2006-11-20  

　　I was committed, though and past the point of no return. The heat was oppressive, so in a bold move, I tore off my shoes and ran on the sodden grass. In places, it was squishy between my toes; in others it was a cool tickle on my soles; in others the sprinkler showered high enough to make my hair wet. I did it - I threw up my arms and pirouetted - more than once. I jumped up and down like a kid and splashed in one of the few puddles. I laughed out loud and sang as if I was in a TV commercial. Was I embarrassed? Not in the least! Nobody could see me. It was so much fun - if only for a brief, precious Beijing moment.
　　With trepidation [there is no such word in the English language; moreover, ''intrepid'' means ''daring'', whereas ''trepidation'' suggests the opposite, which is what she means: ''temerity''], I approached the turn to my meeting place. The road continued, but ahead of me there was a barrier. The closer I got, I could see there was no opening, only a gate that was under lock and key. If I beckoned someone beyond to assist me, I would be drawing attention to myself and it would be obvious that I was behind a fence where I should not be. Climb over it? No, it was much taller than me. Turn around and walk back? Another 90 minutes? No, I''d be at the wrong end to join my companions. Besides, it was hot! Swim across the moat? I don''t think so.
　　I glanced to where the fence met the moat. There was a stone wall about three feet high beside the water. I could see buses on the street. Anyone on board would see me. Luckily, there was only one thing to do. I backed up to the stone wall and managed to sit on it. Swinging my legs up and over, I twisted and dangled my legs over the moat, shuffled sideways on my derriere past the fence and then, bringing my legs over the wall and down again, I hopped off. Rather nonchalantly, I continued on my way past the little offices and concession stands. No less than five minutes later, my husband and friends emerged through the archway. Once inside, once outside. That''s enough for me and the Forbidden City.