Day Two

Ok, its 5:00AM and I woke up and again can't get back to sleep. The good thing is that Hamid is still asleep, and I got 2 more hours of sleep this time. I found this private little nook on the second floor where I can look down from a balcony area that I sit in and watch the main desk/entrance. This hotel for those of you interested in staying in Beijing for a few days, is quite nice, but strong wifi access is only hidden in this little nook area.

Yesterday was fun! I walked into the buffet breakfast at our hotel , which is Kingly!!, and saw a lot of Chinese and some European faces looking at me. As I looked for Hamid, a lady approached me and said, are you Nour, well guess who! It was Jodi from Texas in the process for Savanah off the SN list! They had pinpointed out Hamid because of all the Alabama gear and knew he had to be my son. That was great, so of course we had a two hour breakfast, buffet style, and caught up on travel talk.

We left for sight seeing and first went to a jade factory which was very educational we drove up and I promise you every employee was in the parking lot waiting for us. it was very strange to me, I asked my guide and she said they are ready to work and show me the place. I took it that they don't stay everyday and all day? We drove in and they all parted to let the car park, then they watched us as a lady waited for us at the front door. After we entered they began to follow in with alot of Chinese chatter. It was strange and interesting to say the least. We were taught the whole process of different kinds of jade and were shown how its made into art and jewelry. Of course I bought some!

Next we went to another factory/shop where they taught us of the emperors interest and order for the invention of cloisonae. Again it was a step by step guide from beginning to end of how they are made and the history of the art. Of course I bought two vases! They are just gorgeous, but not too cheap. Hamid keeps reminding me that this is not our pleasure trip, but I just couldn't help it, Hey! I'm a woman and you live once right.

Last we went to the famous Great Wall. Enough said.

We then drove an hour back to go to an acrobatic show and a famous peking duck dinner of China and I got sick in the car so we went to hotel. We both were zonked and fell asleep, China time, at 8:00 PM. I feel just great today and Hamid must still be asleep, so we are doing good and I can't wait for our buffet breakfast to begin!!

Surrounded in Gods Love!,

Nour