The last couple of days in Beijing have been a nice change from the fast pace we’ve been keeping up. Day before yesterday, we had a much needed day off. We had a leisurely breakfast, lounged around the hotel room and spent some time swimming in the pool. Actually, the younger guys have managed to get a swim in every day as I have a work out in their tiny gym which has been nice. Fu Juan was able to take a long nap and have a bit more of a normal day. Then yesterday, we visited the Summer Palace, where the Emperors and their families spent the summers. This was probably my favorite field trip so far! The air there seemed cleaner and cooler with a breeze blowing off the lake surrounded by beautiful weeping willow trees. Fu Juan actually consented to ride in her stroller the whole time which was a nice break for my arms. (Although, it has been wonderful carrying my sweet girl around!) Dinner these past couple of nights have been interesting. One night we took taxis to a restaurant Stan had found on the internet before we left home that was supposed to have healthier fare. It was very good, especially the broccoli. Last night we walked to a Chinese place right down the street from the hotel. After much miscommunication, our dinner finally came but I could not bring myself to let the kids eat the chicken dish we had ordered that looked VERY undercooked. We wound up walking back to the hotel and eating there AGAIN. LOTS of rice and bread! Whenever we go anywhere, heads continue to turn and I think it is wearing on the boys. Seems every time I turn around one or more of them is having their pictures taken. It’s like being celebrities!!
Today we are off to GZH…hooray!!!!! We all wish we could head home but in just 5 more days that’s what we’ll be doing! We are anxious to catch back up with the rest of our travel group and meet their new little ones. Now that we are seasoned travelers, the 3 hour plane ride seems like nothing! Our little Fu Juan is weathering it well without her usual motion sickness, thank you, Lord!
(Continuation…) We made it to the White Swan Hotel. WOW!!! This place is incredible: An indoor water fall with a huge goldfish pond and lots of flowers and greenery everywhere. This is a very nice change from the grayness of Beijing. Despite the beautiful surroundings, we all are having a hard time. We just want to be home now after two weeks away! Part of the problem is that as nice as it is to be in different surroundings, we had really gotten used to Beijing and knew where things were (sort of!). Last night when we got in kind of late, we had no idea where to eat or where to find water. We managed with granola bars and snacks in the room. I think my guys may never want to eat another granola bar again after this trip. It has been great, however, to reconncect with our travel group. It was so fun seeing everyone at Breakfast this morning with their new little ones. Today we had the medical exam which was fast and easy. Then we worked on paperwork. Tomorrow we go as a group to see a folk art museum and then Monday we have our appointment at the consulate in the afternoon. We are getting there step by step! Thank you for your continued prayers and thoughts; it is truly sustaining food for our spirits!
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