Wow. What an incredible day. After our very large breakfast, which included everything from cereal to congee to steamed biscuits, we headed out on our adventures for the day with Helen, our tour guide, and another family from Michigan who are also adopting.

First off, we went to Tinamen Square and the Forbiddeen City. We weren't able to visit all 9,999 rooms in the emperors palace , but we got our fill. The palace is 960 meters long and 750 meters wide. Needless to say Jason got his walking in for the day.

Next, we went to lunch at little local place with outstanding food. Lots of spice and plenty of jasmine tea. We then went and toured by rickshaw ( a bike like carriage); the Hutongs, the "old city" of Beijing. The homes are all one story high, with four corners, and connecting courtyards. People still live in this area today, and consider it an honor to have a place within the "old Bejing". We had a chance to visit a local woman there and have tea in her house, where she lives with her mother, grandmother, and son.

Next, we were off to the "kungfu" show at The Red Theatre. We were greatly impressed with the athleticism and dancing ability of the performers.

Lastly, we were taken to the "Peking Duck" resturant. We were still stuffed from breakfast and lunch, but still enjoyed the experience.

We enjoy all of the tours, but we are most excited to meet our son.