1st Day in Beijing

We had our first full day in China.  It was full of sights to see and things to do.  We thought we would have a few days to settle in before Gotcha Day with Maya.  It couldn't be further from the truth.  We met this morning to go into an old part of Beijing to walk around and sight see.  

First thing we did was hop a ride on a rickshaw.  It was a blast!  We walked some old streets on our way to the Drum Tower.  It was a way for the city to know the time dating back 700 years.  We had to climb the steepest stairs we've ever seen to the top.  

Then we had a very unique visit to a Chinese family household.  The people were very welcoming and interesting.  We asked them some questions about how they live.  There were 4 or 5 small buildings grouped together with a common courtyard in the middle.  The parents shared their home with 2 sons and their 2 daughter in-laws.  Each had their own building to live in. 

Next, we visited a Chinese Primer School and visited with some school children.  We arrived during a recess period and it was cool to see the kids out playing games and chasing one another around the school yard.

For lunch, we were invited to a different family's home to eat.  The host made about 10 different dishes for all of us.  I was very proud of Sheila for trying all of the different foods.  All of it was very good.

After lunch we rode back to our bus on the rickshaws.  Along the way, we were constantly approached by street vendors to purchase different things.  You have to learn how to say "Bu shi"  or No thanks.  They are very persistent.  It was hard to keep ignoring them.

Our last stop was the Summer Palace.  This place was truly immense in size.  A lot of walking and even another long climb to see the large Buddha statue in the Temple.  All of the detail of the art work and architecture is mind boggling.  Everywhere you look, there is intricate detail.  What a beautiful treasure for us to see.