Day 1 was filled with the famous sites in Beijing. At Tiannamen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven, we recognized some of the most famous buildings in the world. The beautifully crafted eaves of the classic Chinese architecture were on full display as we learned about some important history and political change. Seeing locals play cards in the Temple of Heaven was an authentic taste of Chinese culture.
We absorbed other culture at a silk factory and a tea house. Learning about silk extraction and production and the many medicinal qualities of different teas was interesting and convinced many of us of our need to bring some home. After the silk factory and tea ceremony, our guides thanked us for stimulating the Chinese Economy as they witnessed the GDP soar.
So, sites, culture, souvenirs...and of course food! We had both northern and southern cuisine today. At lunch, our Peking Duck feast featured whole carved duck, crunchy duck heads (sampled by a brave few), cactus, shrimp, whole flounder, delicious sauces, and a few spills. Dinner featured the sweeter southern Shanghainese food (excuse all spelling on these updates, please). In case this worldly variety worries you, our breakfast buffets have many familiar favorites and every meal offers mounds of sticky rice.
Despite all of these local wonders, we are the biggest tourist attraction in town - our pale skin, dark skin, blond hair, and red hair would be pasted all over facebook...if only they were allowed to use facebook.
Love,
All of us in China
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