Sunday March 11

Wow, a great beginning to our China adventure!

As this was a free day before the official tour begins tomorrow, a number of the familes in our group decided to visit the Forbidden City on our own today. We had various options for getting there: walking, the subway (with a stop right outside our hotel) or a taxi. Because it is an absolutely gorgeous day in Beijing today (sunny and high 40s), we decided to walk.

As it is a weekend and there seems to be some events happening in the area, the main street in Beijing - Jianguomen Avenue - was packed with people. But we negotiated our way happily among the crowds. So wonderful to already see the children bonding together. As Cassidy (at a month short of her 5th birthday) is the youngest by far of the group, all of the kids keep an eye on her. The Thompson and Presley kids are having a blast together and it's unusual not to see our two holding hands with one of them at all times.

It took about 1/2 an hour to walk to the Forbidden City where for the first time in our 3 trips to China we were responsible for finding our own way in and buying tickets - no problem at all!!! The kids were amazed at how enormous it is and how it was the home of the Chinese Emperors and their families (and servants). It is called the Forbidden City because for many centuries, regular people like you and me were forbidden to enter the city - it was only for the Emperor and those he invited.

The Forbidden City is under renovations right now in preparation for the 2008 Summer Olympics. It was all still open but two of the largest buildings are covered in scaffolding as they are repaired and repainted. These two pictures show a section of the city all fresh and beautifully re-painted, and the other is one the buildings behind its protective screen as the workmen and artists work on it. We could hear lots of hammering in there!

The kids - especially Lianne Presley - loved photographing different parts of the city and each other. A lot of the photos of our day are included here. Our various children received lots of attention today for different reasons - at one point, Laura Presley was stopped by a number of young women who wanted their picture taken with her - that lovely blonde hair, and fair skin. The attention is a little disconcerting for them, but they are doing so well. We are VERY proud of our children.

After walking all the way there and then from one end of the Forbidden City to the other, we then needed to walk all the way back, which we did through various Beijing streets and parks. Didn't get lost once but by the time we reached the shopping mall close to our hotel at around 1:30, we were pretty tired and hungry. So we gave in to the familiar and convenient, and ate at McDonalds!

The girls are now swimming in the hotel pool (papa is on life-guarding duty) and were killing themselves laughing at the bathing caps they have to wear in this pool.

Tonight we'll go out to eat again at a restaurant near the hotel - the girls are enjoying trying new and different foods. And the local restaurants are a great deal - last night, all five of us ate dinner for a total bill of $11.00 Canadian (that's total - not for each person!).

Tomorrow is going to be a very busy day as we go the Summer Palace (where the emperors and their families vacationed away from the heat of the city) in the morning, and the Beijing Zoo to see the giant Panda, in the afternoon.

To everyone stopping by - thanks! Jane O. - Ma Rui knows there is a letter waiting for her. Maryann M. your letter and pic has been delivered to her. And Morgan bunch - we said hello and are really enjoying getting to know Grandma Gail's "neighbours".

One last thing...Little Cassidy had an interesting comment as we walked back to our hotel today, she looked up at me and said "Hey Mom, there are lots of people with black hair in China - just like me!" My heart smiled, because she sounded so in wonder at that fact.

Bye for today ~ love to all at home!