The Great Wall

Nancy's Dad asked about our day at the Great Wall. We went there on Easter Sunday, with all 27 families, in 2 buses. This was the day before "Gotcha Day" so most of us were thinking about the babes and getting anxious, but it was an amazing place to see and we wouldn't have missed it. First, we stopped at a jade factory, where they carve, and of course, sell, beautiful jade and other things at a place referred to as The Friendship Store. We found some fun gifts but the jade was pretty expensive. At most places here, you do not handle the merchandise yourself. Clerks will be right with you as you walk around and they will point out things. If you pick something, it is written on a receipt, you pay at a cashier when you are done and then get your items. We went from there directly to the Great Wall. It was very crowded as it was a nice, clear, sunny day and we were all getting hungry and cranky and looking for bathrooms. We finally crept up to the parking area for buses, shared any snacks we had and headed up. The views are so overwhelming, it was so huge and with such history around us, we were totally awed. Cameras were all out, including video. We went out as a group but some tired quickly and found viewpoints to rest. Jimmy and I and some others from our Guangxi group decided to climb as high as we had time for, and boy was it a climb! The stairs are all different widths and heights, sometimes more of a ramp. There are handrails but they are set down low and awkward, especially coming down! But if you get going down a ramp too fast, they are life-saving. There are vendors and craftman all over the wall, they trap you when you are catching your breath and hawk their wares. Many beautiful things but we must shop carefully for packable items. An old man was playing a sort of flute and Jimmy decided to try one, as he can play the fife and many wind instruments. Well, you should have seen the man's face when Jimmy caught on to it and played a quick little riff! We are having so much fun with the people here. Some pose themselves just near enough so they can get us in the background of their pictures, others ask outright to pose with you. Jimmy decided to have some fun with it and jumped into a couple of their pictures, and everyone got a good laugh. I had to use the bathrooms, and I can't write exactly how that was, but let's just say...crowded place, porta-potties, chinese style, which is a hole in a plastic floor to squat over, unisex, hot day...oh my! Purell me quick! The people don't wait in lines either, I had to touch the door of one or old ladies would charge right in before me. I find I can be a bit intimidating because I am taller than most everybody, it sometimes works to my advantage. We finally gathered the group back at the buses and we went to "lunch" at about 3 p.m., thank god we had found some ice cream at the wall. From there, we headed back into Beijing to see an acrobatic show which was quite impressive. There were unbelievable balancing acts, feats of strength, contortionists, bicycle acts, etc., and it was all in colorful costumes and impressive sets. We were all whispering about packing and going for the babies in the morning so it was a bit much after such a busy day.Throughout our journey, we are sprinkling some ashes of Jimmy's dear friend, Burge, and we know he would truly appreciate where we have traveled and places we are going. So much emotion on this trip, it is hard to put into words.Today is Thursday, the 12th, it is 3 p.m., we are hanging out as Laina the Lioness is napping. Jimmy just went for a massage downstairs, it cost $150 Yuan, or a little less than $20 for 45 minutes. I think I put an incorrect conversion on a previous post. The yuan is approximately at 8 yuan to one US dollar. Once you get the landmark numbers it's not too hard. The internet costs 20 yuan, so that's only between 2 and $3 a day. Most things are reasonable but you still must be careful. We got a carafe of coffee one morning and found we paid over $6, and it isn't very tasty at all. This morning we went for a 'stroll' through the local park, right near the hotel. It has a lake in the middle, beautiful landscaping and stone carving, arched bridges, orange carp in the water, musicians everywhere playing all kinds of instruments, some ladies were singing very operatically to impress us so we clapped enthusiastically. Laina was Princess for the day, getting lots of kisses and cheek-squeezes, all the old ladies want to fuss with the babies and try to talk to us. The young people want to practice their english and say hello. Jimmy had a long talk today with the bellhop at the front door, who asked if we knew Yao Ming, the basketball player who plays with the Houston Rockets. This afternoon we are having some personal time to catch up, clean up, and take naps. Tomorrow, a trip to the famous mountains of Guangxi and maybe some caves. Sounds great to us! Laina loves being outside and watching everything. She had her first baby belly-laugh this afternoon and we just melted. We are total putty. All the babies in our group are gorgeous; we have Laina, Roma, Isabella, and Jianna..we call them the Italian connection. They like each other and share toys easily. All 4 have seemed to double their appetites, we just eat and eat. Each day there are breakthroughs. Today Jianna, who had been reserved and watchful started giggling and running around. Each has her own transition to make. Some were in Foster care and are a bit sad leaving loved ones, but all are starting to bond well with Mommies and Daddies. Our Wide Horizons guide, Pat, flew in today after helping a family who traveled alone, so now we have both Pat and Glen to play with. It is fun for her to meet all the babies today and catch up with all of us. Wow! I guess you are getting some info today, eh?