine which cost almost RM300/- .I finally relented and bought a medicine each for her and myself which cost almost RM 500/- . That was a daylight robbery . All the group members were also in the same predicament - cheated . I must complain to the Malaysian Tour Company-Mays Travels and Tours when I return home about this, so that others would not have to part with their hard earned money to the unscruplous medicine men .
Chinese Tea House
We were brought to a Tea House where we were explained how the tea was produced and the various types of teas and it's usefulness . We were allowed to taste the teas .Finally ,we were offered to buy some of the tea .We bought some tea to be brought home .
Emperor's Summer Place
We were then brought to the Emperor's Summer Palace .It was near a man made lake . The lake was huge and visitors could go on a boat trip on the lake .The weather was supposed to be a bit cool from other parts of Beijing . There was nothing spectacular about the place .
We left the place at about 12.00 noon to have our lunch at a Chinese Muslim restaurant.
Silk Making Factory
After lunch we were taken to a silk making factory . There we were explained how silk were produced . Then we were offered to buy silk . My wife bought 3 pairs of cloth for our daughter in-law and herself . They were 100% pure silk . Comparatively they were quite cheap .
11th.June 2007
Jade Factory
Then we were taken to a Jade Factory . Coincidentally the factory belongs to a Malaysian from Klang . The factory was headed by one Mr.Ling ,the son of the owner who is now living in Jalan Silang,Kuala Lumpur .Because of that we were each presented with a token jade pendant .Mr.Ling told us that he was giving us a special discount due to the fact that some of us were from Klang.However ,later after meeting other holiday makers from another tour group who were also presented with the token jade pendents because a few of them were from Cheras and that Mr.Ling claimed that he was also from Cheras ,I began to suspect his truthfulness . He could be telling us so, so as to convince that his jades were cheap . Infact they were all businessmen's tactics .
Crystal Making Factory
After that we were taken to a Crystal making Factory .Crystal were manufactured from stones and turned into rings, pendants other ladies accessories . They were beautiful and cheap when compared if we were to buy in Malaysia . My wife bought some for her daughters Farin , Eileen
and our grand daughter Alisya .
Pottery making Factory
Before going to the Great Wall we stopped over at a ceramic pottery making factory . There we were briefed how the ceramic were made and later turned into pots . Nothing interesting here because this could be seen in our own country .We had lunch at a Muslim restaurant . The restaurant had a prayer room and so we performed our qasar/jama' zohor/asar prayers there.
Great Wall of China
At about 1.30 pm.we reached the foot of The Great Wall of China . There were many tourists there making attempts to climb the steps of the Great Wall . Some managed while some had to turn back . My wife and I decided not to make the climb . The condition of our knees would not permit us to climb further than the first 'rest house' .' However we took some photographs and recorded some nice scneries on the video camera . We were told thousands of lives were lost during the construction of the Great Wall . The notorious Emperors of that time forced the people to build the wall so as to protect his empire from the Manchurian attackers . Stories told of the Forbidden City , Summer palaces and the Great Wall , assumptions can be made of the Chinese people -they are suspicious of others , they fear deaths , they want the best for themselves and they are very selfish people . It is not difficult to see these qualities from the Chinese Malaysians .
In our group there was one young boy who managed to climb to the top of the Great Wall and he nearly loss his way .An announcement had to be made through the loudspeaker to call him back.
My family and I had reached the site of the much talked Great Wall of China . At least we can boast to who had not gone to China that we had been to the Great Wall of China - another dream fulfilled .
We left the Great Wall of China at about 5.00 pm and proceeded to Beijing .Before going back to our hotel rooms we were taken to an Uyghur Muslim restaurant to have dinner . During the dinner there was stage show consisting of dances and songs . I managed to record only one dance performance on the video camera .I did not realize that my video camera's tape was full and had forgotten to replace with a new one . As a result the rest of my recordings were futile .Infact one of the performance was a belly dance that was a little bit sexy .My wife was not too happy because I appeared to her to be too itchy for making the recordings of such a show .
We left the restaurant when the show was still not over .
12th.June 2007
Olympic 2008 Stadium.
In the morning we were brought to the Olympic Stadium site where stadium is being built for 2008 Olympic . It was still not completed .The Chinese spent billions of dollars just tobe the host of that prestigious event . The Chinese government knew that being host to the event would also bring some business and revenue to the country . Some retailers have already started selling T-shirts and other small items with the Olympic logo and they sells like hot cakes especially among the tourists .
Panda Zoo
At around noon we were brought to the Panda Zoo .Unfortunately we could not see much of the pandas because they were sleeping - after all they are known to be lazy bumps .
Shopping spree
After lunch we were brought to the shopping malls for shopping . Things sold were damn cheap if we know how to haggle . One must not be shy to ask for the lowest price because that was the the way shopping are done here . For things offered at Yuan 1000 , one must ask for as low as Yuan 200 .Then you can get a good bargain . I bought two leather belts which I found it so difficult to find in Malaysia of my size . I bought them for RM 30/- and RM 50/- respectively .Things sold were branded but of course they wereall immitations . The Chinese are famous for that .We had dinner at another Muslim restaurant before proceeding to see a kongfoo show .
Kongfoo Show
We had to pay about RM 70/- each for the show because it was not in the itinerary . Any way it was a very good show . Many foreign tourists were seen at the show . I just wonder why Malaysian TDC do not provide such shows to our tourists who visit our country . Stories like the legendary Hang Tuah , Mak Yong , Wayang kulit , boria , zikir barat etc could be shown on stage for our tourists .If kongfoo show could be an attractions why not ours . Of course it must be in the English language .
13th June 2007
Tienjin City .
Tienjin was a port city , about 2 hours drive from Beijing . It was modern city with a population of alomost 20 million . Skyscrapers were a normal sight here with modern living apartments .It's a very busy city .
Cultural Street
We then went to the Cultural Street in Tienjin City ,where they sold the antique things , souvineers etc . Nothing much here unless if we are looking for some antique things .
We had lunch at a Muslim restaurant before proceeding back to Beijing .
Shopping spree
The ladies in our group in our group requested to go shopping again . I was tired of shopping and spent most of time sitting down at the rest area in the mall . However , after seeing the young men in our group who bought some electrical items , I finally also bought a few pairs of i-pods which they told me were much cheaper than in KL . Of course they were all immitations .
Before going back to our hotel rooms we had dinner .
14th June 2007
We were suposed to go another city called Chengde and to stay overnight there . The tour guide managed to convince some of us especially the ladies that there was nothing there and that staying in Beijing was a better choice especially for the ladies who were more interested shopping . Actually I prefered to go and see Chengde because my purpose in this trip was not for shopping but to see places no matter how bad the place was . Well. since the majority ruled I had no choice but to follow them . Instead , the tour guide brought to the nderground City.
Underground City
The Underground City was built during the Mao Tze Tung era . It was during the period when China had a crisis with Russia . USSR at that time was weary of the Chinese Communists influence at that time . I still remember even in Malaysia the Communists in Malaysia was then divided into 2 factions ie. one that was pro Kuomintang ( China ) and the other pro Russia . Afraid of being attacked with atomic bombs and poison gas by the USSR , Mao Tze Tung ordered for the constructions of an underground city .
It was situated in a secludued area . One would not suspect that the door on one of the peasant's house would lead to an underground , a few hundred meters deep . Once inside we felt as if we were in another world . It was completely equipped with air ccondition ,roads , shops , offices and training grounds . For security reasons ,of course the Chinese government only showed us some part of it .The rest were forbidden to us .
Actually for the next programme we were supposed to to the house one by the name of Ibarhim Chin who would show us his caligraphy works and to have lunch there . He was then busy and so the programmed had to be called off .
Upon the requests of the ladies we were brought again to a shopping mall where they wanted to do some shopping . Later we had a steam boat lunch at the restaurant at the shopping mall . Then we were taken to the Niujie Grand Mosque for our prayers . It was a very old mosque built many hundres years ago . The building was all made of wood .Even the floors were made of wood . After out prayers we went shopping again at another shopping mall till evening . We had dinner before coming back to our hotel .
That night we were busy packing our things because we were supposed to check our from our rooms at 9.30 am. the next morning .Luckily our bags were not full when we came to Beijing and so there were enough rooms for the extra things that we bought .
15th June 2007
Departure for home
After our breakfast at about 9.30 am, we checked out from our rooms . All our luggage were loaded on to the bus . The tour guide brought to the shopping mall for a last minute shopping .After that we were taken to a restaurant to have our lunch . We performed our prayers at the prayer room of the restaurant .
We reached Beijing airport at about 3.30 pm . and at exactly 5.00 pm. our plane left China for Kuala Lumpur . Our plane touched down at KLIA at about 10.40 pm .
After being 8 days in China , I feel Malaysia is still the best country in the world . Any way the China visit had opened our eyes about that country . Before we thought that Beijing was a backward city with only bicycles for being under Communist rule , actually is is a very modern city with the latest car models which had not even yet reached Malaysia .All these were the effects of bad publicity .
