It would be a difficult task to recount everything I have done in the last two weeks since I last blogged, so this will be the abbreviated version of the rest of my time in Beijing. First off, I have to say, this country is fantastic! I really wasn't sure what to expect, and I for SURE didn't expect to love a city as huge and busy (and polluted) as Beijing as much as I now do. But Julie and I got ourselves comfortable in our new environment and knocked out a...

As is obvious from the heading, I am now in China.  Julie and I have left dear Okinawa behind and made for the mainland.  We arrived in Beijing last Thursday night to a very warm reception from chatty Xiau Wei, Mom and Betsy's friend in the city.  He and "snoopy driver" shuttled us directly to our hostel and settled us in.  Once they left, we of course fell into a travel induced coma. Friday morning we awoke with big plans for the day.  ...