We are in China!

We made it safe and sound to Beijing yesterday afternoon. Thank God for a safe and uneventful flight. It was the longest 14 hours of my life! We are currently staying at the Capital Hotel and it is absolutely beautiful. We probably could never afford to stay in a hotel of this caliber in the USA.

We all are somewhat jet lagged. We went to bed around 8:30 last night and were up by 3:00 this morning. I don't understand since we didn't really sleep on the plane nor did we take a nap when we checked in. I'm hoping tonight will be a better night.

We started early this morning with a tour in Tienanmen Square and Forbidden City. We almost felt like movie stars with the way the Chinese people were looking at us. I really noticed them staring at Jake and commenting and pointing. I couldn't figure out why they were so interested in him. After touring we went to lunch at a real Chinese family home. A retired hospital worker started inviting people into her home two years ago and serving lunch. It was truly authentic. Her home was very modest and she had a turtle for a pet that just roamed her house. The food, what we ate, was good. Dave is starving! He has only eaten some white rice, actually he's eaten very little white rice. I think we all may loose some weight on this trip. I really thought Jake would have tried more, but he's turning his nose up at everything.

After lunch we took a Rickshaw Tour (a man riding a bike pulling us) in a small section of Beijing. What an experience! We drove through what looked like alleys. We really are spoiled Americans! These people live so modestly. Some people don't even have their own bathrooms. There were so many smells and I didn't recognize any of them. I've never seen so many people in one city. The Chinese people drive like maniacs too! HOLY MOLY! You really need to try and NOT pay attention to the road. I wonder how many accidents or wonder how people get hit in one day. The automobiles are sharing the road with bike riders. There are probably more bike riders than automobile drivers. There is no such thing as "right of way." It's pretty much who can make it first.

After our rickshaw tour, we went to a silk factory where they walked us through step by step how silk is made. Very fascinating. The kids really got a kick out of the silk worms. The guide let each of the kids take one home. Afterwards we were given a shopping opportunity, which of course I couldn't pass up! I bought Rachel two adorable Chinese outfits, shoes and a pearl necklace and earrings which I will put away and give to her for her 16th birthday.

After the silk factory, we went and saw an acrobat show. Absolutely amazing, what we saw of it anyway. I think jet lag set in for most of us because we could barely keep our eyes open. What I did see through my slitted eyes, was truly spectacular. The acrobats were so brave and the stunts they did were so dangerous. I don't think Jake saw much of it at all as he pretty much slept through the entire show.

Following the acrobat show, we went to dinner at the Peking Duck. We were really hoping for KFC or McDonald's at this point, especially Dave. I tried duck for the first time! I don't think I would eat it again. Very fatty and greasy. Jake wasn't fond of it either. Honestly, I think it may be the spices they use that really isn't appealing to us. Eating with chopsticks is quite a challenge. I should use them every day because I get tired of trying and I just give up and stop eating. A great way to loose weight for sure! I may have to buy some chopsticks and use them at home.

Tomorrow is going to be another busy day. We have to meet our guide by 8:30 and travel to a Jade Factory, and then we are going to the Great Wall. We are looking forward to seeing one of the "Wonders of the World". Following the Great Wall we are going to the Living Hope International Orphanage. We brought candy to share with the children since they don't get much of it. After the orphanage, we are going to the Olympics site! The Olympics is being advertised everywhere and lots of people trying to sell you Olympic souvenirs.

Well, I'm getting heavy-eyed, so I'm closing for now. I will update again when we arrive in Changsha, Hunan province on Sunday. We miss you all! Only 3 days till Rachel!