Beijing Blog 8/2/10
OMG I’m in China!!
Pretty cool:) The flight was great. Just under 12 hours from San Francisco. Very much like the flight to London. I caught up on watching movies.
So I had to laugh, as soon as I got off the plane, I went into the airport restroom.
And much to my shock and dismay, I opened the stall door, and there, in the middle of the floor, was a porcelain lined hole! I thought Paul was only kidding. The moment was priceless! As was the look on my face. I just couldn’t do it. So instead, in true filmmaker style, I whipped out my camera instead:)
After clearing immigration and customs, I took the 40 minute cab ride to Wangfujing, and checked into my hotel. Home for the next two nigts, it is surprisingly plush.
Beijing is a big city. Many high rise apartment buildings dot the skyline.
It was 90 degrees and humid here when I landed. Even now, in the evening, it is still quite warm.
So after a shower and a change of clothes, I ventured out on foot to catch my first taste of the City before nightfall.
I got in a nice walk. The hotel is surrounded by a major shopping district. Very urban and touristy. Of course, the first thing I saw was a huge picture of Harrison Ford, on a Chinese billboard for watches.
His knowing smile was definitely an auspicious beginning:)
As I write this, I am in a Chinese restaurant, fumbling with chopsticks over spicy stir fry chicken and broccoli. And did I mention that I am Thankful? So very very Thankful to be alive, and enjoying this amazing experience!
One more day til Tibet. Tomorrow I will visit the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and the Temple of Heaven. Then the next morning I leave for Lhasa.
I will attempt to blog again tomorrow night. So stay tuned for more…..
BTW, I learned today that in Chinese, my name, Tamara, means
“bright, beautiful flower, of Peace”. (Aaawwww!)
Til next time… 