Beijing!!!

We are here an Beijing and have had a full day of touring.

 

 

Our first stop of the day was Tiananmen Square and then we walked on into the Forbidden City and explored the former imperial palace. It is amazing to see these places that we had previously only seen on TV.   It was HOT, crowded, and let me tell you - the sweat was pouring!  Rachel and I purchased a "parasol" for Hannah and Sarah and used them to keep the sun off of our heeads.  Just for fun and taking a chance for a photo op, Ric cut a handstand outside the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

 

 We then went to lunch as a group and enjoyed a great meal that even included a young girl that danced for us in traditional costume!  After lunch we visited a silk store and learned how silk is made.  We also learned that many of the silkworm pupae are eaten!   The question is, "will we be brave enough to try them?" 

 

 We then traveld to a Hotong.  This is an ancient area of twisting alley neighborhoods.  We took a pedicab tour and saw a few people swimming in the water.  We were tired, but went exploring to find a grocery store to purchase some water and then ventured into a local place to eat. 

 

We are tired and trying to get our bodies synched to the time zone.  Tomorrow...The Great Wall!