We're in Beijing!

We woke up all nervous and excited early Tuesday morning for our big trip. At 5:00 Sean came to pick us up and we got to the airport at about 5:30. There was a severe thunderstorm through the night and early in the morning which had us worried about flight delays. But we got up in the air on time and it was a pretty smooth flight to Toronto (only very slight turbulence).

Luckily, our transfer was in the same terminal and after a short walk we met up with the Shaubel's for our big flight. We boarded on time (the flight was only half-ful) and we gave up our assigned seats in the bulkhead for a family with a cute 3month old baby boy (he was a trooper and slept for most of the flight).

We had a whole centre row to ourselves and there were several empty rows which enabled people to stretch out and sleep (but we really didn't get a good sleep on the plane).

The flight was smooth and we were surprised that we flew North over Ellesmere Island (we waved to you Patricia) and then the North Pole before back down over Northern Russian then China. While it was a smooth flight it was a long one and it was hard keeping Stephanie entertained. Colouring books and games only get you so far and by about the 9-10hr mark we were getting a little antsy.


We did arrive in Beijing to very gloomy weather, it had been raining for over a week and they've had some spectacular thunderstorms. At least it was cooler than expected with temperatures in the mid 20's but it is still very humid and you can feel it everywhere.

Upon arrival at the airport we were met by our guide David and his driver and they took us along with the other family that was travelling with us to the hotel (about a 30 minute drive). David seems very friendly and gave us some tips and a quick tour of the neighbourhood around the hotel, pointing out grocery stores and restaurants. One word about Beijing traffic - it is insane. You really have to watch in all directions as bikes, cars and other pedestrians whizz past. We've told Stephanie that she has to hold our hand at all times when on the street.

Getting back to the hotel, we checked in and proceeded immediately to a shower and a nap. The two hour nap was needed but it was very difficult getting up (everyone was a little cranky at first). But nothing cures crankiness better than a good meal and a beer (a juice for Steph)!

We met up with the Shaubels, the Turners (and Joan) and Lee and Les and we went out to try hot pot (chinese style fondue) but the restaurant was too busy, so we ended up at the restaurant next door. The food was great, we ordered Chinese style (Several large dishes put out on a lazy suzan for sharing by the group). We had some Kung Pao chicken (very spicy), Pork with vegetables, shrimp and rice and the adults had local beer (very good and very big bottles - 1 litre!!!). The meal (as with most meals) is really inexpensive - our bill for the three of us came to 7$ and they don't tip in restaurants (although this does not seem to affect the service - which is very friendly).

During the meal, Stephanie had to use the washroom and encountered her first squatty potty. She managed like a trooper and we took a picture of the potty to commemorate the event :)

After dinner, we headed to a local grocery store in an underground shopping mall. The store was one you'd typically find in Canada with all the goods and conveniences you would find at home. We bought some milk and cookies and headed home exhausted.

After a failed attempt to go for a swim in the hotel pool (they insisted that bathing caps be worn and we didn't bring any), we headed back up to the room and went to bed.

Tomorrow we have a tour of the ancient chinese village planned. We have to be ready to go by 8:30 since it's a two hour drive each way. Apparently, we will be having lunch in the home of a local resident of the village so we are really looking forward to this.

We'll that's it for today (we're exhausted). We'll try to post some pictures but we're not sure if this will work.

Chris, Caroline & Stephanie.