Kay and Sandy are having computer issues, they say all of the blogger commands have turned into Chinese characters so they are emailing me pics and and updates then I am posting.


China is quite the country. Our senses are being inundated by sights, sounds, and smells never before experienced. Yesterday, Saturday, we went to the Great Wall of China. Some were more successful than others in attempting to scale the wall but everyone had a great time. Those who enjoyed the highest level of success were applauded but those who were not able to make it were not ostracized for being less successful. We had a family style lunch, complete with Fire Water and the fish-with-the-eyes still in!!! I was told the fish was quite tasty, but I'll take their word for it!!!! We saw Cloissene being created and were told this is very labor intensive- one vase can take up to 10 days to complete. It is also a dying art as the younger people have no desire to learn this art. Ironically, in the same day, we saw Wal-Mart - China style. We saw the Olympic Village, the Ice Cube and the Bird's Nest. As if this hadn't been a full enough day, we attended an Acrobatic Performance. The stars are mere children. So talented and focused, very well-trained and disciplined. A great, but tiring day.
Our guide, Barbara was simply terrific. She is very well versed on history names and dates. She has a very good command of the English language. She is very energetic and enthusiastic. She is willing to answer any and all questions whether it be regarding the current state of affairs in China or about historical events. She has a ready smile, her eyes sparkle. We couldn't have become the cohesive unit without her leadership. We have made life-long friends these past few days. While this is not the opportune time of the year to come to China, we have all come closer, having shared so many experiences. And, there's more to come.

Babies will be brought to us tomorrow (Monday in China) starting at 9:30 a.m. It was mentioned tonight at Mama Mia's Pizza that this will probably the last peaceful evening we will have in a long time. And we can hardly wait.