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:)
Behai Park in Beijing
Ryan and Will building at the Great Wall at
And then to Chengde!
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The Mountain Resort
Puning temple
I also learned that Will has a unique sense of hiking attire….yes…this is the man I am going to marry!
And then Mike and Melissa arrived!
Here are a few pics - but Mike wrote his own post for their visit - check it out below!
hike from Jinshanling to Simatai
drinks at Face Bar
and Tsingdao at the Rickshaw!
