I can't get access to this blog from China however Becky has agreed to be my go-between. I'll write my posts, email them to Becky and she'll post. I can't see your comments, but feel free to post them anyway and I'll read them when I get home. There's also the chance that I may get access to the blog in another city. You are also welcome to email me at ruthellenr@comcast.net.
Flight was pretty easy thanks to unlimited direct movie access and ambien. Beijing is just as one would expect - lots of building (construction goes on 24 hrs a day) - and pretty smoggy (but you get used to it). The hotel is beautiful and very modern. All of the people are friendly but only those directly connected with tourism speak English so we are doing lots of sign language. With our Caucasian features and my blonde hair we stick out like a couple of sore thumbs and are easy target for everyone who is selling or pitching something. Last night when we were getting to leave the hotel for dinner, Marc suggested that I leave my camera in the room because "it made me look like a tourist." - PUL-LEEZE!
After a delicious dinner of duck, ribs and sauteed cabbage, we walked out to Donghuamen Food Street which you may remember from the news reports from the Olympics. It's a nighttime food market that puts 53rd Street Halal and Pat's Steaks to shame. I've attached a few pictures of some of the highlights - Pigeon on a Stick, Scorpions and Cicadas on a Stick. Dumplings, whole fish, lots of squid, pig intestines, etc. They eat everything with four legs except tables, everything that flies except airplanes and everything on two legs except people. Nothing is wasted.
We have the day free today and are off on foot to explore the city. Our hotel is is a perfect location and the weather is lovely.
Thanks for following our adventures. More to follow.
Love, RE
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