It has been a full and wonderful day. At 4am Billy woke up. He politely let me sleep, but by 5am I too was hopelessly awake! After a good shower and a fabulous breakfast buffet we sat around waiting for the 9am meeting. The entire group - 35 families in all - got on 2 buses and started the tour. We visited Tiannimen Square (I can't ever spell it right, sorry!), the Forbidden City, the Pearl Factory, the Summer Palace and the Silk Factory. Basically from 9am to 8pm we walked except to sit for an hour of lunch and an hour of Beijing Duck Dinner.  Our feet are exhausted!

Architecture, History and Smog were the key words for today. The architecture and history are rich. The smog is so thick you can look directly at the sun. We're not talking about a cloudy day - we're talking polution. It's so sad to think these people rarely see a sunny, blue sky. Makes me appreciate home.

There is a lot of poverty here. Many people come up and beg. Some people it's easy to say "no" to. Others will break your heart. It can be quite unsettling to see a man with no legs pushing himself around on a piece of board with wheels, or a burn victim whose hands are unrecognizable. You just wonder - "Who shows love to these people".

Many of the Chinese women want to have their picture taken with me - I think it's the blonde hair. They come up to me speaking Chinese and making the sign language of clicking the camera. Then they giggle. Very cute.

Winky, the money you gave us for a Chinese gown for Libby was put to use today at the Silk Factory. We bought her a beautiful red and gold traditional Chinese gown. The bottom half is red and looks a bit like a tutu. I'm hoping it fits her, but it may be a hair too big. It was the smallest size they sold. I can't wait for you to see it. It's absolutely beautiful.

We bought some Christmas gifts for family and Billy was generous as he let me purchase a strand of pearls with matching earrings and a pearl ring. I hope to pass these on to Libby for her wedding day.

Dee, I was able to purchase your silk bags, cream pearls and Isabella's red silk dress today. More shopping to come!

Tomorrow is going to be full as well. Hopefully we will rest well tonight.

We love you all!

From China With Love,

Billy and Cindy