We made it!!!! After a 15.5 hour flight from Newark to Hong Kong, and a connecting flight from Hong Kong to Beijing, we are here and in great spirits.
Our first day in Emme's homeland was quite a success. We landed in Beijing around 11am and our wonderful guide (who has met Emme!) was there to meet us. We went directly to the Old Beijing section of the city and hopped into a rickshaw and wound our way through the narrow streets to a local family's home where, after my first squatty-potty experience, a homemade meal was prepared and served to us. It was outta-this-world good. We then toured the cobbled streets and learned all about Chinese customs and culture. It was almost too much to absorb and take in. They move FAST, like warp speed fast. We then checked into our hotel, breathed in and out 3 times, and headed out again to a typical Chinese acrobatic show. Our minds wouldn't believe what our eyes were seeing (that, and lack of sleep might be affecting our vision). The kids would have flipped over it. We grabbed a pizza for some comfort food and are excited to finally rest so we can start again tomorrow. We are completely enthralled with this county that in one way is completely "other" and in another way, so comfortable to us. We are headed to a more remote (less touristy) section of the Great Wall in the early am. First impressions of China
1) it is LOUD-loud talking, loud honking, loud everything
2) children are revered and catered to
3) personal space is non-existent
4) Chinese take much pride in their country and history
5) meals are very regulated and important-no skipping them (I fit right in)
6) you take your life in your hands anytime you wish to cross the street
7) people are not afraid to express their displeasure
8) those with blonde hair attract about as much attention as I imagine an alien would
9) it could take you 30 mins to go 1 mile in traffic
10) the skyline is crazy!!! Weirdest, coolest architecture
11) it is fascinating and altogether bursting with energy
12) we learned that Emme's Chinese name means "beautiful dream"
All for now. Two more sleeps to Emme. Goodnight from Beijing!
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