Saturday was our best day so far in our trip. Unfortunately, when we woke up, it was a very foggy day, which was not the kind of day you want when you want to view the Great Wall. It was very cold today, in the 20's, but no wind, which made it okay.
Our next stop was for lunch. We had a great Chinese lunch. We enjoyed all of the dishes, except there was a fish that was filleted whole and it kept looking at me, so I decided not to try that.
We then visited a Cloisionne (I'm sure I am spelling it wrong), factory. It is so interesting how they use copper to create the designs and then use colored rock powder to fill the spaces in between in. I also had fun shopping at the factory.
Well, the parents were just walking along the walkway and the kids were having fun with all of the figures. Then, Gracie saw the camel. She took off running and was so happy to see it - she couldn't believe it was there.
We left our hotel at 9:00 and went with our group, in our bus, to a Jade Factory. It was very interesting how they carve the jade. We were also taught how to tell good jade from the imitiation jade. Then, we went into the store and I was in trouble :) They had beautiful pieces and I did come away with a few.
Our next stop was the Great Wall, which is about 1 hour outside of Beijing. I kept hoping the sky would clear, but it didn't. The Great Wall is a major tourist attraction. It reminded me of visiting the Grand Canyon, where you see people from all around the world. We were at a very steep area and the steps up the Great Wall are very uneven. Some are small steps and some are very high. Well, we started up the wall, with the best of intentions - and promptly came back down 10 minutes later. It was very hard for the kids, not to mention their mom.
The Great Wall is truly an amazing feat of man. I am so glad we got to visit.
Our next stop was the Great Wall, which is about 1 hour outside of Beijing. I kept hoping the sky would clear, but it didn't. The Great Wall is a major tourist attraction. It reminded me of visiting the Grand Canyon, where you see people from all around the world. We were at a very steep area and the steps up the Great Wall are very uneven. Some are small steps and some are very high. Well, we started up the wall, with the best of intentions - and promptly came back down 10 minutes later. It was very hard for the kids, not to mention their mom.
The Great Wall is truly an amazing feat of man. I am so glad we got to visit.Our next stop was for lunch. We had a great Chinese lunch. We enjoyed all of the dishes, except there was a fish that was filleted whole and it kept looking at me, so I decided not to try that.
We then visited a Cloisionne (I'm sure I am spelling it wrong), factory. It is so interesting how they use copper to create the designs and then use colored rock powder to fill the spaces in between in. I also had fun shopping at the factory.The whole time we are going to these places, we are driven by our trusty bus driver and led by our guide, Lisa. All of the kids in our group sit in the back of the bus together, leaving all of us parents in the front. We have really enjoyed getting to know the other kids in our group. One of the kids is Brandon, who is 8. He is an only child and is so excited about his new 2 1/2 year old brother that they are adopting. He bought his mother a Christmas present at one of the stores we visited, and he kept walking backwards, holding his present for his mom so that she wouldn't see it. Kai absolutely idolizes Brandon and they hang out together.
Our last stop was my favorite. We visited the Ming Tombs, which is where 13 Chinese emperors have been buried. It is a very beautiful place. There is a long walk, which is flanked by Willow trees and large marble animal and human figures that are over 600 years old. We were really looking forward to having Gracie see this place, because in one of her favorite movies, Big Bird Goes to China - he visits this place and there is a scene in front of the camel figurine.
Our last stop was my favorite. We visited the Ming Tombs, which is where 13 Chinese emperors have been buried. It is a very beautiful place. There is a long walk, which is flanked by Willow trees and large marble animal and human figures that are over 600 years old. We were really looking forward to having Gracie see this place, because in one of her favorite movies, Big Bird Goes to China - he visits this place and there is a scene in front of the camel figurine.
Well, the parents were just walking along the walkway and the kids were having fun with all of the figures. Then, Gracie saw the camel. She took off running and was so happy to see it - she couldn't believe it was there.
We then took our bus back to the hotel, passing the 2008 Olympic Stadium. You can tell from the photo below how foggy & polluted the air was. It was hard to see the stadium from the freeway. Everyone here is getting geared up for the Olympics next summer. Vendors are all selling Olympic paraphenalia.
Thank you again for your comments, prayers & support.
Talk to you soon, from Hunan.
Noelle
1 comment:
Sounds like such an amazing trip!! I bet you're glad you added on some time in Beijing. I cannot wait to hear more about it when you return. Thank you so much for sharing your adventures with us!
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