Some general observations

It is 7:20 a.m. on Friday morning here in Beijing.  At least I think it is Friday.  I am not exactly sure.  Anyway, I wanted to post some of our general observations about our trip thus far so I don't forget.  so here goes:

• There are no beds at this hotel  Oh, there are slabs of concrete made up to look like beds, but that is just to fool you into thinking you are sleeping in a bed.  Needless to say, this ain't your bed back home!
• The Chinese people are very friendly and eager to please, even if they do not always understand what the silly Americans are trying to say.  Patience is a virtue.
• The breakfast buffet at the Chang'an Hotel is not a western buffet.  No worries about over-doing they Weight Watchers points here.
• The traffic in Beijing is very heavy.  I don't remember it being as bad as this the last time we were here five years ago.  I would not be able to handle driving in it.  Helen, if you are reading this, if you can drive here, you can drive anywhere.  
• Internet in the lobby is free, but in-room service for internet is $6.00 a day.  Skyping will be entertaining for those around us, to say the least.  We will try to Skype in the next day or so from the room so we can have privacy.
• The Chinese meals on board United airlines are better than the Western ones.  Go for the noodles.
• I wonder why a five-star hotel does not offer a massage therapist.

I will post more this evening.  Joy is meeting our group in the lobby to take us to the grocery store.  I am going to look for the green apple candies that Helen buys here.  That and some bottled water.  

Thanks for all the emails and notes!  We miss you all!  Lots of love,