Summer has since dwindled away and the cool air has come to stay in Beijing.  However, I keep searching for carved pumpkins on doorsteps and brightly colored trees along the sidewalk.  Fall in a foreign city is not something I’m used to. 

I woke up this morning feeling a little down that I missed Halloween and all its glorious candy so I decided to hunt for some Fall leaves.  I can’t get some sweet Reece’s cups but I can sure find some red and yellow colored trees.

I layered up my clothes and put on my mask (today was not a good air day) and walked for an hour to YuanMingYuan park which used to be the emperors Summer Palace.  It was a gorgeous area with lots of trees and ponds.  However, what makes it famous is the ruins found there.

During the Second Opium War, the emperor captured some British soldiers and journalists.  Many were killed so out of retaliation the British destroyed the palace.  Instead of cleaning it up or rebuilding, the Chinese left the ruins as a reminder of their past.  The park was quite beautiful and very relaxing.  It was a nice way to spend a Saturday morning.