Beijing - Wangfujing

We close our time in Asia, with five days in the Beijing area.  It is hard to imagine more spectacular bookends to our trip than Japan on one end and Beijing, China on the other.  Our guide in Beijing was remarkable in her generosity, answering our many questions about the people, the culture, the history, and the politics.  We learned so much from her.  Beijing is one of the largest cities in the world with more than 20 million people.  This massive quantity of people creates a menagerie of sights, sounds, smells, pollution, and bustle that is both overwhelming and exhilarating.  The afternoon of our arrival, the pollution index was slightly above normal, not too much of a concern to most of the locals, but for us the air hung heavy, the city shrouded in a grey cloud that was palpable.  The Optimist was quick to don his filtered mask and we hit the streets anxious to explore an area nearby -- the famed Wangfujing.  This area is the "Times Square" of Beijing.

The food stalls at Wangfujing were unbelievable!  The same critters we call pest control to rid ourselves from, these vendors put on a stick and sell as a snack.  We couldn't believe our eyes!  Scorpions, cicadas, tarantulas, beetles, snakes -- people were gobbling them up -- literally!

The vendors are in a constant chatter -- calling out their wares and enticing buyers to their stalls.  This hotspot only gets busier as the night goes on.

We had no doubt that this fun contraption would end up in our suitcase.  Let the bargaining begin!  Bartering is an art form in Beijing.  Today's price was 128 yuan each - or about $40 for the pair.  By the time the boys had bartered with seemingly every street vendor in the city, we ended up with a pair for 25 yuan or about $4.  You know you've hit the right price when you walk away and the seller chases you down the street.  Until then, you keep negotiating!  

The most important part of our day was when our Chinese tailor met us at the hotel.  The Optimist turns 12 in a few weeks and will be ordained a deacon at church.  He was SO excited to have his measurements taken and choose the style and fabric for his new suit.  The tailor promised to have it finished in 24 hours.  We could hardly wait!!