Why I do not know what date it is:
Well, I do know it is Saturday here. It is night. The date, well, I would fail the Folstein (Psychiatry in joke.) See, I have a watch with a date on it but I can no longer see things that small so there is really no way to keep up. At work I write the date many times, on my notes, on prescriptions etc. Although even then I often really have to stop and think. Here, there are no newspapers, well at least none I can read. So, I know where I am. I know who I am, I am just not sure where I am situated in time and space.
We changed around our agenda for today as today was beautiful and cool and tomorrow is supposed to rain. So, we decided to go the Great Wall today. As some of you know, we wanted to go to the Maitanyu section. There is a cable car ride up, then about an hour hike along the wall. The kids were great, real troopers, leading the way, up and down, running. The grownups were a little slower but we all made it. Perfect weather, not hot at all.
I was too tired to continue writing last night so I am finishing this morning and it is raining so we made a good call to go to the Wall yesterday. We check out at noon and then have until about 8:30 when we board our train for Xian. We have too much luggage. Not that we are not using everything but it is a fair amount to carry and then manage to wrangle three children. Actually the kids are generally pretty good and Kang Kang was able to push a luggage cart in the airport and to manage a wheeled suitcase.
Oh yeah, back to the Wall. After the hour walk there is a slide. It is about a kilometer and a quarter. It is a winding thing made out of metal and you ride down on a luge kind of cart. It is easy to control for faster and slower. I highly recommend it. It was a lot of fun, There are two person carts for kids as you have to be 10 to ride alone. Luckily our guide, Jack, was with us and he took the third kid. When Nancy told Caleb he would ride down with Jack he announced "Yippee, I love Jack." Okay then.
I am getting a bit stiff and sore from the hard beds. I do not imagine the train will be much of an improvement although we will be in deluxe soft sleepers. Now we have to figure out what to do for the day in Beijing in the rain. Or maybe it will stop. We will be internet-less for at least the next 24 hours.
Ellen.
6 comments:
It's good not to know the date-- a very refreshing way to live actually. Plus if it's for our benefit, blogspot puts the date on automatically so we as readers know when you posted in any case :)
Good thinking to have the Great Wall trip on a beautiful day. I am so happy for Kang Kang - and you:}
Thanks for the calls. We were at a wonderful party and didn't get home until after midnight!! A bit risque for us!
Have a wonderful day in Xian and can't wait to speak to you in Chendu.
Love Mom and Dad
What great pictures on the Wall. KK looks sooo happy!! And it sounds like you had perfect weather for seeing the Wall. I'm wishing I heading to China again.
Hope the train ride goes well.
Colleen
Ellen - The picture of you and KK on the Great Wall is just beautiful. A Happy Mother's day to you and Nancy.
Jfer
Heard this morning about the earthquake and that it was felt as far away as Beijing! Praying for your safety as you travel.
Looks like you guys are having great fun. The kids look so cute and happy.
Hope you are far away from the quake site.
Continue to have fun.
janissa
Post a Comment