First Day in China

What an amazing day! We started of with breakfast at our hotel and then set out on a tour of Tian'anmen Square. We experienced first hand how it feels to be a sojourner in a strange land. While we had seen the square on TV etc. Nothing prepares you for the experience of walking to through this place and beimg surrounded by thousands of people who look and sound nothing like you. Vendors hawking hats and trinkets come up and actually touch you to get your attention.

It was at Tian'anmen Square where we experienced our first rush of emotion related to the long journey we've been on to get Gracie Li Hope. As walked through the square we could hear Chinesee music playing and patriotic videos being displayed on a two huge screens I was distracted by the contrast of an ancient landmark compared such advanced technology when suddenly Diana wrapped her arms around my arm and drew close to me, When I looked to see what was happening I noticed she was tearing up with emotion so I asked what was the matter. She told me that when she heard the music it somehow triggered the reality that we were really here and the we would soon have another daughter. Of course then I started to tear up and we shared a moment alone surrounded by thousands. I'll never forget that moment.

Then as we continued our tour we stopped to take a picture in front of chairman Mao's portrait and we noticed a group of men trying to communicate something about pictures. They were pointing at their camera then pointed at Sarah. They wanted her to pose with them for a picture! Sarah agreed and they were thrilled! Our guide had warned us that people would stop and stare at us and they did. Our group was a walking tourist attraction all day, especially two little girls in our group. Crowds of people would suddenly stop and point and then someone would ask to take a picture with the little girl and then one after another they would do take pictures often times flashing that universal american gesture (no not THAT one) the peace sign! On a few occasions people asked if they could pick the girls up and hold them for a picture! The girls and their families were good sports about it though and made the best of it.

We also toured the Forbidden City and it was the architectural equivalent of the little dolls where you open the first only to find another one, etc. As you walk through the Forbidden City compound you walk though one area and as you walk through a tunnel you enter another area. One after another each progressively smaller than the last and having a different purpose.

We finished the tour by walking through the Summer Palace, more of a parkl really but amazing just the same,

Quick hitters:
Diving is chaos in China. Lane markers and traffic signals are suggestions. I didn't see one posted speed limit sight.

There are Chinese tourists! Buses full of them. People com from all over China to tour their capital equivalent of Washington DC.

Everything (almost) is in Chinese. I know that's obvious but its still disconcerting.

The table napkins are small. 1/4 the size of US.

KFC & McDonalds are the most popular American places followed by Pizza Hut. We saw one DQ.

Bikes everywhere mixed in with traffic.

People drive and park on sidewalks.

Meals are all served family style including drinks.

Pearls and silk are inexpensive in China and you can always negotiate.

People sell cooked corn on the street.

Restrooms are always an adventure especially for the ladies. The rooms are rated with stars 5 being really good and 1 being really bad. Let's just say its not an exact science. Somo of the toilets are squattie potties. The name says it all.

Coming up tomorrow: Church service at Int'l Christian Church then Great Wall tour.

We'll post some pics when we can.