LIfe in Beijing II

"Swim cap required" at our hotel. Benjamin cooperated, but he looked like a 2 1/2 foot tall Marlon Brando. It also let Evelyn try out her swim attire for the first time. She was okay with her suit, but the whole water thing was a little much for her for now.

By this time, we felt that with all the change in environment, especially food, the older kids needed something familiar to relate to. So we went to, of all places, one of the two Walmarts in Beijing. Some stuff was familiar, other stuff - not so much. First of all it is in the basement of a huge highrise building. There is a booth where you can order Chinese pancakes. Its like a big crepe made on a huge round iron. While it cooks you can have it filled with egg, cheese, and other items I can't describe. You can buy live turtles for about $1.50. We got one so the kids would have something else to do when cooped up in the hotel room.

Ava is deciding which turtle to chose. Cameron is showing off a fruit called a "benin" (sp?)Directly outside of the Walmart, there were a couple of men selling DVDs. Twilight, which to my knowledge isn't out on DVD in the states yet, was on sale for 75cents! No, I didn't get a copy.

That evening we took in an amazing Chinese Acrobatic Show. After all this we were all tuckered out and ready to get back to our cozy hotel.

Next Day:

Some of us walked to a nearby park that has the old look-out tower used by the Emperor. It's on top of a man-made hill. It also doubles as a Buddhist shrine. Alongside the steps to the Shrine were some smooth marble ramps. In the photo, Benjamin is in line behind a local girl waiting for a turn on the slide. You'll notice that the girl is dressed like it was the dead of winter when really it is spring and for most people a light jacket will do. We've learned that Chinese people are very concerned about children staying warm enough. Literally, four layers of clothing is very common. A child with any exposed skin at the ankles is a no-no. We've had complete stragers comment on what Benjamin was wearing. Another lady approached us to pull Ava's pantlegs down.

Thursday: Olympic Dreams
Beijing 2008 Olympic Green Park. The "Water Cube" where Michael Phelps won 8 Gold medals. We noticed all the Chinese "tourists" posing with "victory signs" so we thought we would do it too.

"The Bird Nest" Olympic Stadium.