To Bring Emily home, we left on the 22nd from Arkansas (where our children will be staying with their aunt and uncle. We arrived in Beijing after a 12 hour flight from Seattle. It was around 10:00 at night here as well as the 23rd. Amazingly, we met in Seattle a couple from Mount Pleasant, SC (about a 20 min. drive from us) who were not only using our agency but in our group. So we had instant friends to hang out with and as the trip is going on, we have found ourselves in their company more and more. We crashed and then got up today to go to Forbidden City. It was fuh--reezing!!! My nose was numb after we were there for a bit and everyone was wrapped up like a mummy.And it wasn't enough. We did get a few pictures. The one with our guide, Forrest, is at Forbidden City.
Then, we went to Tian'an Men Square and a silk factory. That was pretty interesting but still very cold. Lunch was served family style to our three tables. That was a lot of fun and very relaxing. All along, I have expected that Chinese food would not be the same here as what we know in the states. But guess what -- it pretty much is. And we got to spend time with both our Mount Pleasant friends and two other families. Afterwards, we went to the old city, Hutong, where we rode in rickshaws throughout the city and got to visit a middle class family and see what her house was like. 300 square meters -- whoa!
Part of our rickshaw adventure including being slammed in the back by the one behind us. I felt like I was in a parade. Only two people could fit in each one so there were several of them. 
Tomorrow we should spend our Christmas on the Great Wall and later see an acrobatics show. Then it's off to Henan province where we'll meet the little girl who's picture inspired this journey. Please keep us in your prayers.
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