Beijing-Day2

We are unable to get to our blog from the business center so I am depending on the kindness of other people to go in their rooms to post. Also, we cannot view the blog or your comments from here. Yesterday, we went to a beautiful park called Jingshan Park in the early a.m. People were exercising, doing Tai Chi, sword dancing, ribbon dancing, playing instruments, all kinds of things. One man was doing cartwheels down the path and a boy from our group joined him, which drew a big crowd. We are taking tons of pictures but can't send thm yet, so sorry. Later, we went to The Forbidden City and Tiannamen Square. It was absolutely amazing! So much history and such a unique culture. There are street vendors everywhere, they don't all take no(or Bu) for an answer. We broke away from the group for dinner last night. We went to place where all the servers were in traditional costume. We have tried many cool foods, this a.m. I had a pastry stuffed with dates, pork dumplings, marinated eggs, steamed vegetables and a couple sweet rolls. Everything was delicious! Last night they served crispy duck, abalone, chicken in an orange sauce, many unidentifiable and very delicious things. There was "camel paw" on the menu but we did not try it! The people are very nice, young folks like to say hello and giggle when we try and answer in Chinese. They really stare at us, and the elderly ladies will actually grab the young kids in our group and give them big kisses, one little blonde girl in particular.Today we are about to head out to visit a jade factory and the Graet Wall. It is hard to concentrate on all these trips when all we can think about is that TOMORROW we will see our babies! We fly out at 7a.m., arrive in the Province around 10, and get the babes in 'the afternoon'.We will have a guide there named Glenn who we have heard is really great, and has a nice singing voice too. Our small group is totally bonding as friends, we are so happy about it all, can't believe we are here!