Vast

We landed in Beijing and the plane taxied...over bridges...across major runways...forever...to the gate. We strolled off the plane, down the hallway, farther down the hallway, even farther yet...to the train. We took the train around the airport...over bridges...through terminals...where we got off and walked...and walked...and walked to baggage claim. Yes, the airport is vast and you get a nice walk on the way to collect your luggage and get to the taxi stand!

We've used "points" to reserve our room in the Haidian District at a great place called aloft. It has a hip, trendy feel - yet nice for families. We like the game area with billiards table, foos ball, board games, wii, and computer banks. Across the lobby is a self-service snack area - affordably priced beverages, sandwiches, fruit and other small snacks. There is a small pool and workout room as well. Great staff and a relaxing, low key atmosphere.

Though forewarned about the air quality, were still shocked to see the haze in the sky Tuesday morning. Actually, compared to today (Wednesday) Tuesday was quite clear. So again we are in a place where you cannot drink the water, and it seems that soon you will not be able to breathe the air. Where is our power as humans to change this? The major contributors to the pollution mostly live here - are they used to it? Do they think it is not so bad? As the highest life form why do we allow our living conditions to deteriorate to this level? What does this say about us as a human race? What does this say about our survival?

Okay, enough on global issues. If you are ever here you should see the Chaoyang Acrobat Show. These performers are quite unbelievable! Amazing feats of balance and flexibility, great costumes and a never-seen-before level of stage lighting. We spent a lovely hour visiting the panda exhibit at the zoo. They are just the cutest animals! We had a nice family chat about what makes them more attractive and endearing than other bears - is it their cuteness? Their vulnerability? The human qualities they exhibit when eating, sleeping, or playing? After the pandas we taxied to the east gate of The Forbidden City where...the camera failed us and we had to go to...film. Remember film? It doesn't download to the computer, and you have to guess as to what exactly you are photographing as you peer through a tiny square to try to frame the photo.

More later on The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and Chairman Mao, it is time to pack for our trip to the Great Wall, then a train to Xian to see the Terracotta Warriors. Oh, and the camera is working again - all spiffed up with a new battery and a new memory card.