June 1, 2007

This day one year ago was the busiest we had in Beijing. We crammed so much into this day it was crazy. Some of it was our doing, and some of it was Bob's (our tour guide for the day who just wanted to make us happy, but didn't know when to quit).

Since I was able to blog on this day I'll be copying most of this post from my June 1 post of a year ago with a few minor updates (***) and additional photos. The pictures make this seem like quite a marathon post, but they're the best part. And, like I said, we had a very packed day. Enjoy re-living our Great Wall, etc. experiences of this day with us.
~~~~~~~~~~
OK - Here is the list from today:

Group Breakfast
Lobby at 8:15
Jade Factory
Great Wall
Cloisonne Factory
Lunch
Ming Tombs
Silk Factory
Tea House
Hotel - 8:00 'ish

I cannot believe all that we saw in one day. Everyone is completely exhausted!

We started out with everyone meeting this morning for breakfast together. We are very happy to report that after a cancelled flight from MSP and some unhappy encounters with airport personnel, and then a lost reservation upon arrival here, the O'Donnell Family has made it, safe and tired, but here. They have quite a story to tell. *** Amy and Dave, Flossie and Ashley - we were so happy to finally have you there safe and sound. What a way to start your trip! I would have been an absolute basketcase. Who am I kidding? I was pretty much an emotional baby for our whole trip anyway. :) You handled everything so well! ***

After breakfast, we met in the lobby at 8:15 for our tour. *** We had no idea what we were in for. *** Our fist stop was at a jade factory where we purchased a small "peaceful button" necklace for Hope. Her button is both green (happiness) and white (purity) jadeite (a hard, high quality stone).



*** Expensive Jade bracelet we didn't buy. :) I had fun trying it on though. They put my hand in a plastic bag to get this thing on my wrist. Once Chinese women get their bracelets they very rarely remove them so they are intended to fit snugly. ***

*** Jade Family Ball - This is carved out of a single solid piece of jade. We were told that each sphere is to represent a family generation. The caption here reads "Dragon is a symbol of the masculine and phoenix is a symbol of feminine. The combination of the two in the shape of a ball can bring couples love and harmony."

*** Lady at Work - & Andy's head. :)***

*** Leaving the Factory - Next Stop: Great Wall ***

At 10:30 we were back in the vans and headed to the Great Wall at Badaling. Words cannot describe the wonder of this structure. We were in awe! When we first looked around, I was convinced that we were going to go our left. It seemed like there were fewer steps in that direction, but alas...NO. We went to the right and man was it a workout. People aren't fibbing when they tell you to get in shape before taking on the wall. It was simply incredible. Even through the haze we were able to experience wonderful views from the top of our climb. It is difficult to imagine the construction process involved. Absolutely a "wonder of the world."

Our first group shot in China (we are still minus 2 families)

*** To the Left ***

*** To the Right ***



Beth & Dave (1st to climb to the top - I know...heights! I'm full of surprises this trip!)



The view from above - it doesn't look so bad from this angle, but when you're at the bottom looking up, the climb seems endless.

*** I added these next photos for perspective. You can see how steep, large, and uneven the steps are. Also, the railing is often at knee height...not the most comfortable for hanging on, but you certainly don't dare let go either. :) ***



This monument says that "you're not a real man until you've walked on the wall."

Our next stop brought us to a cloisonne factory where we learned about the steps of decorating these beautiful copper crafts. It is a very intricate, detailed process. One thing that I've noticed at all of our stops thus far, is the pride of the Chinese people in their work and tradition. Our guides have been very passionate in their descriptions of everything we've seen. The hosts/hostesses have been very polite and gracious, and the craftsmen (& women) are very intent and focused during their work as we all gather around for closer views of their art. Their attitude is inspiring.
*** Another Lady Working***

Upstairs from the cloisonne factory we were treated to a very delicious lunch. We were served sweet and sour pork, beef with peppers, rice, and an assortment of other dishes (I'm not just sure of it all). I personally enjoyed the sesame seed balls. MMMMMMMMM! The fishy tasting mystery meat, not so much. :)

Next on the list for the day was a visit to the Ming Tombs. Another very interesting place with a rich history. This was the burial place for 13 emperors. How incredible that people would take such care in creating such a magnificent place for burial. I don't really have a lot to report from here. It is just so awesome to take it all in.
*** Some Info About the Chambers ***

Emily, Lexi, & Kennedie

Really Cool Cypress Tree

*** ...& Caption ***

*** Here are a couple more pretty shots from the Tombs. Notice the Dragon and Phoenix in the lower picture. ***


Ron and Bob (who just keeps going, and going, and going,...you get the picture)

By now we were all starting to lose our energy. Jet lag has hit most of us and we're ready to end the tour. But, Bob (our guide for the day) had other plans. We still stopped at a silk factory and a tea house before heading back to the Jinglun Hotel. I think most of us glanced around at everything and thought...OK - let's go. :) We made time for just one more picture though. We think Hope would be pretty darn cute in this light pink/peach color. Opinions?

*** SILK - Spinning & Our Group Stretching Silk for a Comforter ***


*** We're all still smiling, but we are WIPED OUT! ***

*** I ended my post last year talking about how much fun we'd had during those first couple of days but how far away from home we were beginning to feel. We'd been so busy before we left and we'd been having lots and lots of visitors and phone calls from friends and family wishing us well. Now all of a sudden there we were, thousands of miles away with only this blog keeping us connected. We asked for prayers and comments then as we do now. Please continue to keep our family in your prayers and to leave us notes when you visit us here. It means so much to hear from all of you, quick visitors, family, and friends alike. Though I type here for journaling purposes, it is still nice to know that I'm not alone in my ramblings. So, there we were at the end of an exhausting day, excited to know we'd be meeting Hope in 3 days but so tired and feeling the effects of the 13 hour time difference catching up with us. Stay tuned for the next installment of our Beijing adventures. ***

All our love - Beth & Ron

Quick view from the van window of the Olympic Stadium in progress. ("bird's nest")