Trip to China
All Days  |  Next Day

Thursday, May 22, 2014 Hello from Beijing, What a long journey! I’m so glad we made it to Beijing. Our flight started with Sammy asking, “Mom, why can’t we sit in first class? They have massage chairs and bigger TV’s. (Oh Sammy, you have many lessons to learn on this adventure!) Our flight was 15 hours and we had a 4 ½ hour layover. We arrived at our hotel around 3:30 and decided that we had to venture out in order to stay awake. (There is a 12 hour time difference) Our hotel is situated in a prime location. We can experience premier stores and a mall as well as traditional market shopping. There are also many western restaurants, but I wanted Sam to experience an authentic Chinese dinner. So….we agreed on a restaurant. Once being seated, the waiter/waitresses lined up around the restaurant. I didn’t realize that I had to read the Mandarin menu, circle my choice on the order slip, and tuck it in a slot on the side of the table. A nice waitress came over and pointed to the pencil. I pointed to the picture and she circled our choice. Forgetting I was in China, I said, “bottle water, please.” She had no idea what I was saying. Another waiter came over and said, “Coke?” Sure… “Coke, no ice.” (We can’t drink tap water) I smiled and repeated,” no ice.” Minutes later our meal was served with a hot, hot, hot bottle of coke, with no ice. I thought the can was going to explode. After dinner, we ventured down a side street where traditional vendors sold their products. As soon as we turned the corner, Sammy noticed a row of live scorpions on a stick. People were actually eating them along with other critters. The atmosphere was festive and I wish we explored a bit more. There is so much to see and do, but we are just too tired tonight. We’ll return tomorrow. I’m sure I can find something for Jiali. Nathan, I’m looking for that special gift you asked me about! Good Night From Beijing, Betty and Sam

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