Ni hao Beijing

Greetings from Beijing. We are feeling much more comfortable here. I’m still not sleeping much but longer than I was able to manage in Nanchang. Beijing has changed quite a bit since we were here in 2004. It is much cleaner and the downtown feels much more upscale and prosperous. Some things have not changed, like the tourist destinations, pearl markets etc. It is wonderful to come to our hotel here and actually be able to drink the tap water. The hotel is very modern and comfortable and we have much more room. Owen really likes it here as he has room to run. We don’t stand out quite as much here because Beijing people are more used to seeing foreigners. Owen gets looks for his condition but not nearly as openly rude as we experienced in province.

Yesterday we attempted the Great Wall. Only problem was, it was bitterly cold with high winds. The kids were unable to handle the wind chill and retreated to the bottom pretty fast. Diehards like me (warmed by hormones) managed to get up to some views no problem. Oh well we tried it. As our guide says when in Beijing you pretty much have to go to The Wall. We are experiencing winter conditions here and I am very proud of self that I had the foresight to pack hats and mitts! Today we did some shopping at the Pearl Market (and so I was in my element). We travelled there by subway which was a first for me. The subway was excellent, very clean and modern. We had lunch at a local restaurant and it was very good. We’ve tried pretty much everything put on the plate and it has all been tasty.

Big sister challenges continue. As parents we are trying to be patient but it doesn’t always work. I’m hoping things will even out when we get back home to Canada. If anyone is thinking about bringing siblings on an adoption trip, feel free to call me for feedback on that topic. We are wondering now if we did the right thing by bringing her to China. We love Rae-Lynn dearly but man o man, its been a stressful week. The thing about adoption trips, they’re not vacations, they’re real work, integrating a new family member. At this point, although we are enjoying where we are, we are looking forward to getting home and getting everyone back into a stable routine. And having a proper cup of tea (although I did find Starbucks today and it was very good). And petting the cat :-D. Meanwhile, we have 2 more full days that are packed with goodies. Tomorrow we are off to Tienamen Square and forbidden city, and I am taking Rae-Lynn to see the Chinese acrobats in the evening (leaving Dad and son back at the hotel while we have some girl time). Wednesday, finishing up the shopping and then a Peking duck dinner. Then packing, then back on home.