5/31/07 (continued)

We're back in the room (well, I am...Ron is still downstairs planning our adventures for tomorrow). So, after the Hutongs yesterday, we walked west to the Beijing Friendship Store. It was about a 15 minute walk west from our hotel. It is a little funny because every time we ask for directions they are given in minutes rather than distance. But anyway, back to my point, you would have all been amazed at my restraint. We're trying to save most of our shopping for Nanning and Guangzhou. We also stopped at a nearby market and purchased some bottled water. They even had distilled water for Ron's dream machine. BONUS!

To end our night, Ron and I decided to try the famous Peking Duck. We walked back west again (this time only about 2 minutes) to the Pearl Market. The 6th floor is home to the Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant. Who knew you could do so much with duck. They had a 4 page menu of duck dishes...duck intestines, duck web, duck yada yada, and more. We ended up ordering a half of roast duck. And when I say half...that means half of everything! Use your imagination to invision what was on our plates. We also ordered jasmine tea and soup for Ron. They brought out the duck and carved it by our table. Then one of the servers gave us lessons on how to eat it. It was served with little tortilla/wonton wrapper type things and numerous condiments (I'm not sure that is the right word. There was some sort of a dark thick sauce, onion, cucumber, minced garlic, and sugar). It was all very good. I know...INCREDIBLE HUH?! I have tried congee for breakfast and now roast duck. Mom & Dad, I'm sure you can hardly believe it.

I'll see if I can add some photos now and then maybe before bed I can post a bit about today. We are exhausted!

Love - Beth & Ron

Drum Tower


Hutongs From Above

Our Tea Ceremony Hostess

Rickshaw Ride

Our Guide (discussing the beams above the doorway)

Courtyard of the 2 Beam Home

Friendship Store

Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant (not really a geocache...just having fun)