After getting to the hostel I quickly changed my reservation of a shared dormitory to a single bedroom. I figured I would treat myself as I have been staying in 4-star hotels for the past few days. The hostel room was nowhere near 4-stars but for $25 a night I couldn’t complain. I checked my stuff, took a quick shower and headed towards Tianamen Square. I called Mao who didn’t have plans. Tianeman Square was a 15 minute walk from the hostel. After some quick pictures I met Mao at ironically the Mao Zedong portrait. After checking out the Square for about 20 minutes we headed for the Forbidden City just 10 mintues north of the Square. The Forbidden City is at the center of Beijing and is an architectural monument of dynastic China. The city was amazingly beautiful and elegant. Many of the bigger buildings were being reconstructed for presentation at the upcoming summer Olympics in 2008. The city is guarded by a 78 foot wall that surrounds the entire premise. After leaving the city I had lunch with Mao before wishing him off to his hotel. He helped me book a bus ticket to the airport as I couldn’t speak Chinese to the agent. On the walk back to the hostel I met a nice couple from Barcelona (Ferran and Maria). They could not find their hostel so I was kind enough to walk with them there. I had noticed it earlier when i got lost looking for mine. Hopefully we will meet up tommorrow. I have reserved a trip to the Great Wall. The cost was 185 Yen (about $25).