Busy day of touring Beijing

We woke up at about 4:30 this morning and could not get back to sleep. The girls were up by 5 laughing so we got up and started getting ready. We had 5 other people join us for the tours today. They are here helping the dad with his adoption as the mom had to stay back home.

We headed to Tiananmen Square and walked around, it was so cold. We were thankful that we dressed in layers and I was so thankful for the scarf that my mother got me for Christmas.

We then went to the Forbidden City and walked through there. George took us in some areas we had not previously seen. To see photos from today click on the picture link at the top and then click on the Beijing tours folder for todays pics.

On the way out of the Forbidden City the street vendors were everywhere. This one guy latched on to us wanting to sell us books on the area. He started out at 100 Yuan for 1 book. I offered 20 Yuan. He followed me a city block haggling as we walked. I finally got 2 different books for 40 Yuan ( less than $6.00). We then were swarmed by beggars wanting money. Including mothers putting little children in our path with cups and hands out for what ever you would give. It was difficult to see all this and wonder who had real needs and who was just panhandling.

George took our group to a local Chinese restaurant and they served a large variety of foods to us. It was a wonderful meal and a nice break from the day.

Next stop was the silk factory. They showed us how silk is made from the eggs for the worms through the process to the cocoon and how that was turned into thread and woven into various things. They made these beautiful silk quilts by hand. It was tempting to purchase one but we choose not to do it. We also looked at other wonderful silk products that they sell in their store.

We then went to the Hutong area. This is a very old part of Beijing where all the homes are in courtyard configurations. You are taken around on a rickshaw and see the area. Hutong is a word for alley, the streets are very narrow alleyways. We saw a huge ice skating area on a frozen lake, many shops and other local places. We went to a home and were hosted by a wonderful older lady. She served tea, oranges, peanuts etc. to us. She answered many questions about the area. Her house was over 100 years old.

Believe it or not we were not done yet. We went to the Beijing Acrobat show from here, the show started at 5:15 pm but was a great show. They had a magnificent light show and the acrobats were great as usual. Laura fell asleep on the way to the show but woke up to watch the show. Shiyan tried to stay up but did not make it and slept through most of the show. We made it back to the hotel about 6:45 and we were all exhausted. Robin bathed the girls while dad walked down the street to McDonalds to grab some food for us.

Wow what a day we are so tired. Tomorrow is the Great Wall and Ming Tombs so another busy day. Only 2 more days until we meet Maria. That is our goal and reason for being here.

So long for now.