Jet Lag Be Damned!
In spite of some bone-deep exhaustion, we had a full day. We slept well and ate at the hotel breakfast buffet. Very yummy- eggs, crepes, waffles, pastries, etc. PLUS dumplings, spring rolls, trout, salmon, baked beans, brie, corn-on-the-cob and mystery fruits.
We met with two other families from our group and headed off to the Summer Palace. It was exciting to get to the city in the daylight. It is a very "alive" place. Lots of people, traffic and activity. It is amazing how many bike riders there are zooming right along with the buses and cars. As I heard, China doesn't have traffic laws, it has traffic suggestions. The use of blinkers or brakes seems to forbidden.
We went the Summer Palace, built in the 1800's. It's on a beautiful lake and the architecture is beautiful-colorful and detailed. (By the way, while I'm typing this in the hotel's business center there is a Chinese woman singing "Stand By Your Man" in the lounge.) We had several people staring at us which seemed unusual since we are in Beijing and there are plenty of westerners here. Our guide said that a lot of people from rural China come to Beijing only once in their lifetime so we were an unusual sight for them.
Then we had lunch at a "Fast Food" restaurant. Peter, our guide, said that it was a very typical Chinese lunch. We had sandwiches with pork and green peppers and a hot & spicy noodle soup.
We loved it, of course.
After that we went to a Lama Temple. It was amazing. Unfortunately we could not take pictures in the actual temples because we saw statues paintings that were breathtaking. There in a Buddhist statue that was several stories high, carved from a single piece of wood. They built the building around it and it took 7 years just to stand it upright.
We came back to the hotel and napped, aka-passed out, and then went to dinner at a dumpling restaurant with our group. We talked a lot about daughters. All four couples here in Beijing will be first time parents. Everyone is very excited. All our heads turn whenever a little girl walks past us.
Unfortunately we can't post pictures yet. Hopefully tomorrow.
We met with two other families from our group and headed off to the Summer Palace. It was exciting to get to the city in the daylight. It is a very "alive" place. Lots of people, traffic and activity. It is amazing how many bike riders there are zooming right along with the buses and cars. As I heard, China doesn't have traffic laws, it has traffic suggestions. The use of blinkers or brakes seems to forbidden.
We went the Summer Palace, built in the 1800's. It's on a beautiful lake and the architecture is beautiful-colorful and detailed. (By the way, while I'm typing this in the hotel's business center there is a Chinese woman singing "Stand By Your Man" in the lounge.) We had several people staring at us which seemed unusual since we are in Beijing and there are plenty of westerners here. Our guide said that a lot of people from rural China come to Beijing only once in their lifetime so we were an unusual sight for them.
Then we had lunch at a "Fast Food" restaurant. Peter, our guide, said that it was a very typical Chinese lunch. We had sandwiches with pork and green peppers and a hot & spicy noodle soup.
We loved it, of course.
After that we went to a Lama Temple. It was amazing. Unfortunately we could not take pictures in the actual temples because we saw statues paintings that were breathtaking. There in a Buddhist statue that was several stories high, carved from a single piece of wood. They built the building around it and it took 7 years just to stand it upright.
We came back to the hotel and napped, aka-passed out, and then went to dinner at a dumpling restaurant with our group. We talked a lot about daughters. All four couples here in Beijing will be first time parents. Everyone is very excited. All our heads turn whenever a little girl walks past us.
Unfortunately we can't post pictures yet. Hopefully tomorrow.
posted by Lisa & Dave | 8:18 PM
7 Comments:
Dave and Lisa....I heard from Lisa's Mom that you arrived safe and sound. You should have seen Ralph and I smiling from ear to ear just to know that you all finally made it and are well on your way to becoming the best parents ever. I can't wait to read more of your travels....sounds fascinating to say the least. I'm sure the pictures will never do it justice. We'll continue to think of you every day......Love and miss you. Take care, Teri and Ralph
Dave and Lisa, Just read the update. It gave me cold chills to to read the words "our daughter's country". It's so amazing to know that you are that close to seeing her. It brings back all of those "mother feelings". Okay so I'm a sap! We'll be thinking about you and praying for you every day. Love, Nancy and Joe
Dave & Lisa - glad to hear that you arrived safely. Believe me, when you see Emmy's face in person and hold her for the first time, the past 14 months will be all worth it! Emmy is lucky to have such a wonderful Mom and Dad. We can't wait to see pictures...
Karen & Jim
Dave and Lisa as I set here and read your messages from Ralph, Teri, my wife, Jim and Karen. It makes me start crying with joy for you guys. This is so exciting for all of us and can only imagine the joy and excitment you all are feeling. Dave all the years you were there with Sarah and Tom when they were infents and now it is my turn to watch you. As I set here and write more tear are in my eyes. I am so happy for you guy and know you will some day be ALMOST AS GOOD A PARENT AS NANCY AND I HAHAHA. Well I could go on writeing but I must quit. With lots of Love and Joy, Joe and Nancy
How do you say "Hi" in Chinese? We're so excited for you both. This morning on the Today Show, Matt Lauer was in China and it just gave me chills, knowing that you two (and Emmy) are there too.
Love and Light,
Pat and Mike
Dearest Lisa and Dave, I am sooooo excited!!!! I love reading your story. I know you are both simply "Itchin" ( to use an old Kentucky word) to get your arms around that"Sugar Lump". If she only knew what a wonderful set of parents, grandparents and group of friends await her. God has surely smiled on you all. My prayers are unceasing and I await more words for this on-going story!!!!! Love, Carol
Okay, everytime i read anything on here i cry! I am so excited for you all, i cant explain it. I cant even imagine how you all must feel. Pooka and Doodle say hello and to please bring their sister home soon..They are doing just fine...I love you both, Leah
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