Friday, February 15, 2008

Day 3 - Beijing: Tiananmen Square and Hutong Tour



We started our day with breakfast at the hotel buffet - yummy! We boarded the bus with our group and headed off to Tienanmen Square. It was so amazing to be in the place we've only seen in pictures. So of course, we took a hundred or so pictures of our own! We walked and walked from Tienanmen Square and through the Forbidden City. Then we were whisked off to lunch - Chinese food served family style. We tried everything (well, Karen avoided the fish).
After lunch we toured a silk factory and learned how silk was made. Then onto a rickshaw for the Hutong tour. It was fascinating to hear how real people live in Beijing. Our tour included a visit with a family who lived in a courtyard house. She explained how they love their home, which has been in the family for three generations. But her children have moved to the high rise apartments nearby in Beijing. I guess much of the younger generation doesn't care to live in the Hutongs, one of the reasons being there are no private toilets in the houses. All families share a public toilet and shower located nearby. I can see why this would make me move away from home!
Our final stop was to the Acrobat show. It was visually beautiful. Though it was warm and dark and many of us were fighting the jet lag to stay awake for the show. We finished our evening with trip to the Walking Street where we had dinner at McDonalds - LOL! I promise not to do that too often.

8 comments:

Tracy said...

The rickshaw tour sounds awesome! That is one thing we did not do when we were there (not part of our tour for some reason), but I would love to. The air there looks so much clearer than it was in late October! Lucky you! Only 3 more sleeps until Micah!

Tracy (Trace7) from adoption.org

Donna said...

You're there you're there you're really really there!! So happy to see you in your son's birth country. It won't be too long now until your lives are permanently changed forever. Enjoy your last few days together soaking up that wonderful country. Love the pics and of course a good blogger!! Looking forward to the big day and those wonderful pics of you FINALLY holding your baby :)

chadwick's said...

so exciting to see you both really there in Beijing! Praying for your union with Micah, for protection and peace beyond your understanding.We love you ! love Beth and family

Anonymous said...

I just discovered your blog and my spine is all tingly thinking about how close you are to having Micah. I know you'll have a lot on your plates these next couple weeks, but please keep those of us in blogland up to date! We're dying to know more!

Steph said...

So glad to see that you made it safe and sound! I know Beijing seems like a whirlwind, but remember that it's just to get your body used to the time, food, and weather...when what you really want to be doing is holding your son! Can't wait to see you finally united with him. I'll be thinking of you often as you inch ever closer to the big day!

Kevin, Jake and Violet said...

Hey, congratulations on making it there! It must be so exciting.
It won't be much longer now before you get your son.
This is actually the first time I've communicated with someone actually in China. I can't wait until it's our turn to be on that end of the communication system.
Take care and enjoy every minute of it.

Kevin and Violet, aka PiperH
LID 4-4-07

Unknown said...

The time is drawing near. Can't wait to see little Micah!

Valeri said...

Not too much longer to wait for Micah!