Beijing at Night

The fun just continues! We had our first Peking Duck Dinner and it was delicious and then we strolled through the food vendors. It was a strip of food vendors that sell everything and I mean everything!! Enjoy the pictures of the fried starfish and all the other delicious offerings! I tried fried pumpkin and it was good but unfortunately the smell of the street prevented me from eating anything! We saw so many new and amazing things today that it is difficult for me to capture it all with words. The stroll through the park gave us a glimpse into the life of "older" Beijing residents. I got the feeling that they were at the park for exercise as much as for socialization. We saw lots of group stretching, dancing, ping pong and a game like hackey sack. The Summer Palace, where the Emperor would spend his summer, was full of beautiful courtyards and a man made lake. Climbing the Great Wall was more challenging than I ever expected! The steps are so steep and there are just so many of them! The lower part of the wall was very crowded and it was amazing to see people carrying babies, smoking cigarettes and talking on cell phones while trying to climb the wall. The views kept getting better the higher we went and imagine my surprise to see a toilet and souvenir vendors past the 4th tower! That is quite a hike to work!! I will never forget climbing the "Great Wall Of China"!! On our way back to the hotel we were able to drive past the Olympic cube and birds nest. The traffic was unbelievable and a 45 minute drive took us 2 hours! A couple of thing I saw or just think are interesting: Children go to the bathroom anywhere, like right in front of you on a sidewalk! Traffic is just like they say and I am very glad we are in a huge bus, that mean we usually win the traffic war! I can't believe I can function on so little sleep.. I guess it is preparing me for whats to come! I have become very good at bartering my prices down.. even if I only save a buck its a thrill! Even though kids pee everywhere the streets are pretty clean of litter. I am impressed with how many signs are in English. Tonight was when the realization set in that we are less than 48 hours away from Lily. Having this time in Beijing to truly experience the Chinese culture is such a gift and I tried to soak everything up. I can only hope thay one day we are able to return with all our children. Tomorow we visit the Forbidden City and taking a tour of "old" Beijing. At the end of the day we are on a plane to Nanchang. We are so close to what we have been waiting for for 3 years!!

Peking Duck