Last Posting!

Last night we had a farewell dinner with Nelson and his family. His son, Tom, is now 13 years old and is much taller that we last saw him. Nelson would like him to get a master’s degree from a college in the United States. For dinner we had hot pot in where they bring a boiling pot to your table and you drop food in it to cook your meat and vegetables. One side was spicy and one wasn’t. We ate noodles, lamb, potatoes and rice. After the good dinner we went to Nelson’s condo for a few minutes then headed back to our hotel for the final night. His family also gave Peiton a gift of a scarf.

We have to say it was a excellent trip but will be glad to get home to fresh air and less traffic.

Jim and Peiton

Last Day in China

For our last full day we had Nelson take us to the Summer Palace. We walked to the top of the palace this time. It was like what we saw on the travel channel. It is a beautiful park with a large man-made lake where the emperor and family would spend time during the Summer.

Tonight we are going to a hot pot to eat with Nelson’s family. Tomorrow we head to the airport after we check out for the long flights back home. The trip has been way better than what we ever hoped for.

Jim and Peiton

Back in Beijing

Tuesday morning we toured the Xian city wall which surrounds the old part of the city. After that we toured a temple then headed to the airport. The plane was delayed an hour due to fog (third time this trip so far). Once in Beijing we have been taking it easy so far. Our friend, Nelson, picked us up at the airport and took us to our hotel. Yesterday we spent the day shopping and bargaining for some gifts. Many of the items you can get for 10-20% of the original price quoted. Last night we walked the shopping street of Wanfujing then ate Pizza Hut. We ran into one of the families in our group while we were eating.

This morning we are heading to the Summer Palace, then we will rest in the afternoon. Finally, we will have dinner with Nelson’s family tonight. Enjoy the pictures.

Jim and Peiton

*We included a photo of a church in Beijing and us sitting in a Christmas holiday setting. Even Beijing can get into the Christmas spirit.