Jan 12th

This morning I braved the Arctic temperatures to cross the street and get coffee and breakfast from Starbucks.  It was still pitch black at 7am!  

After Estee used the mechanical toilet at least 4 times (had to drag her away)... 

We got bundled up (4-5 layers) to go visit the Great Wall, the drive was only 1.5 hrs with the morning traffic, and our driver was, lets say...  very aggressive!  Stacey was trying to stay calm, I thought it was amazing!

It was freezing at the start, and even colder on the chairlift ride to the top!

But as we climbed the steps we got warmer...

Was a beautiful day, got some great pictures.

I made it!

A beer at the top of the Great Wall, this MUST be China!

The toboggan ride down was awesome, the sign, after my own heart, said "don't follow rules at own risk".  It was probably a couple of miles of twisty banked corners with only a small brake.  I got going so fast, it was definitely a highlight for me.  Watch the video - only in China!!

At the bottom we got some practice at the bargaining game, I was pretty sure I was paying too much, but then the lady seemed like she was going to cry...  So i guess it wasn't too much after all.

We lunched on way too many dumplings (Zach you should have been there!)

The plates were empty when we left... (burp)

Then it was off to a silk factory (Estee took a nap on the way).  

It's nice to be small...

Shaking silk cocoons

This tea is yummy

After which we went to the Hutong Village, for a tea ceremony, then braved the cold for a Rickshaw ride (in the dark) thru the back alleys to a local families house for a fantastic home cooked meal.  

It's colder than it looks!

Dumpling making 101

OMG, I, (I mean we) couldn't stop eating...  We had to roll out of there!

Now back at the room, I am ready to pass out!  Tomorrow we fly the Changsha, Chloe's province capital, one day till Gotcha!

To all you who read these posts, we sure enjoy the comments.  Lets us know they are able to be seen, and enjoyed.  We appreciate your thoughts and prayers as we get to the reason for this trip...