Saturday, January
2, 2010
It is so bitter raw outside, and when you combine that with
exhaustion, what do you get?
Day 2 at Beijing in January.
It was still cool, and I am so glad we are here, even if only
for a little bit of time. We leave tomorrow for Nanning!!
We took a tour today. Our tour guide was one funny guy. His name
was Justin. Actually no. It was something else, but he wants
American people to call him Justin. After Justin Timberlake, his
hero. He confided in us that the name is not working though, as
he has still to get a girlfriend. What does one say to that??
So, the first place we went to was the Summer Palace. Wow!
Except for the fact that is was raw cold, it was beautiful.
Justin made sure we went to the bathroom there, because they
have 4-star bathrooms. Yes, their bathrooms are star-rated. By
the government. And he would inform us everywhere we went what
the rating the bathroom of that place was. He was very proud of
the 4-star ones. Let us remember that as impressive as that
sounds, this country's standard are a bit different then ours.
But they are still *nice*.
We then hit the Jade Factory, and you would have thought that
Samuel hit the jackpot. He was fascinated. Odd, but true. He
must have seen every possible corner of the place. I have to
say, the 15ish foot boat made out of jade was amazing. Such
detail. Such beauty. These people have patience, let me tell
you.
We did a few other things, and then we went to the Wall. YES!
THAT wall. And it is magical. ( I mean after the fact that you
think you're going to pass out from climbing. And this is that
we cheated and took a gondola part way.) When I stopped to take
a breather, I looked out and was amazed at the view, the
history, the structure, the wonder of it and the fact that WE
ARE HERE!!!! It is really stunningly breath taking. And I don't
mean the climbing part. Though that takes your breath away, too.
Funny thing. On one side of the wall, you see the mountains &
crystal clear skies, very Lord of the Ring-ish, and on the
other, you can barely see anything from the pollution.
After the wall we went to the Bird's Nest and then I really
wanted to come back to the hotel, but Justin suggested the Tea
Factory, and John, Samuel & my mom jumped at the chance. It was
interesting. But after all the places, walking and touring,
combined with no sleep, I wanted to go to bed. I think they were
right, though, and I am making myself stay awake a little bit
longer so maybe I can get used to the time change.
For those of you who know John, at all, this story is for you.
At the Summer Palace, John saw some hot dogs. He decided that
was safe enough, and jumped at the chance for American food. He
pointed and asked for a hot dog but they went to get it in the
back. He was wondering what was going on, as the hot dogs were
cooking right in front of him. The lady came back with this
yellow hot dog and handed over to him. He just stared at it
without taking it. Then he pointed to the red hot dogs and asked
for that and the lady yelled at him and said NO. I almost keeled
over laughing as John took his yellow hot dog and gave me his
"look" as he said under his breath," Just shoot me now." He
asked Justin what kind of hot dog it was and Justin didn't know.
He ate it anyway. I don't think he appreciated some lady telling
him he couldn't have what he wanted and paid for. Poor guy.
We are flying out tomorrow for Nanning, and it will be
warmer!!!!! And also one more day closer to our baby girl. :)
And so, I think I will do a quote of the day every day, as they
are many and funny.
Today's quote of the day:
John with a straight face- "There are ALOT of Chinese people
here. I mean they are all over the place!!!" |
John, my mom & Samuel in front of the Summer Palace
Walking the walkway with it's beautiful artwork
The rating on one of the bathrooms
Samuel and Justin at the Jade Factory
John, Samuel & I at the Great Wall
Samuel looking out at the Lord of the Ring-ish view. |
