Beijing Day 1: Travel Day

We're already back! Its hard to believe how quickly the week passed, and just how much we managed to pack into our once-in-a-lifetime trip to Beijing.

The photo above is of Mark and I toasting to our journey just after boarding UA 889 from SFO to PEK. We certainly enjoyed the Business Class experience - the seats were both comfy and roomy, the food and wine were enjoyable, and the service was lovely (although more so on our return trip home). Sadly, we still found it difficult to sleep much on the 12 and a half hour flight, even after only getting 2 hours of sleep the night before our departure (thanks to a delayed flight home from Los Angeles on Friday night, getting me in to begin packing just after midnight!). Traveling over the Pacific Ocean, it was strange to have the sun shine continuously as we transitioned from Saturday to Sunday.

We arrived in Beijing at around 3:30pm, and were met at the airport by our local tour guide, Jane, and driver, Hong. Although we knew we would be provided with transportation between the airport and hotel, what we didn't know is that these two would also be our personal guides throughout the trip! What a difference they made.

After settling into our hotel room, we adventured out into downtown Beijing to find some dinner. Quickly, we learned the value of our Mandarin phrasebook. After waiting nearly 20 minutes to be approached by the waitstaff, we soon realized that there were only two that knew a few select English phrases - the majority seems worried to even stop at our table for fear of having to communicate.

We managed to order our first dinner, which included Beijing's famous 北京烤鴨 (Roast Duck).

Carving the duck in front of our table.

Served with thin steamed pancakes, sliced cucumber and scallions, and sweet noodle sauce (similar to Hoisen sauce).

Learning the proper way to assemble our meal.

Attempting to follow suit.

Chinese beer, which along with hot tea, flows more freely than water.