The day has finally arrived! Left LAX at 9:10 a.m. for the short flight to San Francisco where we had a two hour layover. Lunched at a nice Mexican restaurant in the airport, then waited in the departure lounge for our flight to be announced. Managed to get us both upgraded - yay! Noticed many couples wearing the same blue T-Shirts and on asking if they were going to a convention, learned that they were all going to China to pick up their adopted babies! ...

Arrived in Beijing, just not knowing what to expect, but we were pleasantly surprised. Customs and Immigration was an absolute breeze, although the agents were noticeably dour and few words were exchanged. Got out into the arrival hall, all bags accounted for, to find it was just like any other international terminal. Teeming with people, so we pushed our way through them trying to get outside to the taxi stand, piece of paper in hand with our hotel name in...