Tiananmen Square - Beijing - China

Our tour guide asked us what came to mind when we thought of Tiananmen Square. Everyone on the bus called out; "tanks", then "students". The tour guide answered, "Well, we are not really supposed to talk about that." He gave us the dimensions of the huge square which I can not recall. He described the buildings and monuments and their purposes. I remember a very imposing and forboding place - stark - cold (on a steamy June day) - very serious. Jim and I tried to "lighten up" and be a bit "free" - remembering the students and their dreams.

Behind the big gate is the Forbidden City which is the Emeror's Palace with 9,999 rooms!