The Amazing Race...

After a quiet day and a late arrival in Beijing the flurry of activity began. I haven't written for three days because we've been so busy that when we get back to our hotel we all just drop. The next day it all just starts again. Today we have a little break as we don't have to be on the bus till 9:30.

On our first day in Beijing we visited a dirt market. This is one huge flea market where people sell old and new things...beware of fakes in the market. We were just getting the hang of bartaring when it was time to go. Too bad because there were many bargins to be had.

Are they or are they not antiques?The image in our heads that there are a lot of bicylces in China may be fading as now people can afford cars. Outside the dirt market there were a lot of bikes to be found.

The Summer Palace was built in a Dynasty where "The Dragon Lady" ruled. She was not a pleasant person and certainly very selfish. When the rest of China was starving she would demand that her cooks to cook so much food that they would end up throwing out enough to feed a family for a year. The palace was incredible and today it is enjoyed by thousands. When we first came 11 years ago we were able to stroll around and feel relaxed. Not so today, as this palace has become so popular.

Outside a temple.

This is the ceiling of the walking corridor that follows the lake. It is nearly 1km long and there are hundreds of paintings. No two paintings are the same. The view is always better from here!

Just about forgot the trip to the silk factory! We learned how to make silk and did some serious shopping.

Trying our hand at pulling silk to make a quilt.
In the evening we went with Yulin and another family to enjoy a meal in "Old Beijing" and walk around a popular spot for nightlife. It was a lot of fun to stroll down the streets and people watch.

Enjoying dinner with friends.

Full of energy and very happy.

Day 2 - Trip to the Great Wall with of course, some shopping mixed in. To begin the day we stopped at a Jade factory. I'm not sure I realized how valuable Jade was until we purchased some lifetime pieces for our children.

I've heard two names for the ball this man is carving, the generational ball and the happieness ball. Inside the ball he is currently carving is three or four other balls. All are moveable and the entire piece is carved from one piece of jade.

A huge and very expensive carving. Be sure to hide the price S.J.

The anticipation grew as we were heading towards the wall. It was all very exciting as we went higher and higher. "One World, One Dream"We had the choice of walking up the right side, which was easier or the left side that had less people. The left was chosen but was also the hardest. Who made it to the top...
...They did of course!

The trip back to the hotel was rather quiet and many children fell asleep until the tour guide announced that we were very close to the 2008 Olympic Stadium Venue. Blogger won't upload a picture right now so I will have to add that later.

So ther you have it...our first two days in Beijing. Crazy busy and a lot of fun.