Beijing-Part 1

All last week Sarah would ask Brynn what we were going to "ride on" Friday. Her answer was the same every time.... scooter. Sarah would say not a scooter, but an airplane. Finally Friday, she got it right along with an airplane sound and a point to the sky. We wonder how many 19 month olds know how to say scooter? Probably only the ones in China. 

After we arrived in Beijing, we decided to skip check-in and head straight to Outback Steakhouse. Some of the Chengdu gang  and I were craving steaks. We took a quick taxi to downtown Beijing and enjoyed an expensive (more than the States), but tasty meal. Following dinner, we decided to go back to the hotel for bath time and bed time for Brynn. Instead of taking a taxi back, we decided to save some money and take the subway. BAD IDEA. Since it was the Chinese National Fall Holidays, Beijing was extremely crowded and the subways were slam packed. As we prepared to board, we noticed that every car was maxed out. In our group, were us, the Brewers and Kimberly. Getting us all on one train car was not going to happen, but we tried anyway. In China, common sense does not exist in certain situations. Instead of waiting on people to exit and then boarding, the Chinese just smash into each other. This smash effect happened in full force with us, as I attempted to push Brynn's stroller into the crowded subway car. A Chinese man helped me get Brynn onto the car, but Sarah and the Brewers were unable to fit. The last people on the train were actually getting shoved by the attendants, so that the doors would close. As Brynn's stroller began to get smothered, I noticed that she was very scared. I jerked her out of the stroller and held up her high. Her eyes stayed as big as half-dollar pieces for the next hour. Luckily for me, Kimberly got on the same car and was able to get us to the proper stop. Sarah and the Brewers met us a few minutes later. Kimberly has a great picture of Brynn's face on the subway. I hope to post it soon!

The next day Sarah and Brynn stayed at the hotel and rested. Brynn got the play outside and catch up with her friend Esther. They had a great time and got into a lot of trouble together. I attended a conference during the day and enjoyed getting professional development in many areas of teaching.

Brynn playing on the swing

Brynn and Esther being silly

Holding Hands.

On Saturday night after a long day of playing for Brynn and classes for me, we decided to head out to one of the local markets with the Spatas, Whitlocks, Travis and Glen. We dined at an Italian restaurant called Annie's. It was amazing. Sarah and I split Buffalo Wings, Stuffed Mushrooms and a Bacon Pasta called Cabanera. Brynn even got to make her own pizza by smashing out the dough, adding cheese and sauce. She ate most of the cheese before the pizza was cooked. After dinner, we headed to market. Sarah and my bartering skills were put to the test. At the market, the seller starts with some astronomically high price and twenty minutes later they come down to your price. You have to walk away twice, tell them NO a hundred times and even go look at other vendors with similar items. In the end, I walked away with a North Face jacket for $20, Sarah and Brynn both got Ugs for $25, Sarah got a Red Pea Coat for $45 and Brynn got 4 pair of tights for $8. I almost bought a set of golf clubs, but decided to wait until I actually have time to hit golf balls. A new set can be purchased for about $120-150. They have all major brands. After we got our shopping fill, we headed to Starbucks for a night cap of Hot Chocolate.

 Brynn's Pizza.

Miss Emma's pizza.

Check back soon for more parts of our Beijing trip which included a visit to the Great Wall! Matt