2024 WORLD CRUISE
2024 WORLD CRUISE – BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS
SILVERSEA Silver Whisperer – January 15 – May 26.
132 Nights. 66 Ports, 15 Countries.
Sunday, April 14, 2024 – Photo of the Day – Beijing, China
Where in the World Are We?
We are in Beijing, China.
TIANJIN (BEIJING), CHINA
AN ASTONISHING IMPERIAL CITY
A vibrant metropolis, a bridge between the ages, and the beating heart of a gigantic country, Beijing is an astonishing city
in more ways than one. With 3000 years of history, it is one of the oldest metropolises in the world. Three millennia have seen the city’s name change more often than not in line with the changes in the empire itself since Beijing (literally the Northern Capital) is none other than its sixteenth patronymic after ‘Nanjing’ (Southern Capital), ‘Zhongdu’ (Central Captial),
‘Dadu’ (The Great Capital), ‘Yanjing’ (The Yan Capital), and ‘Beiping’ (Central Peace), among many others. Over the
years, the city has been built concentrically around the Forbidden City. A bit like the trunk of a tree, each ‘development circle’ is surrounded by a road, and, like heaven, there are seven today, but the comparison ends there. The city’s inhabitants use these circles to find their way around Beijing. “I live in the second ring” is a common phrase in Beijing.
It’s also interesting to note that the city’s influence on the whole country is also felt in Mandarin, primarily based on the Beijing dialect. There are regional differences in vocabulary and grammar, but the Chinese spoken in Beijing influences
the whole country, right down to the pronunciation of words. You’ve come to the right place to learn perfect Chinese.
Finally, a riddle: if you stop a Beijing resident in the street, how likely is it that their name will be Wang? More than one in 10 people in the city are called Wang, 11% to be exact. In London, by comparison, Smith’s account for just 0.47%…
HOUHAI LAKE SCENIC AREA
A grand sweep of willow-lined waterways enclosed by invitingly mazelike Hutong Lanes, this trio of lakes is one of Beijing’s best-loved outdoor spots for strolling, fishing, pedal boating, or ice skating in winter. After dark, live music bars skirting the shores of Qianhai (Front Lake) and Houhai (Back Lake) blare into life. Xihai (West Lake) is more idyllic. Several worthwhile sights can be found here, notably Prince Gong’s Mansion and Song Qingling’s Former Residence.
SIGHTS
- 798 Art Zone
- Yuanmingyuan Park
- Huanghuacheng Great Wall
- National Museum of China
- Tiananmen
- Juyong Pass of Great Wall
- Hall of Supreme Harmony
Today’s Excursion – Temple of Heaven and Tiananmen Square
The Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven is the most prominent and representative masterpiece in China’s ancient sacrificial buildings. Initially, the Temple of Heaven was where emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644) and Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1911) held the Heaven Worship Ceremony.
Its layout symbolizes the belief that heaven is round and earth square. The three buildings are built in a straight line. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (1420) has three concentric circles of massive wood columns symbolizing the four seasons, 12 months, and 12 daily hours; in a remarkable feat of engineering, they support the three roof levels and, in succession, a substantial square brace (earth), circular architrave (heaven), and vast interior cupola. The Imperial Vault of Heaven (1530; rebuilt 1572) is a smaller circular building constructed without crossbeams; its dome is supported by complicated span work. The Circular Mound Altar (1530; rebuilt 1749) is a triple-tiered white stone terrace enclosed by two sets of walls that are square outside and round inside.
Tiananmen Square
Tian’anmen Square is Beijing’s most famous square and national symbol. The gigantic portrait of Chairman Mao dominates the enormous square. Since imperial days, Tiananmen Square has provided an impressive stage for declarations to the assembled masses. It was from the giant gate that Chairman Mao proclaimed the People’s Republic on October 1, 1949. In modern times, the flag-raising ceremony has become a revered daily celebration.
TONIGHT’S SHOW – PIANO SHOWMAN CHRIS HAMILTON
With his dazzling technique, astounding versatility, and charismatic personality, Chris Hamilton has been described by New York critics as “the real deal” and “a total showman.” In the UK, The Telegraph hailed him as “an ace pianist.”
Chris began playing the piano at the age of four. After winning several national competitions, he won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music, London.
He has performed as a headliner on all the major cruise lines and won the prestigious Silversea Guest Entertainer of the Year 2017. He headlined a Cabaret Burlesque night at the Savoy Hotel, London, and the famous Hippodrome. In August 2017, he appeared in a show called “A Spoonful of Sherman” and received rave reviews, including the following: “Star of the show is Chris Hamilton with his sparkling, pitch-perfect accompaniment and occasional show stealers.” In 2017, Chris was a resident performer at The Ned in London, co-hosting Sunday Night at The Ned. He also performs regularly at Crazy Coqs in London’s West End.
Chris is a keen writer, and his first musical, Over The Threshold, for which he wrote the music, lyrics, and book, was critically acclaimed and won the MTM Award for Best Music, leading to a sell-out transfer in London’s West End and a production in Vienna. In 2014, he wrote a piece for the English National Ballet, performed at the Barbican Theatre. Two of his original songs were featured on TV last year. Chris is gaining fans worldwide who appreciate his prodigious musical gifts, easy charm,
and sophisticated performing style. www.chris-hamilton.org
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Check out today’s Chronicle.