Saturday,
September 11, 2010
We had another great day in Beijing! The day started with
meeting lots of new families adopting from the same agency. We
are all staying at the same hotel, Ben and I just got in a day
earlier. We are very glad we did. The one on one attention we
got the day before was priceless. Today we were with a group of
22. We were back with our guide Grace, she is such a hoot! She
was also very honest and knowledgeable about China history and
culture.
Our first stop, Tian An Men Square, which leads to the Forbidden
City. Although we enjoyed the architecture and history lesson,
we were quite overwhelmed by the amount of people there. Grace
said this was the most she has seen. And to top it off, we had
no choice but to use more 'squatty pottys'. Yes you heard me
right. We posted a lovely picture of one yesterday. And what we
found out today, they are rated; 5 stars being the best. We were
in 4 stars today, and it was not pretty. There were a few
southern girls in our group that were not too impressed. Thank
goodness for my western roots in the sticks!
Next stop, The Great Wall of China, one of the wonders of the
world, and that it was. It is just amazing to see these type of
structures still standing. I do credit the Chinese for taking
such pride in their possessions; and their families and their
health......a typical snack bought at these tourist attractions,
cucumber or cantaloupe on a stick, and corn on the cob. No
cotton candy, hot dogs or elephant ears. This section of the
Great Wall (which all together is 3,600 miles) was only a mile
or two. It seemed like 5! You are called a 'hero' if you make it
to the top tower. Yes, we made it, but it was a jaunt. Uphill
all the way. It was mostly stairs, and the angle was at least
60%. This was some serious step climbing. But well worth the
view and sense of accomplishment.
I forgot to mention how beautiful the day was, the blue skies
are not common, and was very welcomed. The weather is not too
hot, only 85ish, but the humidity is higher than in WA. We met
some very nice families, and we look forward to meeting up with
them again when we get to Guangzhou. There is one family going
to the same province as us, but the rest go to several other
provinces to get their babys.
Oh, one more fun thing that happens to us Americans. We have a
tall blond man in our group that is a movie star! Not really,
but the Chinese think so. He was stopped many times for
pictures. I thought it was mostly because he was tall, and the
locals indicated this by pointing up high and laughing, but then
Ben got asked to get his picture taken! I think they may have
had a vision impairment! (he is kind of cute though, maybe that
was it :)
Ben and I want to say what a pleasure it is to see all the well
wishes in our guestbook! It brings tears to our eyes everyday we
see these. We wish you all could be here with us, but this
blessing of the internet brings you a little bit closer to us.
Thank you so much. We will be traveling to Nanjing tomorrow,
which you all know means we are 1 day away from Qwinn!!!!!!!!
Love, Shawna and Ben |
Tian An Men Square and blue skies.
Shawna showing off her new Jade bracelet.
The Forbidden City in full sun.
We should of brought our lock. |
