Day 1 China September 7th

We had a super busy day of touring Beijing yesterday. We went to the Forbidden City, Tinnamen Square, a pearl factory, a silk factory, rickshaw ride and an acrobatic show. Everything was great, although we aren't big fans of being a part of a tour group we had an exhausting day! Today we are heading to the Great Wall, a jade factory,and the Living Hope Learning Center. We are all hoping to have enough energy left to go out at night and walk around.

Let me tell you that it is not only the street sellers who can be very aggressive, the salesperson at the pearl factory was insane. She wouldn't leave me alone to look or think. I kept walking away from her, trying to get to Chris, but she would not leave me alone. I was pissed that she was so aggressive. I wished that I didn't buy anything. I won't buy anything at the Jade factory today if I run into another salesperson like that again! On a shopping note Beijing is not inexpensive as far as shopping goes. I have heard to buy silk and pearls in Beijing because they are more expensive in the markets in on Shamain Island.

The food has been good (nothing strange), the kids have been great and are really enjoying themselves. We are all anxious to meet Sophie!