In A Land Far, Far Away...

     To sum up everything that has taken place in the last couple of days, all I can say is "WOW."  My first "wow" is used to describe our travel experience...my tone of voice might sound a little sarcastic here:)  I knew that the plane ride from Chicago's O'Hare Airport was going to be looong, but I truly had no idea how it would really feel to be on an airplane for 13 hours straight.  We woke up early Wednesday morning (2:45 am) and were picked up by Nathan's parents at 3:30.  Made it to the airport by 4:30, and took off for Chicago by 6:00 am.  After arriving in Chicago by 8:00 am, we had a 4 hour layover before our 12:00 noon flight to Beijing would take off.  I learned that Chicago's O'Hare airport is the busiest airport in the world...so true.  Once we settled in at our gate, it was pretty neat to learn that there were several other adoptive families that would be flying with us.  I think that excitement and pure adrenaline is what got us through the next part of our journey.  I am already getting anxious thinking about the trip home with Hudson.  15 hours (and I thought 13 was bad) on a plane with a 12 month old we have known for less than 2 weeks.  Start the prayers now, please:)

     The next part of our trip has truly been "WOW!"  We are part of an amazing travel group including about 8 other adoptive families from all over the US.  Our guide, George, took us on a tour today of a Hutong, Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City.  I will let the pictures do the talking...

A hutong is a traditional Chinese home,
at one time belonging to only the upper class
 





A hutong is a group of homes built together,

connected by many alleys

 

 

 

 The hutong we visited was the home of Mrs. Wu, above. 

 She is now 77.

 

Girl posing for us in the alley. 

The children we saw were beautiful!!!

 

The view from our rickshaw.

 Our travel group

 Entering the Forbidden City



 

 

 

      It has been amazing getting to see a part of Hudson's homeland.  Part of me is sad that we will be taking him from his heritage.  Leaving China will be bittersweet.