It is Saturday. The main group arrived Friday afternoon and a handful of shadow tour folks came in late evening. We are still awaiting the group that got delayed due to mechanical troubles and will arrive this afternoon.
We had an interesting tour of Tianenmen Square and the Forbidden City. Our guides, Jessica and Dave speak excellent English and keep us well informed and on schedule.
We had fun dodging street vendors. We were warned not to buy from them, but they sure get in your face hawking their wares... Some of our students became instant celebrities and were requested over and over to pose with Chinese nationals for photos. Was it the blonde hair or the sunglasses that Rochelle and Joanna were wearing? They seemed to be most requested.
Dave told us that folks from small villages were likely seeing caucasians for the first time and that being asked to pose with them is a frequent occurrence.
Driving around this huge city, it is amazing to see the contrast between the newly constructed and the ancient with many stages in between. There are cranes everywhere. Signs everywhere hint at what is coming in 2008 as Beijing prepares to host the Olympic games.
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2 comments:
Thanks for the great pics and commentary. It's nice to see the kids even if they are under the watchful eye of Mao!
Karen Ippolito (Annie's Mom)
Hey Jessica, Garret, and Jenna! Saw the pictures lol and you guys look like you blend in well...NOT anyway saw the pictures and the whole family enjoyed them, hope you guys are enjoying it and the food! See you when you get back in Modesto
Shane + Grandma + Aunt Linda + Uncle Don (for Jessica...)
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