Jen and Will in China: May 2008

Melissa and I arrived in Beijing on Monday, May 12. We flew through Toronto, where we discovered the difference between Americans and Canadians--they call a Bloody Mary a "Caesar." Air Canada's TVs with movie choices at each seat made the 13-hour flight bearable, and before we knew it, we were in China. After we landed, Jen informed us that Beijing had just experienced an earthquake. She had thought she was having a dizzy spell in her office, on the upper floor of a high rise, when someone yelled earthquake. We would soon learn that the earthquake was far more significant south of Beijing. Chinese media covered the quake extensively, and we followed the news on nytimes.com.

The main purpose of our trip was to see Jen and Will, with the added bonus of seeing China. Seeing Jen and Will was wonderful. We were impressed by how well they have made their way in Beijing. Will's Chinese is amazing, and Jen's ability to maneuver without knowing the language is equally amazing. That said, she knows more than just a few words and is able to communicate just enough with cab drivers, waitresses, and merchants. Watching Jen barter for souvenir silk bathrobes, t-shirts, or miniature buddhas was one of the highlights of the trip.

Beijing has everything you would want in a city to visit, or to live in for a year. There is always a new street to discover, a new bar to go to, another sight to see. Melissa and I explored the Forbidden City, and later sat at a nearby rooftop bar with Jen and Will, having drinks overlooking the Forbidden City's rooftops at night.

Jen joined Melissa and I for an incredible 4-hour hike along the Great Wall. Imagine hiking through some of the most beautiful mountains you've ever seen, combined with passing through guard houses that evoke childhood fantasies about exploring castles, with the fact that you are walking on a centuries-old wall built to keep the Mongols out--that's hiking the Great Wall.

From the Peking Duck and Dumplings to Guinness at an Irish Pub, and from seeing the Temple of Heaven to seeing the Olympic stadium, we had a great time. Best of all, we loved seeing Jen and Will, where they live, and how well they have done in Beijing.

I know it’s been quite some time since my last post – but who has time to write when you have all your favorite people visiting? We have been busy enjoying time with our guests, including my Mom and Mark, Ryan, and most recently Mike and Melissa. And Will’s parents arrive in Beijing tonight – so look for some more pictures from their trip soon!

I worry sometimes that I’ll forget all the little moments of this year, at times it certainly feels surreal. Having our friends and fam here has made it seem even more real – we were able to make some great stories – Cheng-deh!, and even more vivid memories - the hike from Jinshanling to Simatai , the tobogan run down from Mutianyu...and of course get a few laughs in along the way. For people to get a chance to see our little corner of the world here in Beijing has been wonderful – from the everyday life, the challenges and the benefits of being a foreigner, and of course the amazing sights.

It’s been so special to share our lives here but even more special to just get a chance to hang out with the people we miss so much! And while we wish of course everyone could make a visit over here, now you’ll have the chance to hear even more great stories and perspectives on life in Beijing and traveling in China!

So here are a few highlights and pics from our visitors!

Mom & Mark

When my Mom and Mark were here I was lucky to take a few days off – we saw the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall and enjoyed many yummy dinners ranging from pizza at our local expat hangout, to amazing Peking duck. Mom and Mark then went on to Xian to see the terracotta warriors, then to Shanghai and Hong Kong! Of course they liked Beijing the best!

Great Wall at Mutianyu

Ming Tombs

enjoying a beer at The Tree

And then Ryan visited!

When Ryan was visiting we made an overnight trip to Chengde, which should be just about a 2 hour drive North from Beijing. As we learned, if you take the bus it’s about 5. Chengde was great – but it was the laughs with Ryan and Will that made it. I learned a few lessons on that trip including to add a little time cushion to bus rides in China (and perhaps bring a cushion in case you need to sit on the floor), avoid the boiling tripe if you can, always bring an umbrella, and sometimes if you go running through the rain you’ll find an amazing, massive Buddha at the end making it all worthwhile:)