A few words from Kori

My thoughts on Beijing...

My boys

The boys have been incredible travelers. I never imagined how wonderful it was going to be to travel with them. I love to see the amazement in their faces as they experience new things. I love seeing Beijing through their eyes. They have been respectful to each other, our surroundings and the many many people who have tried to talk to them. They just politely wave and say no or I don't know Chinese. We have pushed them every day, up at 5:30, breakfast at 6:30 and out the door by 8. We have traipsed all over the city and they get tired but the just keep going. They even willingly got haircuts by someone who doesn't speak any english.

Our family

We must look very VERY strange to the chinese people. Everywhere we go people stare. When I say stare I don't mean just look I mean stare. Several times people have run into something because they are watching us and not where they are going. I feel like we are on display, like a an exhibit at a zoo. I am tired of not being able to blend in. One lady in the Pearl Market kept saying that Chien looked like a girl because he was shy. Once was funny but 20 times was enough to make me mad. The place was overwhelming and people were grabbing us trying to get us to buy their stuff. Who wouldn't be a little shy. Another lady was asking me about the boys and didn't understand that we were the parents. She kept putting her arms around Chien. John had to pull him away from her. Another question that I thought was really funny was "Are they twins?" I know I tend to buy similar jackets for them but really do my kids look that much alike. I laughed out loud.

Driving and sidewalk etiquette

I am still at a loss here. I have studied it for days and I can not figure it out. You don't stop. Everyone keeps going. The bigger the vehicle the more right they have to go. Vehicles never stop for people walking or for bicycles. So you really have to watch for cars and buses when you cross the street. No one lets another person go in front of them. If you hesitate someone will push their way through. There is no personal space. You fit as many people or vehicles in as possible. You even drive on the sidewalk or berm. all is legal and expected. If the light is red and you want to turn right, you do. You don't stop and wait for no traffic you just keep going and merge. You change lanes often and with as little space between you and the other cars as possible. I am amazed that there are not more accidents. Also traffic is bad at all times of the day and night, bumper to bumper even at 9 pm.

Store/fast food lines

You don't wait in line. You push your way up to the front and hand the clerk your money while shouting what you want. Again if you hesitate you will get pushed out of the way by a little old lady.

People

Chinese people don't show any emotion. Everyone looks determined and overworked. You don't see many people smiling or laughing or even getting mad. They love their country and are very proud of their history. We didn't see many kids out and about because they were in school. But we did see several school groups on field trips. Public schools cost money (our guide said that is why most people can only afford one child) and every school has uniforms. But they are sweat suits. I am thinking WCS should switch to that kind of uniform. I think it would be more affordable and comfortable.

Food

Great food, incredible food. But stay away from the tourist type places (bad bad food). I have really enjoyed the spicy Hunan and  Sichuan food. I also really liked the Beijing food we have had (Peking Duck and dumplings). They don't eat much rice, noodles, or bread. Food is served when they are ready, not all together. They do not drink many juices or lemonade or koolaid type of drinks. They drink lots of tea and really good tea, beer, pop, and water.

Sights

Everything we have seen has been incredible. It is hard to get my mind wrapped around how old some of the things are. The USA is such a young country. I am also amazed at the architecture and engineering that went into building things like the Great Wall and the Forbidden city and the Summer Palace. The old neighborhood (Hutong) we rode through was even older than the Forbidden city. It is crazy to think that all of Beijing used to be like the Hutong, winding streets and little neighborhoods.

Bicycles

Everyone has the same style of bike. Basket in front and extra seat in back for child or for packages. No one locks up their bikes when they are parked on the sidewalk. I am not sure how they know which one is theirs. I am also amazed that there is not much crime.