Learning Chinese is hard but sometimes you learn a new word instantly.

We had just finished lunch at a farm north of Beijing (think really fresh food) and heard that there is a horse riding area near. So so we ask a parking attendant if he knows where.  I shouldn't say we, but Yang, since I never speak and even less so in Chinese even though I do know how to say "horses, where?" in Chinese. The problem is, with my tone deaf pronunciation my "horses, where?" might be interpreted as "mother, where?" or "asshole, where?" to which the reply might be "america" or "i'm looking at him".

So, with correct tones used by Yang (well, perfect tones since she is beijing ren) we are directed to a the opening in the wall at the end of the parking lot. We walk in, and sure enough, there are horses saddled and ready to go, some munching on hay. I had expected a small area where guides would lead riders around but instead this looks like actual horse riding. I'm not sure I'm up for this. It had been years since I have been on the horse and all I can think about is that they are big and if they fall it will hurt. More than hurt.

But despite the horses there are no people, so I think I might be off the hook. Aidan and Lydia are noticeably excited and want to get on the horses right away. We walk around a bit and when a dog starts barking hear a sleepy "uhhhh" from a wooden shack. A man emerges, white tee shirt, black pants, dark shoes, bad teeth. Yang inquires as to the price. 30 kuai each (about $4) for a 2K ride. I will take Aidan, she will take Lydia.

(Aidan on the streets of Beijing, looking a lot like his dad at the same age)

Yang is first on the horse. Left foot in the stirrup, right hand on the saddle, pull herself up, and on. Very smooth and easy. Now my turn. I try to be just as smooth but more importantly cool, as if I'm do this all the time. Left foot in the stirrup, right hand on saddle, pull myself up, and on. Actually did ok. Aidan sits in front of me in the saddle and he's exited. He has no idea how uncomfortable I am on top of the horse. But the horse knows and immediately starts walking backwards, down a slope, wandering as far as he can go from the trail. Our guide effortlessly rides his horse over, shows me how to control the reins, and says something to me in Chinese. I interpret it as "get a clue".

The we are off on the trail, trotting slowly. Aidan wants to horse to run. I tell him, let's walk. Although he is sitting directly in front of me and I can't see his face I sense a devilish smile. A joy for what he's about to do. He says one world, loud, almost giggling, but with intent:

"Jia!" (驾)

And we are off!

I just learned the Chinese word for "Getty up" and I will never forget it.