Saturday, May 28, 2011

Orientation and Sightseeing

This morning was orientation with seven other Holt families; I hadn't realized there were that many traveling this week.  We were given a lovely red folder with new photos of Jiushu and a few details to help us as we meet him.  His caregivers call him "Xiang Xiang" and comfort him with pats, hugs, and kisses.  Can't wait to give him some of my own!

Several of the families left after our meeting for other activities; the rest of us had lunch together in the hotel.
We then took a van to Forbidden City for a tour.  It was in the 90s today, and that place is immense.  I don't think we'll have any trouble sleeping tonight. 
The oil painting of Mao is replaced every year.  Betcha didn't know that.
 

The red tag indicates this tree is over 300 years old.
 


Vince pointed out to me the bonus footage in this pic.  Split pants!
 
We also walked through Tiananmen Square, large enough to hold a million people, and took a tour of the silk factory.  I'm running out of time, though; we're about to head out to meet Janet and Jeremiah for dinner...location undecided...and take some photos of "snack street".  We leave tomorrow morning to fly to Nanjing.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

Did NOT know that about the painting! Interesting! Sleep well! Hope you don't wake up at 2 or 3 am. :)

Adrian Roberta said...

Wow, feels like I was just there....and nope I didn't know that about the painting either!!!

Jessica said...

Can't wait to get there next week! SO did you eat at snack street? Any "must eats"?

GeonHui's Bakery said...

Wanted to squeal with excitement when I saw all the photos :) So excited!

Rita and John said...

I didn't know that about the Mao painting! You must have had a better tour guide...or maybe I wasn't paying attention. ;)

lindseymwolters said...

how cool!!! you are really there!! love the nuggets of info along with the photos:)

Doug said...

It seems so surreal that you're there! Wasn't it just a tiny while ago that we were all together talking about our trips?! And there you are!! WOW!!!

Doug said...

Hey - the last post was actually Carolyn - but I agree with her - so surreal to see you pics and know that you're there. Amazing pics. Praying for you - can't wait to hear all about it.