Sunday, August 13, 2006

We started our day by visiting a jade factory and then went to the Ming Tombs. The kids were all a little tired (i.e. grumpy) having been up since 1am. It will be nice when the jet lag is gone!

We had lunch at a fun restaurant and did some shopping afterwards. After lunch we set out for The Great Wall of China. Although we were
awoken last night to thunder and lightning storms, the weather had been comfortable and dry all day.. that is, until we reached The Great Wall. On our bus ride up the mountain it started coming down in buckets. And for those family members who remember our trip to Venice years ago, we were the "blue" family today. I'll include a picture to jog your memory.

When we arrived we took a gondola ride up to the observation point. The beautiful surroundings looked as though they were right out of a book. Rolling green hills, clouds hovering overhead, and The Great Wall cascading throughout the mountains. I've seen pictures my whole life, and now we were here in person-it was incredible! We were pleasantly surprised that it stopped raining just as we set foot on the wall. After about 20 minutes it started to sprinkle, then rain, then pour! Despite our high-tech rain gear, we all got wet! Poor Connor and Spencer, who both declined a rain poncho for the way down, were utterly soaked by the time we reached the bus. We were all laughing at the sight of ourselves-it was definitely a day we'll remember.

Did I mention that my children have become quite the popular photo opportunity for many chinese people. At least 10 times a day (and I'm not exaggerating) people stop the children and ask if they can take a picture with them. Spencer seems to be asked the most and he's been a pretty good sport. It's so funny to see the looks he gets as we walk down the street. His white blond hair really does stand out like a sore thumb. I'm starting to get an idea of what it feels like to have the paparazzi after you!

As much fun as we're having, my heart is longing to be in Hunan province already. I've been thinking about Ellen and her spending her last few nights at the only home she's ever known. Soon we'll be together and she will have a forever family of her own. Only 1 more day...