Our journey to bring Maelyne home...: 3.21.09 Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City, and Great Wall

Today we had our sightseeing at the Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City and the Great Wall. There are now 7 families (18 altogether) so we had a bus this time to accomodate all of us. Elsie was our CHI guide and Lei was the tour guide. Our fisrt stop was the Tian'anmen square. There is not much to see other than tons of Chinese tourists. We managed to make our way to the Forbidden City. You won't miss the portrait of Mao Tse Tong because we have to pass under his gigantic photo hanging. We were told there were a total of 9,999 rooms in the compound. These buildings look really stunning.
We had our lunch at the Peking Duck Restaurant. While we were in the bus, we were already told what we are going to have for lunch. The popular peking duck is kind a like a burrito that you put together. Every food served was great!
We continued our tour heading to the Great Wall. On our way going north of Beijing, we passed by the Bird's Nest where the opening/closing ceremonies for the 2008 Olympics were held. Not far from the stadium is the water cube building where the swimming and diving competions were held. All we can do was try to get photos since we were just passing by.
After almost an hour drive, we finally reached the the famous Great Wall. In some areas the traffic is crazy and it was even a weekend. We visited the JuYong Section of the Wall. It is very steep and the the steps are not even. We were told it might rain but it did not so the weather was comfortable. However, it was hazy so the photos did not really capture the higher parts of the wall. The views though are well worth it.
It was time to go back to the hotel. We drove more than an hour in those busy freeways again. While in the bus though, we had our orientation from Elsie. We were told we meet our babies at 5:00 pm on Sunday instead of the scheduled 3:00 pm. And we will be meeting them in the Gloria Plaza Hotel. I have butterflies in my stomach. In about 24 hours we will finally have Maelyne with us.

The moms to be are going shopping at the supermarket and the dads to be are going to an electronic store after dinner but I was very exhausted from the tour and for only having few hours of sleep last night so I passed on this fun activity. My body was giving up so Henry and I stayed and we just ordered food delivered to our hotel room. I also made an appointment for full body massage at the health club down at the second floor but I had a room service instead. I felt better after that. Henry was fine so he did not get one.

It has been fun for all the families. We enjoyed our stay in Beijing. This is our last night as couple and tomorrow, life will change.