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Hello! Today we had a full day of touring in Beijing. We were up early and had breakfast at the hotel. Then we met up with the other family in our travel group in the lobby. When our guide, Michelle, arrived we headed out to start the tour. First stop was Tiananmen Square/ Forbidden City. It was very crowded there!
Our travel group at
the Forbidden City
The buildings and architecture are gorgeous. I cannot even begin to imagine the work put into building this area!
Mike and Angie in
the Forbidden City
While we were taking a break in the Forbidden City and Michelle was giving us information, Mike noticed some kids around him. They were coming up to his feet and putting their shoes next to his. The next thing I knew they were having their picture taken with him. Well you know I then had to take their picture together, also! Too funny!
Mike and his followers!
After the Forbidden City, we headed to a cloisonné factory and then lunch at the factory. When we arrived we were able to take a tour where they showed us the process in making one piece of cloisonné. It is an amazing process and very cool. We were then taken to the dining area and served a whole lazy Susan full of food. I tried a lot of different foods which many of you may be VERY surprised by! And it was delicious. After lunch we had time to shop and we picked up a couple of gifts and a nice cloisonné Christmas ornament for the tree.
Next stop was the Great Wall. It truly is a wonder of the world! Amazing.
The Great Wall
Unfortunately it was unbelievably hot today and we did not make it all that far up the wall. But we took some amazing photos! It is definitely something to see!
Mike at the Great Wall
Angie at the Great Wall
On the way back to the hotel we passed by some of the Olympic venues. They have done a lot of preparations for the Olympics here in Beijing! Our guide, Michelle, tells us now is the time to come to Beijing as everything is even more beautiful!
The Bird's Nest Olympic Venue
On the way back we were also informed of the plans for tomorrow. Our flight leaves at 7:20am which means we have to be up and in the lobby at 4:45am. Yuck! But the good note is we are heading to Xi'an and Sadena is waiting for us there!
It is 8:00pm here now and we get Sadena tomorrow at 6:00pm. So in less than 24 hours she should be in our arms! Amazing that the time has finally come! I wonder if Sadena can even realize that this is her last night in an orphanage? We will forever be grateful to those who have cared for her until now!
OK, well, I guess we'd better get packed and off to bed as the wake-up call is set for 3:30am! Next post will have the pictures you all are waiting on! "See you" tomorrow!
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