Marvelling at the Ming Tombs 
Mom hiding at the Great Wall
Tian An Men Square
Eating out with Aunty Nancy
My parents and sister arrived this Wednesday in Beijing, and it has been go, go, go ever since. In fact, it is only as my family is falling asleep, after another very full day, that I sit here writing this blog. I'll give just a brief replay of our time here so far.Wednesday, the family arrived in Beijing right on time and I was waiting with a taxi ready. They were impressed not only by the size of Beijing, but also the incredible traffic. I gave them a little dinner and put them right to bed. Thursday, we wasted no time in taking in the sights. I arranged a private van and English-speaking tour guide to take us to the Ming Tombs and Great Wall. I think everybody thoroughly enjoyed our first day.
Friday, we started out early by walking from our hotel to Tian An Men square. It was quite hot, even though it was only nine in the morning. Dad, of course, was very happy to be in such an historically significant place. Next, we crossed the street and walked through the gates of Tian An Men into the Forbidden City. We spent more than several hours there, and besides the incredible heat it was very fun. In the afternoon we took a brief rest, and then we got ready to go see Beijing Opera courtesy of my good friend Nan Sheng (Aunty Nancy) and her husband. It was an eye and ear-opening experience...
Today we toned it down a little. In the morning we all went for massages. And in the early afternoon I showed the family around the embassy district and took them out for a good lunch at one of my favorite Italian restaurants in Beijing. In the evening, we met Aunty Nancy and her husband at a Peking Duck restaurant on Wangfujin Street. It was a wonderful dinner. However, my family can't speak any Chinese and Aunty Nancy and her husband have extremely limited English. So I spent most of dinnertime translating, but it was a successful outing. Everyone had fun, and I was able to convince my parents that sending me to Beijing was not a waste of energy ;)
2 comments:
Good to see all made it and in relatively good shape. I hope you got a picture of Roger next to the Mao picture at Tiananmen. Your mom's umbrella is blocking the old boy. Mao not Roger.
I think they tell Chinese children "If you are not good we will take you to the opera."
I'm tempted to say "Been there, Done that" but it is a thrill to see people you know standing in front of those sites. Be sure to buy the t-shirts.
Have you gone shopping? You havn't truly experienced Beijing until you go to knock-off alley.
Mary Ellen sends her hellos and is beside herself with the narration so far. We printed the page to take to your grandmother.
I'm sorry we didn't get to partake in such a great guide. My passport just arrived, a scant 16 weeks from when I sent it in.
Carry on.
Marlin
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