Happy Birthday (Kinda), China!

Today is October 1st, 70 years after the day the Communist Party of China defeated the Republic of China to claim China as the People’s Republic of China. Almost all businesses were closed last night and today. There was a massive parade taking place in Tiananmen Square with ceremonies and a military parade. Tickets were free to the parade, but you had to register online in advance to attend the parade. Otherwise, TV was the only way to see it.

This building in Lanzhou City was lit up for the 70th Anniversary of the People's Republic of China.

As we walked around Beijing this morning, it was surreal to see such a large city so empty. Either everyone was at the parade or at home watching it.

A lone security officer keeping an eye on things while everyone else is celebrating.

We didn't get tickets because today was our last day in China! We flew out of China around 12:30 and arrived in Tokyo just a little while ago.

Buildings as far as the eye can see.

Tokyo is a beautiful place. The nighttime views are incredible, and the city has a clean, futuristic feel to it. The driving seems much less reckless compared to China but is also backwards to me because cars drive on the left side of the road. Seeing cars with steering wheels on the right side also throws me off.

I’ve seen advertisements everywhere for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. I can see firsthand that Tokyo will be such a fun host city. There is a ton of things to do/see and places to eat. It would be awesome to make it back here for the Olympics.