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Indonesia and the Philippines on Monday signed an agreement on combatting drug crime, despite ongoing efforts by Manila to prevent the execution of a Filipina on Indonesian death row for heroin smuggling.

My priority for the day was to see the Terracotta Warriors. Just a few months before, I had seen a wonderful exhibit of some of these pieces, and I was really looking forward to seeing them in situ. I got there easily by bus, walked through the long stretch of tourist shops and restaurants, and finally reached the ticket gates.

Our cart driver told my guide that he and his forefathers had worked on the grounds for generations, and throughout our visit, he pointed out unusual architectural features and described their purposes, with my guide translating. I was glad that he directed my attention to some things that I might not have otherwise noticed.

We also took a rickshw ride in the Hutong district of Beijing. This is an older part of the city with small houses with courtyards. Mostly retired people live there and some offer to cook for tours. This was the kitchen area in the house where we went to eat. This was a lot of fun.

There are 300 rooms furnished in classic European style with Oriental influences and offer all the modern amenities both business and leisure travelers can use, including complimentary high speed Internet access, four phones and silent fax machines. In addition to the shopping arcade, there is a swimming pool with a terrace terrace, a spa, business center, banquet and meeting rooms. A unique feature is the soundproofed Floor Music Room with a grand piano available to guests.