Today we went to The Great Wall. Wow, what a work-out!! We were amazed by the size and length of the wall. There were many Chinese climbing with us. We didn't feel so bad about being out of breath during most of the climb because the Chinese were out of breath too. We then toured the Summer Palace, ate lunch at the Cloisionne factory, then drove by the construction site of the Beijing Olympic Stadium. While at the Summer Palace, I (Andrea) smiled at a nice Chinese family then noticed that the mother was pushing her 8ish year old daughter toward us. As we stopped to see what she wanted, the little girl said, "Hello, what is your name?" (She was apparently practicing her English) I told her, then she said "Nice to meet you Andrea. Do you like our country?" She made several statements then "said bye bye" while her mother smiled with such pride. That little girl was so adorable. It all happened so quickly that we couldn't get the camera out fast enough. The memory will last forever, though. While we were traveling from one destination to the next, our guide, Catherine, gave us pronunciation tips and common phrases to remember. The language is very difficult to remember because different inflections in pronunciations cause the meaning of the word to change. For example, "mother-in-law" is spelled the same as "horse", just pronounced differently. Andrea didn't tolerate the bus ride well and had to be moved to the front of the bus (how embarrasing). Nothing that a little dramamine couldn't take care of though....thank goodness. I didn't feel so bad after Catherine became a little sick too.
We arrived back at Zhaolong Hotel around 5:30pm. I was ready to go bed for the night but Don managed to keep me awake until 10:00pm. We took a walk along the streets of Beijing, stopped at a small mall and just enjoyed "taking in" the culture.
Beijing Day 4-
Don and I actually slept for 9 hours last night?? We just had breakfast and are getting ready for the 3 hour flight to Guangzhou. Next post will be in a much warmer climate. Guangzhou's forecast is sunny and low 70's.
5 comments:
Sounds like you two are having a great time.Next stop Guangzhou!!! Can't imagine the emotions and excitement you two must be feeling about now. We'll be keeping the three of you in our prayers.
Love Debbie & Doug
Ree & Don...The magic moment is nearing..I know you are excited..Mee too!! Mother-in law & horse all in the same sentence ??? Just be careful what you try to say in Chinese!!!Love Dad
Don & Andrea,
Dennis came by with his laptop so we could read all the messages you've sent-also, Debbie has called.
Received our Valentine from Adelyn-really cute. You think of everything.
Well the exciting time is almost here. Would love to be there when you get her.
Dad said to bring him home some qual eggs if you have room...just kidding. We'll be thinking of you in the days ahead. Anxiously awaiting our tenth grandchild!
Love,
Mom & Dad
COME OUT COME OUT WERE EVER YOU ARE! IT'S BUTTERFLY AND HER FRIEND CANDY CANE.THINKING OF THE FAMILY OF THREE.HOPE THAT ALL IS WONDERFUL AND THAT Y'ALL HAVE GOTTEN SOME SLEEP. WE HAVE BEEN LUNCHING ON "WHITE CASTLES" AND WATCHING T.V. ON THIS BLUSTERY DAY!!!! CAN'T WAIT TO TEACH ADELYN ABOUT THE FINE FOODS OF KENTUCKY!! HOGS AND KISSES-CHOW,CHOW FOR NOW!!!!
It's 7:30 in the morning in China. It's getting closer and closer until you get to see Adelyn. Please post lots of pictures. Glad you got to climb the Great Wall. I can't wait to tell my students on Tuesday. They won't know what to think. Oh yeah, Kristy's friend who is adopting from China just received their picture!
Love,
Jenni
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