We awoke early, especially the kids. Enjoyed a walk around the hotel before breakfast and then we were off for the day. We went to Tianammen Square and the Forbidden City first in the misty rain. Reed was tired and wanted to be carried often. It didn't help that he drew some attention being a pale, blonde, boy - one father rubbed his little girls hand on Reed and giggled with glee - needless to say Reed (my timid child) was not thrilled to be touched by strangers. We ran into another US couple with 4 children who are living in China due to the husbands job and we drew quite a crowd with all 11 of us foreigners standing there speaking English. English speaking people are an intriguing site to the Chinese and they stare out of amazement - and the few who speak English love to demonstrate their skill by speaking to you. Dad Dz said he couldn't believe how big the Forbidden City actually is - my favorite part are the Imperial Gardens with the trees over 300 years old - so beautiful. After sightseeing we went to lunch at a very good Chinese restaurant - Kaia said it was "awesome". Reed fell asleep on our way there so they made him a bed with chairs and he slept through lunch - and for 5 hours after! After lunch we stopped at a high quality silk market and purchased a few things - Kaia got a pretty new Chinese dress and Mel a beautiful blouse. We then drove to Confucious Temple and saw the quaint (compared to Forbidden City) grounds where the students of Confuciou studied beginning in 1306 - several thousand years after hid death around 479 BC - blows your mind the history here! Back at the hotel we all took a nap and then Mel took the kids to the pool while the guys went to find some McD's for dinner. Kaia said the nuggets tasted funny - so we'll stick to the "awesome Chinese food" for her! Another busy day tomorrow - stay posted.......
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