Today's events thus far.

Well, we have learned that we can post on our blog but not see if from here. So, we'll continue. Today, we had breakfast at the Rose Cafe in the hotel. It was very nice, and they had a wide selection of various foods for Americans, Chinese, and other countries. Afterwards we contacted our guide, and she took us to the famous pearl market where she and Theresa had a great time. Theresa watched them string pearls. The building we went to was full of all kinds of vendors all trying to speak to us, and get us to come to their booth to buy something because we are rich americans (it didn't work). It was very much like what we would consider a flea market setup in the States. We picked up several items at very good prices.

The people here are very friendly, and willing to try several times to help us bridge the language barrier. Even though we learned a few words or phrases in Mandarin -- we didn't learn them well enough :-) but we're managing. Theresa even talked a vendor down on a couple of prices! It is very common to barter here to get a better price, and it is fun. After shopping we came back to the hotel, and went across the street to MacDonalds for lunch. It was very good, and two big Mac values meals only comes to about $4.50 total. Yuan is .80 to the U.S. dollar so it is easy to figure out what you're paying if you just divide all the Yuan prices by 8.

Another thing that I think is interesting is our room key. It controls whether electricity is on or off in our room (I'll upload a picture). After you enter your room you have to put the key in an electronic card holder on the wall inside the door. This activates the electricity throughout the room. If you remove the card the electricity is cut off after a few seconds. Very neat! And, very energy conscious. The smog here in the city if quite bad. There is a yellow haze all through the air. Thankfully, our room is on the 17th floor where there is less smog that can come in. This is especially good since Theresa just found out that she has asthma. Speaking of health...I've been very glad that the three wisdom teeth that I had removed two weeks ago are not bothering me at all. That was a big concern, and having it done only two weeks before we left it was questionable if I would be over it in time for the trip.

The other couples from our agency should have landed from the States by now, and they are headed to our hotel to join us. If they are not to tired we are going to go out to a local restaurant later tonight. For what you ask? Chinese food -- what else!!!

I'll try to upload some pictures after I post this text.

Jeff (&Theresa)