ORRINGTON – It was the “trip of a lifetime,” for Jerry and Joyce Perkins of Orrington.

Last October they went to Beijing to visit their son and daughter-in-law, Jon and Caroline Perkins, who are on a two-year assignment as foreign service employees with the U.S. Department of State. They work mainly in international commerce and trade.

Jon and Caroline work in the international commerce and trade section at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. They live at the Kerry Center in a three-bedroom apartment within walking distance from the embassy. While working there, Jon and Caroline have met former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney and Secretary of State Colin Powell.

After a 25-hour flight from Portland, Jerry and Joyce Perkins spent the first day of their visit exploring on foot the area near their son’s apartment. They were amazed at the vast differences within very short distances – from modern high-rise apartment complexes to historic Hutong, established in 1215 A.D.

“Those alleyways and courtyards [in that part of Beijing] are fast disappearing, especially under the wave of pre-Olympic construction going on,” the Perkinses said.

Their tour of Beijing included:

. The Forbidden City, which comprises 800 buildings and 9,000 rooms.

. The Great Wall at Matianyu, which offered views of steep mountains covered with ancient trees.

. The “Dirt Market,” where one may shop for arts, crafts and antiques. Fifty thousand people visit the market daily where they buy calligraphy art, revolution memorabilia, Buddha statues and Tibetan carpets.

. Ritan Park, built by the government, where the people of Beijing go as a respite from the bustle of the city. At the park the Perkinses saw people meditating, singing, dancing, flying kites and admiring beautiful scenery and architecture.

. Jingshan Park, a 500-year-old area where Chinese emperors went for the scenic beauty, rest and relaxation.

. The Summer Palace, built in 1750, situated in the Xishan Mountains.

. Fragrant Hills, where the Perkinses spent a day hiking.

. The Temple of Heaven, including the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, the Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Circular Mound Altar. The area was created for the Dalai Lama in 1420.

The Perkinses did not travel with a tour group. Travel around Beijing and the surrounding area is safe, convenient and inexpensive, they said. The American dollar goes far on all items, including food, clothing and most items made in China.

“It opened our eyes to another world,” Jerry and Joyce Perkins said. “We realized that we do, indeed, live in a small world where many folks, even in distant lands, have the same wants and needs we do.”