Each month a few people from the family go on a special outing. this month  Abi, Mom, and I  went to the Summer Palace. The first thing we did when we got there was by Abi a panda hat which she was promised.  On the left is a picture of the tower of Buddist Incense which holds a big statue with is legend to have a thousand arms.

This is a picture of our boat docked on a island next to the lake by the Buddist Temple of Incense. When we got in the boat we found that we had to drive it by are selves which was very difficult for a moment but we soon got used to it. Docking and going under bridges was a little challenge but also quite fun. I even got to drive on the way back.

This is where the peking opera would performe for the emperor. The nobles and other guests would have to sit on the stairs while the emperor sat on silk cushions and ate inside.