Day 1, Part 2 - Chinese Linedancing and Suggested Lanes

I did forget to mention a few things about our first day in Beijing. While we were at Beihai Park, Shanna made a new friend. It is so amazing that a smile in any culture seems to communicate "Will you be my friend?" Shanna smiled at this lady doing Tai Chi (we think this is what it is called and spelled) and the next thing you know her face was lit all up and Shanna was linedancing. She had so much fun. And it is pretty obvious that this lady was also having fun. She did not know a word of English, but fortunately for Shanna, about halfway through their dance, Shanna recognized some words the lady was saying. The lady was counting and Shanna realized what she was doing and then began to really catch on. Since I took some video of this also, we are planning to teach Melina "Tai Chi" to preserve a bit of her heritage.

Beijing has also taught us something that we take for granted in the United States. You could easily lose your life on the roads here. Everytime you go somewhere, regardless of how you get there - walking, biking or driving - you really place your life in the hands of another person. This is a trusting in Jesus thing here. I'm reminded of those NASCAR teeshirts that say "Rubbin' Is Racin'". These guys are crazier than any NASCAR driver. They duck into spots that look like a car only 1/2 the size of the one we are in could fit into. And forget about the lane lines - they are merely "suggested" for consideration - no one seems to use them except at intersections.

So far it's been great. We will be going to the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China tomorrow. More pictures to come. Love to all. Only one more sleep until we get Melina.