We're in Beijing!

The plane ride turned out to not be as touturesome as we had feared.  The only problem was that these two hay seeds from Wyoming sat across from us and, after they dimmed the lights and had everyone pull down the blinds so everyone could sleep, the husband kept pulling up his blind to look out literally every five minutes.  Every time he did it, I woke up.  I was ready to reach over and choke his scruffy, whiskered neck!  And he was the only one on the plane doing it!  But the food was OK and the flight crew was excellent.  Airlines in the US could learn something about service and courtesy from Korean Air.

We arrived in Beijing just a few minutes late.  Once we cleared Customs and got out to the Arrival Hall at the airport, our guide hadn't gotten there yet.  We were stressing just a little bit but she was there within about 5 minutes after we got out there.  She seems very nice and she showed us to the van and we loaded up and headed to the hotel.

We got to the Jianguo Hotel around 9:30 and checked in.  On the ride in I was relieved to see that there was a Pizza Hut and a McDonalds within walking distance of the hotel.  Thank goodness.  I will definitely be trying the local cuisine but it is nice knowing I'll be able to get a taste of home if I need it.

Today, it's a half day of touring Beijing.  We're going to go to the Temple of Heaven and then we might go to the Silk Market.  It's only a half a day so we'll be able to ease into this tourist thing.  I slept like a mummy last night so, right now, I feel rested and ready.  A few minutes of primping and then off to try the breakfast buffet.  Only 3 more days and we get our little "souvenir."