First, we must apologize for the lack of postings and email. The internet connection has been spotty, it’s expensive when it’s working (they charge by the minute), and we haven’t been in the hotel much. We’ve been on quite the adventure – and this is all before we meet Sarah on Sunday.
Today we went to the Great Wall of China. We went to the Mutianyu section, a relatively new section that’s 600 years old. The oldest part of the wall dates back to Jesus’ time. It was cool and overcast, which was great for such a strenuous trek, but not so good for photography. We did catch some long shots as the fog rolled in and out between the hills.
Dad, this one’s for you – we geocached on the Great Wall! As it was overcast we couldn’t even use the GPS, but the clues were so specific we found it anyway. And we took the doll you bought in Paris for Sarah with us to the wall and got a photo J
After that we went to a cloisonné factory, got a tour and had lunch. Very interesting and complex process. Photos later on that.
We also took our whole group on rickshaw bicycles through the Hutong Lane section of Beijing. It’s about 100 years old, and the houses are built in quadrangles, with common courtyards. This section of town has lanes that are so narrow that rickshaw is the only way we could get through. We stopped at the home of a local family, and were served jasmine tea and cake by the matriarch of the family. She used to be an accountant, but is now retired, and invites tour groups to come in and learn about her, her family and this fascinating section of town. Photos and lots of videotape to come.
We’re finally back at the hotel after about 10 hours of touring – whew! We’re posting a few photos here (they take a long time to download), then have dinner, and then go out walking along the shopping promenade, which is probably quite busy tonight, since it’s Friday night. We’re going to the Beijing 2008 store – they are all over the place, they’re government-sanctioned stores that sell merchandise for the Olympics, which will be held here in summer 2008.
Tomorrow morning we have our adoption orientation! This is where we get all last-minute info and get to ask all remaining questions. We’re very excited!
Love to you all,
Diana & Rodger
Today we went to the Great Wall of China. We went to the Mutianyu section, a relatively new section that’s 600 years old. The oldest part of the wall dates back to Jesus’ time. It was cool and overcast, which was great for such a strenuous trek, but not so good for photography. We did catch some long shots as the fog rolled in and out between the hills.
Dad, this one’s for you – we geocached on the Great Wall! As it was overcast we couldn’t even use the GPS, but the clues were so specific we found it anyway. And we took the doll you bought in Paris for Sarah with us to the wall and got a photo J
After that we went to a cloisonné factory, got a tour and had lunch. Very interesting and complex process. Photos later on that.
We also took our whole group on rickshaw bicycles through the Hutong Lane section of Beijing. It’s about 100 years old, and the houses are built in quadrangles, with common courtyards. This section of town has lanes that are so narrow that rickshaw is the only way we could get through. We stopped at the home of a local family, and were served jasmine tea and cake by the matriarch of the family. She used to be an accountant, but is now retired, and invites tour groups to come in and learn about her, her family and this fascinating section of town. Photos and lots of videotape to come.
We’re finally back at the hotel after about 10 hours of touring – whew! We’re posting a few photos here (they take a long time to download), then have dinner, and then go out walking along the shopping promenade, which is probably quite busy tonight, since it’s Friday night. We’re going to the Beijing 2008 store – they are all over the place, they’re government-sanctioned stores that sell merchandise for the Olympics, which will be held here in summer 2008.
Tomorrow morning we have our adoption orientation! This is where we get all last-minute info and get to ask all remaining questions. We’re very excited!
Love to you all,
Diana & Rodger
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