We slept in. We had to - the flight from the US did us in. Breakfast in the hotel was traditional Chinese. So, don't even think about eggs with homefries. There is a lot of fruit, cheese, yogurt, and a person who will make a drink from a "juicer" of wheatgrass, celery, and other healthy things. Good way to start the day. I had some dumplings, steamed vegetables, and a lo mein that were all good. When in Rome, do as........ This is the interesting part of travel. We get to experience another culture and what they are use to. With the experience comes the opportunity to say you have been here and done that.

We set out to do some sight seeing and got ourselves to Tian' an Men Square. This is largest squre in a city in the world. There are several massive buildings around the square such as

Chairman Mao's Mausoleum, The China National Museum, and the main entrance to the Forbidden City. We were approached by at least four couple of Chinese people who wanted their pictures with us Americans. We obliged and they were very friendly, and appreciative, even said she was "honored" to have our picture taken. In the square, Christina was approached by two foreign journalists to talk about where she was from and why did she come to Beijing? There is only positive to say right now since games seem weel organized, there are a lot of people here already, and all ticket have been sold out for the games. It will be interesting see what comes available other than on E-bay. We will go back one day to do the Forbidden City.

We got adventurous and wanted to eat and get a drink of something. When we looked in the boook, the closest one appreaded to be a 4 block walk. Let me tell you, a Beijiiig block is not like a "Phillly or West Chester" block. We walked 10 to 15 minutes on one block. We finally found Christina's mission - to find the MALL. We found the biggest and most glorious mall we have ever been in. It is mostly the top end of the line merschandise. Chrstina was hungry and did not want a meal with the wait person, the wait for the food and all that. So we tried a "fast food" Chinese chain. We odered by picture on the menu and we made out pretty good. Lot'of veggies.

Some pork in sauce and everthing on a bed of rice. If that is way the staple of the diet will be for two weeks, we'll live to tell about.

One interesting experience is that four sets of people came to us and wanted their pictures taken with us. They wanted a picture with Americans. They were very appreciative and one girl said she was honored.

Christina Valcochi