Our group arrived in China's capital city on time and as planned, Saturday mid-afternoon (Beijing time). Dr. Tukel kept our group organized as we navigated the beautiful and sprawling Beijing International airport. We exchanged currency and proceeded to customs checkpoints then to the waiting buses. Check-in at the Penta Beijing Hotel went smoothly because the Chinese travel coordinators had pre-arranged our arrival logistics. After settling into our rooms, we enjoyed the opportunity to explore the neighborhood around the hotel and get our first sampling of local cuisine!