Beijing!!

I am happy to say that I arrived safely in Beijing after a very long flight. Customs was a breeze, and I was taken to my hostel by two very interesting young Chinese guys who I'm sure ripped me off. The hostel is in an awesome location and it was so great meeting up with Mollie and Shaun shortly after I arrived. We wandered around a bit yesterday evening (although to me it was morning, and I wasn't sure what day it was), and went to bed super early after an interesting meal at a local restaurant.

Today was an early start, as we had signed up for a tour through the hostel of the Great Wall -- which consisted of a 3 hour drive each way and a 4 hour hike, and started at 6:40am. Wow. It was such a great trip. At times it was a bit intense, a lot of up and down walking, but the views were fabulous and it all seemed a bit surreal. I met a lot of interesting travelers along the way and got stalked by a tiny Chinese lady trying to sell me t-shirts and picture books. Finally, about halfway through the hike, I bought some postcards off of her so she would go home and leave me alone (as this was the only way that she would leave).

Near the end of the hike there was a suspension bridge that we had to cross, which was cool and a bit scary since I crossed with 3 French guys that kept jumping up and down. One of the best parts was at the end, when you had to decide whether to walk down to the parking lot (boring!) or to pay a couple bucks and swing from a cable across the water to the other side. Now I may be cheap, but it looked too fun to pass up! It was worth it -- a great ending to a great hike.

Today is New Years Eve, which is crazy to me because it doesn't feel like it at all. We haven't quite decided how to celebrate, but I'm sure we'll think of something.

Tomorrow will be another early morning, as we have tickets for a 9:20am train that will take us North to Shenyang...our home for the next 6 months. I am so excited!

I will write more soon, after I get settled into my apartment and check out the city. I miss and love you all.