day two

Mark and his Chinese sweets
our Zen room (this is for you Julie)


What an action packed day... got up at 7am (yes people you are reading it right- 7am) and went down for breakfast... beautiful buffet. we decided to walk a bit after breakfast to digest a bit and then.... the shopping began... oh my God... shopper's paradise- a lot of great stuff here... we went from being terrible at it to Mark becoming a tough and master bargainer... I will include a picture where the sales girl shoots a shoe at his head from frustration of his fortitude in bargaining. wow. It was great fun but exhausting beyond belief and the jet leg began to hit when we got back to hotel. We also saw Tiananimmen square from taxi (wild) and most of downtown Beijing; not bad for our 1st real day here... an action packed day. More real touring next week.
we were offered a glass of wine and beer upon our return to hotel with hors d'oevres (man this is tough) and then a quick dinner of Beijing Duck (interesting but far to rich for me) and off to bed... We were beyond beat...
This morning we went for a serious workout and now we are packing to go back to airport and meet group to fly to Chongqing ( Mikaelaland)... we will meet our daughter in 48-72 hours.
BTW Beijing is extremely multicultural- a very nice surprise... we are being treated very well (for you Sharon)
see you tomorrow in Chongqing.

Mark the master bargainer getting his Pumas thrown at him!


Relax and smell the Jasmine Tea I say...



Our hotel


such beautiful ladies; I had to ask to take a picture with them... excuse the sloppy westerner.

Mark in downtown Beijing.


Beijing Duck