Today was a free day for us! Joe and Kassidy both woke up about 3:30 am and couldn't go back to bed! Karlee and I were up at about 5:00! When Kassidy got up, she looked out the window and said "We are really in China!" She has been so excited about everything here! Both girls have been! She says she would even like to live in China someday. I guess we will see what God has in store for her!
We went to the wonderful breakfast bar that we have heard about for so long. We then decided to venture out to the local "Wal-Mart", which is
called the Carrefore. We had so much fun looking at all the "American" items with different flavors. We saw lemon, cucumber, and crispy drumstick Lay's potato chips. The flavors here are very different from what we are used to. It is also different to see the heads and feet still on the chickens and also live fish jumping out of the fish tanks in the meat department.
We also went to McDonald's today for lunch. It tasted like every other McDonald's I have been to! Except they had green bean pies for sell! YUCK! As soon as we walked in the door, they started hitting each other and threw the picture menu at us! It was pretty funny.
Mitchell and Emily met us back at the hotel to take us sight seeing, so we had our first taxi ride! It wasn't as bad as what I have heard they could be! We went to Hou Hai street and saw some interesting things, a beautiful lake and lots of street vendors wanting us to buy from them. Mitchell then took us to the university where he teaches. It was great to see where he lives and meet some of his students.
This evening we went out for Muslim Chinese food. We ate several dishes- such as, eggs and tomatoes, lamb on a stick, a combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers in a cucumber sauce, and some kind of noodle dish and fried rice with lamb and also flat bread. We had a table full of food and 7 people eating with cokes and bottled water for only $17.00. It was wonderful! Here I thought I might lose a few pounds these next two weeks- well, I think I have gained! ha!
We had a wonderful day with many new sights, sounds and smells! We are having a wonderful time! This culture is so amazing! The pictures I have looked at on everyone else's websites- I am now experiencing first hand!
The girls are doing GREAT!! They are really enjoying themselves and are very adventurous on their eating. Karlee has loved all the food! Everyone here is really making over the girls- especially Kassidy. She told us it was probably because of her freckles! ha! We have been so proud of them.
Tomorrow, we tour Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and Summer Palace. It is going to be a busy day! I can't believe in just 3 more days, we will be holding Klaire! It is still so surreal!
Good night from Beijing!
Joe, Julie, Karlee and Kassidy
* To my kindergarten class: I heard Mrs. Ewing is doing great! I know you all are being good for her! Keep up the good work! Love you all! Mrs. Wilson
