Talked a big game.

I met Laura in the lobby last night about 7. Of course we immediately went to the bar and had beers. Decided that we better head out to dinner soon since we were going for blood and it would be a long night of drinking. We asked "James" the most charismatic and best English speaking bell boy in the hotel where we should go. After confirming us a reservation and writing down the directions off we went. We got to the place and it of course was ornate and tacky all at the same time. After proceeding down the grand plastic stair case past the section of the restaurant that looks more like a pet store we arrived at our table sided with a jade green couch on both sides. Duck, Chicken, Dumplings, Asparagus, noodles and beer oh my.. Service of course was smotheringly good and the "Forman" of the restaurant came by to ensure we were doing fine. She insisted on escorting me to the bathroom each time (had to go twice with my little girl bladder and 5 beers). There is something really funny about this level of service when getting a new beer is a national emergency requiring her to literally run to get it in high heels that don't fit right and a skirt. She then walked us all the way out to the street to say good night.

Back to the hotel a beer or two and right to bed. We talked up a first big night but the food bloat, beers and jet lag took us down before midnight.

This morning we woke up to the best weather yet. There is a sun, I can see it! I can also now see well over a mile (as opposed to across the street the first day). I was up early again this morning had a chat with my boss back home who didn't know I was in China (I love an empowering hands off boss!) and all is well on the work front.

Finally got through to the ticket broker for our Gymnastics tickets so we are off in a bit to have breakfast, pick up the tickets and head to the Forbidden City, Tienanmen Square and Mao's Mausoleum.

We are also trying to track down Becky Lavell today to see if we can hang out.

Dave