Sat. evening at 7:15.

Woke up this AM and went went downstairs for an awesome, overwhelming breakfast. Thought we were going to have just your average continental breakfast. Instead there was a good size breakfast buffet with American food and Chinese food. Of course I had to try the Chinese food. And yes, Chinese food for breakfast. Went to T square and the Forbidden City. The area before the Forbidden City was huge and forget it, once you went in it kept going and going and going. Spent about 4 hours walking around that whole area. Went for lunch, and yes, we had Chinese food. We ate family style with our tour group. There were 4 tables. It was part of the jade "factory", so after lunch we got an explanation about jade and looked around. Then it was off to the Great Wall. Most of us "only" climbed up to the first tower.. That was plenty! Now it is time to pack, as our luggage has to be outside our door at 4:30 AM and we are meeting in the lobby tomorrow at 5:00 AM to head to the airport and off to J's province. I think there is a "small " chance I might be united with Jasmine tomorrow. Anyway depending on what happens tomorrow, I might be able to upload the pictures. So far everything is going great! Please keep the 3 of us in your prayers as the next 3-4 days will probably be rough with all the newness and adjustments taking place.

Traci