Jan 11th

Estee wrote her name in the suede on the wall while we waited for the elevator. 




It was the clearest we have seen it in Shanghai, so we especially enjoyed the view this morning as we ate breakfast at the top of the hotel.  As we ate Estee updated us on the latest Chloe countdown, "almost two days Dad, Duh!"



















We flew from Shanghai to Beijing.  This flight we flew with the 99%, we were in row 58, 2 from the very back of the plane (a Boeing 777, completely full!)  Had fun watching Estee drive/ride her suitcase thru the airport.

Our Guide Helen met us at the airport, and hit it off with Estee right away (at the end of the day, Stacey said to Estee, "Helen really likes you", to which Estee responded as only Estee can, "Isn't it obvious?  She keeps pinching my cheek!)

the Throne

After an hour long drive, we got to the hotel, the St Regis.  When we checked in, they upgraded us to the Diplomatic Suite, a very large very nice room, but the real highlight was in the bathroom!



Estee couldn't wait, and was the first to try it out.  All of a sudden I heard loud Screaming-Squeeling-Giggling coming from the bathroom, when I went in to check on her, she yelled, "this butt washing toilet is fun, Dad you have to try it out, it even has a dryer!"

Layered up and ready to go

After dropping off our bags, and adding extra layers (it was 16 degrees F outside), our guide took us on a walk.  We got to ride the subway a few stops to Beijing's original shopping mall/walking street.  Got to see some very interesting street food, and even sampled the "stinky bean curd" (the real name)!

Helen said, "this is not crowded at all"

Helen, Estee and Stacey

Which one is Estee?

Lolly Pop anyone?

Then we went to an authentic Beijing restaurant, the food was great, and we had a pitcher of their housemade beer (it was pretty good)!














Then braved the cold back to the hotel where Estee had a special gift waiting from our butler Ryan!

















Tomorrow we tackle the Great Wall, good night for now.