Tian'anmen and the Forbidden City

What a day! I've never taken so many photos in my life, between Savannah's and the photos of Tian'anmen Square and the Forbidden City. I know I've used the word 'amazing' a lot, but what can I say? It applies yet again! The square is more plain. It's its history that is moving. We did see a lot of people lined up to see Mao's mauseleum. It's kind of surprising to see how some still revere him to this day.

The Forbidden City is truly massive: 500 metres wide by 800 long, with square after square, each a more impressive echo of the last. We also saw a concubine's quarters, and a multitude of signature Chinese-style buildings. The best part was the Imperial Garden, comprised of pockmarked and porous stones, pavillions, 300+ year old cypress trees, and water features. A photographer's dream!

Savannah continues to thrive. She's eating a little better, and so far is a very happy baby. She loves her grandparents, and they get a charge out of her. She's got a pretty predictable routine, and we stick to it (thank God she can sleep and drink in the carrier, because she comes all over the place with us). We really don't see a lot of the hotel room: we're up at 0700, out on the bus by 0915, and on the go until usually 1700 or later, then back out for supper. We're looking forward to going home to see y'all, but otherwise I'm in no rush to go, as I'm thoroughly enjoying this trip.

A few impressions of China: the people we've met have been amazingly friendly, all over the place. We've gotten a number of thumbs up signs from men and women when they see us carrying an Asian baby, and groups often flock around us to see her, point, smile and laugh. They love our translation card which says we're from Canada, have adopted this 9 month old baby, and that we're very happy. Billboard advertising is visible everywhere in the cities, as in any large metropolis (and these are humongous!), and what's striking there is that many feature caucasian women (but Asian men). It's probably more of a women's issue than a Chinese issue. After all, just think of how Asian women are portrayed in North America... English is pervasive (invasive?), as signs everywhere are visible both in the latter and in Chinese. Strange. And not just in Beijing, but in distant Chongqing as well.

Hi Josee, Mike, Vanessa and David! I'm sure Savannah will totally enjoy playing with you two!Yes, we could use some Nestle Good Start 0 to 12 months+ with the Omega 3s and 6s, 1 can, please. And a couple of jars of baby food, preferably veggies or meat. Gracias! Hi Jenna, Christy, Tessa and Marcus! I'm pretty sure Savannah will have a blast with y'all! And hi Respiratory crew! Hope all's well with you!