Today we went to the Great Wall. Mark was determined to make it to the top of the section we were climbing (and he did!). Renee and Al (Grandma & Grandpa) climbed a short bit but decided to hang out and enjoy the view. They had a fabulous time taking pictures for people, having their picture taken (Westerners are evidently a novelty and in demand for photographs - preferably with the camera owner in the picture) and chatting with people on their way up and down. Bennett was dreading this aspect of the trip from being the center of attention last time, and was very happy to climb away with our guide Mi Nan while Grandma & Grandpa took photo stand in duty. April and Bennett both did a great job and climbed a LOT higher than anyone would have expected.
They were both super tired afterward and almost fell asleep on the way to the lunch restaurant. After a surprisingly great lunch of dumplings, scallion pancakes, noodles and spicy tofu at the Golden Palace restaurant we were off the Summer Palace. Last time we ate at this restaurant it was awful and expensive. This time, we let our guide suggest some dishes and that was definitely the right way to go!
Before we even entered the grounds of the Summer Palace, it was pretty clear that one of us would be carrying April sooner or later ... turned out to be sooner ... and poor Mark had to carry a sleeping, 42lb, almost 7 year old. We took lots of pictures so when she is older and doesn't remember Beijing, we have proof! Mark was happy to carry April down the steep sections of the Great Wall but was not planning on also carrying her for the whole Summer Palace tour.
We talked about possibly bringing our stroller to the zoo, even though we do not have Carter (our intended passenger) with us yet. April overheard us talking about the stroller when she was jostled awake by her mediocre sherpa, and requested we bring it tomorrow so she could ride in it.
It is 7pm here and the kids are fast asleep. Mark and I are trying to force ourselves to stay up until 10pm and try and kick the jet lag..
Tommorow we are off to the zoo to see the (scary) pandas and then to the acrobat show.
Sounds like FUN!!!
ReplyDeleteOh, fabulous! Grandparents! Aren't they the greatest?
ReplyDeleteSweet April. How could you say no? And where can you find a double stroller ;)
Good for Bennett to keep at it! Hugs from his fan club here.
Oh, how I miss the food! Thanks for sharing the yummy descriptions.
Hope the pandas are being congenial today.
Love love loving the photos and the two-a-day updates.
Happy Friday evening your time.
(you're missing a cold front and more mountain flurries back here tonight... brrr!)
Trena