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We've been in Beijing for 24 hours now. We're all feeling a little jet lagged so today we're just staying in the Hotel. It was so nice to walk into the Hotel which was clean and fresh. The staff all smile and they're clean too ;-)
Day One
We've all had long baths/showers and are watching TV. Mike, George and I went to the Supermarket last night which was fun, George wanted to stay and watch the crabs. It's not easy finding the type of food we're used to but we found bread, ham and fruit...good old standbys. Breakfast this morning was almost back to normal too. Fresh Milk, (even a choice of skim,) toast, cereal etc. Seems like were getting a little closer to what we're all used to. A nice way to finish our holiday. In a hotel that is clean and fresh and pleasant to be in. This afternoon the boys will go for a swim and the sightseeing will begin tomorrow.
Day Two
Today we walked to Tian'an Men Square. As we walked we attracted alot of attention...or at least George did. We got asked if they could take a photo of him, and with him. It's quite noticable the attention we're attracting, and George doesn't like it much. At least here people ask and are polite though.
He attracted the same attention when we went to the Market. 'Boy you so coot' followed us around. They weren't so polite here. In the end I was swatting the hands away like flies. Mike and Ben got a Rolex each, plus sunglasses. The boys all got tee shirts and shoes.
Mike and I have both got stomach bugs. Not sure if they're from Egypt or here. The only way to get through the day seems to be not eating or drinking until you get home. This is the first illness in the family since we've been away. Glad it's here and not Egypt!
Day Three
We took a tour today and visited The Forbidden City, Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven. Lunch was a chinese buffet and I'm pleased to say we all enjoyed it. We learnt heaps on this tour as our knowledge of Chinese history is pretty limited. (When we get home, we're going to watch the Last Emporer again.) The architecture here is so different to what we've seen so far on the trip, but no less beautiful. We also visited a Herbal Centre and Pearl Factory. George seems to be our ticket to freebies...he got one of the Pearls from the display, which of course is now mine.
Day Four
Today the boys went to the Great Wall and visited the Ming Tombs, unfortunately I couldn't go because I'm still sick. (They also did a trip to a Jade and Silk factory.) They had a great time and got some great photos, and also had another Chinese lunch. At the Jade Factory they all got a free Jade necklace, courteousy of Georges cuteness of corse. They very kindly brought me back a silk scarf.
Day Five.
Our last day in Beijing and the last day of our holiday. We took the boys to see the Panda's at the Zoo which are very cute, and fat :-) We strolled around the zoo for a while but we all had our thoughts in New Zealand so we weren't too enthusaistic about looking at the other animals. After the Zoo we took one last trip to the Market for some last minute shopping and bargaining. The boys directed us on the underground, which is very easy to use. And did I say I was glad I got the bug here and not in Egypt? I've changed my mind....at least in Egypt the toilets aren't holes in the ground!!
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