Tastes of Home

Not only is the new hotel more comfortable and better situated, within walking distance is a McDonalds and a KFC!  Seriously!  Foods we don’t tend to eat every day as a family, but they sure are a welcome sign here in the middle of this busy city.

We had a chance to stop in a few shops today to see if Taylor can find earrings and Kelly can find a tea pot.

_P9C3269

_P9C3270

_P9C3271

Nice eyes, Taylor.  That is how crazy people look.

Here is a picture of the new, better hotel! We made to move in order to have a pool available, and this place certainly DOES have a nice swimming pool.  However, they require that if you use the pool, you have to wear a cap and goggles, which they do have available for purchase.  The total cost for the five of us to be properly outfitted would be about $150.  Oh well … at least it is a better hotel.  I’m not sure our guide would appreciate another move!  One of the really nice things about this hotel is that they filter their water!  This is the first place we have stayed in China that has potable water in the room.  I don’t think we are quite brave enough to actually DRINK it, but at least we do not have to use bottled water for our toothbrushes.  THAT is a pain…

_P9C3272

While the streets here are not NEAR as congested as those in Vietnam, you still have to play a little dodge-bus at the intersections.

_P9C3275

This is the first place I have been where they have these little DJ stands set up.  I believe they are selling dance mix-CD’s.

_P9C3276

Here is that beautiful sign that so symbolizes home!

_P9C3277

We let Caleb have his first taste of McDonald’s ice cream.

_P9C3279

He offered to switch cones with Taylor so that they could try the other person’s.  For some reason Taylor didn’t want to share!

_P9C3281

Caleb tried Coke for the first time:

_P9C3288

He had QUITE the reaction!!

_P9C3289

We thought that we would try and get him down for a nap.  No such luck…

_P9C3293

Tonight we are going to head out and get some pizza for dinner.  Even if it is awful, I think we will think it is wonderful!!

Tomorrow we head back out to the Great Wall of China.  One time just isn’t enough!

Cameron