We then joined a tour with other Holt families (our adoption agency) to the Great Wall of China.

The day was cold and clear, the perfect day to climb the wall. We chose to hike the south part of the wall. It was amazing. Even though we were all bundled up, Paul and I got reprimanded for letting the skin between the bottom of Jen’s pants and socks show!

After The Great Wall, we went to the cloisonné factory where we were shown how this ancient art is done. Now that I am sitting here, I can’t believe that I didn’t take any photos there or in the huge store. Next came lunch. It was great Chinese food. After lunch, we climbed on the bus and drove back into Beijing for a tour of the old area of town. We traveled in Pedi cabs.

Beijing is trying to save some of these areas as historical sites. One of the stops we made was to visit a family. The woman, whose home we visited, was a retired nurse. She and her husband raised three children in a two-room home. She is 78-years-old.

We are now back at the hotel. Paul and Jen are swimming so I can finish this. It will be an early evening tonight. We are still trying to adjust to the time change. Jen hasn’t slept at all today so we are expecting her to sleep well, especially after all the running she did on top of the Great Wall!