It is now the morning of the 21st. I wanted to post last night, but was too tired. Yesterday was a great day. I am enjoying myself far more than I expected.
In overview, we drove by the Water Cube and Bird's Nest, visited a jade factory (factory is probably not the correct word since jade is obviously not manufactured), visited a place where clossine (totally spelled wrong - it's basically a type of enamelware) is made, and visited the summer palace. Probably the most fun thing we did was climb the Great Wall. Where we were, the Great Wall was made up of varying height steps (some steps were literally knee high while some were ankle high) leading straight up a mountain. Justin and I turned it into a workout and pushed our lung capacity to it's limits trying to go as far as we could in a short time. Justin, of course, went way further than anyone else and actually ran a portion of it. Afterwards we had an authentic Chinese lunch served family style. I tried most of it, but had to draw the line when the platter with the an entire, intact fish came my way.
We challenged death on more than one occasion yesterday. I wish I could explain exactly how people drive in China. Our driver's technique seems to be to just drive as fast as he can, honk his horn a lot, and just hope for the best. There seem to be no rules regarding passing. Apparently, it is allowed on all roads, and the Chinese have clearly never heard the rule about not pulling into the oncoming lane if any vehicles can be seen moving towards you. Our driver likes to add the excitement by talking at lengths on his cell phone. As scary as it is to be in a moving vehicle on the roads in Beijing, it's even scarier on foot. There is no sacred ground for the pedestrian. There are crosswalks and "walk" signs at traffic lights, but apparently these just indicate routes that are marginally safer than arbitrarily walking out into traffic. Yesterday, our group walked to dinner down the street an across a major street. After waiting for a while for a safe opportunity to cross, we realized it would never happen and we would just have to run for it and hope for the best. One person in our group compared to playing Frogger.
I'll have to post later all the details regarding our dinner last night, a very humorous occasion.
It's been a lot of fun getting to know the other people in our group. I am so grateful that we aren't here all by ourselves.
Love you all,
Shelley
9 comments:
Oh how I can relate to all you have said! Don't you like that they drive so close to each other that you look out your bus window and see eye to eye right into someone's face next to you...it feels like they are inches away from you, but they are actually in another bus. The Great Wall was our highlight too.
Kristin
Love hearing all about your travels. Of course justin ran farther than anyone else! Can't wait to see pics of layla in your arms
Justin - does that count as a hill work out?! I'm jealous.
Hey guys! We have Henry and he is very happy. I asked him and he shook his head. He and kids had snacks of goldfish crackers and milk. He is now playing doctor, wearing two stethoscopes and carrying a shot syringe. It's not real..neither are my ouches. But he is concerned none the less. The pics of the wall look great. Glad to hear you are all having such a great time!
Look forward to talking to you tomorrow night.
So close to meeting Layla!!!
Kathi
Hey guys! We have Henry and he is very happy. I asked him and he shook his head. He and kids had snacks of goldfish crackers and milk. He is now playing doctor, wearing two stethoscopes and carrying a shot syringe. It's not real..neither are my ouches. But he is concerned none the less. The pics of the wall look great. Glad to hear you are all having such a great time!
Look forward to talking to you tomorrow night.
So close to meeting Layla!!!
Kathi
Sorry we always double-post on our comments...I think we finally have the kinks worked out now. I didn't tell Kathi in time to make her last post but I thought it was cute that Henry was telling me about "My Layla" on the way over from the Shooners. We'll talk to you guys tomorrow night.
Chuck
I am having such a great time reading your blog. I am not surprised that you guys walked so far.
Yes! We can't wait to hear about meeting Layla. Love to both of you.
Can't wait to see pics of of you and Shelly with Layla! What an exciting and amazing time for your family! Stop eating duck brains Justin. It's just gross!
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