Suddeness Happens?

What a phenomenal day! To combat the jetlag we took an active approach, and we were sure active today. After waking up at 3:00 AM because our bodies had no idea what time or day it was, we began with a great breakfast at the hotel. We were actually ready to start our day at six in the morning and were eating by 6:30. Note to self: the kids no longer have a reason to have a hard time being ready for school by 8:30. Anyhow, most hotels here include breakfast as part of the overnight rate. So, we took full advantage of it. I was reminded what an international place we are in. While there was plenty of traditional Chinese food available for our dining pleasure. There was also a very noticeable effort to meet European and American tastes. We had a rather eclectic breakfast, to say the least.

Whenever, I’m in a foreign country, I like to at least try to eat what the “natives” sustain themselves on. So, I had to try the Wanton Soup Station (very similar in concept to an omelet station). You pick what you want for your soup, the dude boils it up, dumps it on some wantons, you add your sauce and spices, and head for your table. I had no idea what I was doing, but gave it a shot anyway. As I sat there wondering how what was the best way to concoct this mixture, I received a wonderful reminder that when it comes to food the best way is the way you like it. There sat a man with an Eggo style waffle, folded in half, stuffed with cabbage, cramming the whole thing into his mouth with a pair of chopsticks, and smiling from ear to ear. It was a great start to the day.

We took a brief taxi ride to the Silk Market. This is basically a multilevel department store that contains everything from a swap meet to a grocery story to more expensive items at higher levels. We went to stock up on a few personal items, and Collin had his first experience in bargaining. He ended up with some small plastic dinosaurs – a must for every young boy going to China, apparently. Considering he wanted a giant remote controlled, grasping, stomping, dancing cross between Spiderman and a Transformer, I think I was lucky we got out for only three dinosaurs. Here’s how bargaining works in China. The merchant tells you how much something is, you offer about 25% of that, he gives you that “Are you out of your #!@% mind” look, then he says something about his poor family but that since you are his friend he wants to make a special price for you, you compliment him on the expensive looking jewelry he is wearing, and when all is said and done you end up close to half of the original offer.

Another important occurrence at this leg of our journey was our first encounter with the infamous “squatty potty” pictured below. Thank goodness for the “handicapped” stalls that house the more traditional – and frankly, more useful – western style buckets. (The picture is sideways - just in case you are wondering what on earth that is supposed to be.)

We then took off across town to the Beijing Zoo. The zoo itself was pretty depressing. Exploring the zoo with the family was priceless. We got to see Pandas, which is a must in any Chinese zoo. In addition, Collin discovered a hidden talent for rock climbing. Best of all though, we discovered the very helpful sign pictured below. Considering that, yesterday I was bemoaning a complete inability to comprehend any written form of Chinese, I ought to shut my yap and count my blessings that someone took the time both to warn me of the location of "suddenness" and to enlighten me as to how I might tame the unpredictable nature of “suddenness.”

There is much more to write about the Summer Palace, our dinner adventures, and the incredibly friendly and kind people we encountered today. But those stories will have to wait. Plus, it is getting late and I must get to my beauty rest. A full day awaits us tomorrow: Great Wall, and we will meet the other families that we will be traveling with who are also here to adopt. Thank you for you comments, checking in, and prayers.