Beijing and the Summer Palace

We were completely exhausted when we arrived in Beijing. By the time we got our bags and waited for the stroller to come from the 'oversized baggage' area (it's an umbrella stroller...please!!) and got the bus back to the hotel it was after 9 o'clock. Alan's sister, Christine or rather Auntie Christine was waiting for us at the hotel. Halle was very happy to meet her auntie and I think the feeling was mutual on Christine's part! :P

The next morning we got up and went to the Jade Factory and the Summer Palace. At the jade factory we learned about the different types of jade(old and new), the desriable characteristics and how to tell real jade from fake jade. Of course I bought something! How could I resist? I got myself a jade bracelet that I will give Halle the day she graduates from medical school (slightly joking) and some other jewelery as well. Alan and his mom got some pendants. I will let Alan tell you about his...I think you need to hear it from him.... After the hour and a half of shopping we left for the Summer Palace. It is about 30 minutes outside of Beijing. It is always interesting to drive through the city. Crazy...but interesting!! The Summer Palace is an amazing place!! We learned a lot about Chinese traditions, culture and history on our tour. We saw the 'key' points of interest as we only had two hours there but, wow, what a place! They say that if you visit the Summer Palace there is no need to visit any other palaces in China. The man-made lake still blows my mind...it was huge. And it is shaped like a peach to boot!!

I alomost forgot to tell you about the biggest attraction at the Summer Palace...Halle!!! If we stopped to look at something for 2.4 seconds we were mobbed by people staring and speaking in Chinese and pointing. I have learned a few key phrases (no, none of them involve swearing) but I can tell people that she is my daughter and that she is from Chongqing and that we are from Canada. I can also order tea and coffee but that is not really useful in this particular situation. Anyways, people wanted to have their picture taken with us and Halle. It was pretty funny!! And one picture doesn't do it either, there has to be on picture for everyone in the group. Yes, my little Sichuan peanut is quite the star!! Her yellow hat is a huge hit!!!