12.5 hours in a plane and Kathleen did great! Kimmer and I didn't sleep a bit on the plane and I am wide awake. Even with seriously crazy wind in Spokane, we took off and landed fine in Seattle.
We arrived on time. We immediately connected with Show Hope's contact to hand over a suitcase full of books, balls and school supplies donated by Dalton Elementary's kindergarten classes. Then we saw our driver and we were on our way to our "home" for the next four days.
So first impressions of Beijing...
I couldn't really see anything through the smog and clouds. So we are looking forward to exploring a little tonight and MORE tomorrow. They did have a Starbucks at the airport and Kathleen asked for cream. Places we saw on the way in that we don't plan visiting during the next 18 days: KFC, Papa John's and McDonald's!
We are spending the first four nights in a little inn in old Beijing in the hutong (winding alleys on smaller and older homes of old Beijing). This quaint little inn (referred to by some as a hostel) is a traditional Chinese home with a courtyard in the center and rooms looking out onto the courtyard and the outside hutong. The room is simple, but has a traditional Chinese feel. (Towels AND clean sheets included! I thought that would make some of you laugh.)
Here's a great reason for staying here is that for the price of one night at the Sheraton or Hyatt down the street, we get 6 nights with breakfast and opportunities to really experience China.
Off to find a noodle house or Peking duck for dinner!
