9:00pm China
Hello All! We had a fun, non-stop day today. We were up by 8:00am and met most of the group for breakfast. While it was a free day, we opted to tour the Summer Palace after breakfast. It was about a 30 minute cab ride ( 4 of us crammed in the tiny cars) and cost a total of 93 yaun (we rounded up to an even 100). The admission was 40 yaun each for an all-access pass (by the way, the going exchange rate the past couple days had been 8 yaun to the dollar). We had a wonderful time and the scenery was breathtaking. The following are a few pictures from our time at the palace:
We made our way back to the hotel in the early afternoon, and after a quick breather, we were off again to explore one of the local shopping areas. We actually never went in any stores, we just walked around and did a lot of people watching. Interesting sights here to be sure! Got back to the hotel around 5:00, relaxed for an hour, then met part of the group for dinner at 6:00. That was the extent of our day. It's hard not to think forward to Saturday, but we're using this time to explore, reflect and prepare for the life change just days away.
Tomorrow we're off at 7:30am to tour the Great Wall and a few other attractions near Beijing. It promises to be another busy and interesting day. That's all for tonight, off to sleep as we try to get on the local time schedule here.
10 comments:
Great pictures! This is so much fun. :-) I knew we'd have a detailed update this morning (it's 9 am - Thursday here). Take care and looking forward to more of the trip. --Patty
So glad to be able to follow your travels and know you are happy, well and safe. What an awesome adventure this is for you! Bet you can hardly wait for Saturday when you finally get to hold your new daughter. What a blessed little girl she will be with two such wonderful, loving parents. Thanks for letting us all share in this incredible journey and the beginning of your new life together as a family. God speed, dear ones. Love, Patti and Tom
Hey Kristine: I was wondering what hotel you're staying at? They have us staying at the Beijing International. It looks like you guys are having GREAT weather. I hope it stays that way. I can't believe you didn't BUY anything. About the Summer Palace, how did you get there, bus, taxi?? And how much did the "ride" cost. I see it cost 80 yuan to get into the Summer Palace. By the way, tell Greg, I like the link. I've printed it and am going to put it in my Beijing file. Keep them coming, you're doing a great job posting. Praying for ya'll.
Nancy
It is so wonderful to see you there and I am so excited to read your daily updates. I hope you are having a great time. It won't be long before Annierae is in your arms!! Have fun on your journey. Take care...... Kim B.
Sounds like you had a very busy day!! I can't believe you were up by 8am....good thing I didn't accompany you!!! I live for these updates. I love the pictures. I didn't quite to know what to expect in China, but the scenery is amazing. Kristine, I know I'm not there to be your co-conspirator in shopping..but you have to do me proud. No more of this window shopping!!! Can't wait to hear about the Great Wall adventure tomorrow.
Love and miss you,
Judy
I'm so excited for you both. I don't think I would be able to be a tourist, I would be dying to get the little cute girl!!
~ Cate
Glad to see you all made it in one piece. Watching from afar for my turn next week. Have fun and enjoy things go by quick!
Jennifer Hardin
I am glad your trip over went well. It looks beautiful over there and it seems like there is a lot of great things to see and do to pass the time for you until Saturday. What a great adventure, an amazing vacation and a beautiful baby! I can't wait for the three of you get home. My mom seems to be wearing off on me as I have been doing a bit of shopping for Annierae too!
Love you guys,
Sara
Both of you look so happy! We love following your trip and can't wait to hear that you have Annierae in your arms. Take care and know we are thinking about you. >> Jen (and Tom) K.
Keep the pictures coming! We love to see your trip progression. And of course we can harldy contain ourselves for the big day.
Love-Julie & Thom
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