Our actual first day was spent flying. We departed via bus transportation promptly at 6AM to JFK International Airport for an early afternoon flight on China Air. Thirteen hour direct flight to Beijing, three meals, wine, drinks and they push you to drink water on the flight. China is twelve hours ahead of us so you land in China the next day, or twelve hours ahead of the US time. Interesting fact is that we flew over the North Pole! They closed the shades, lowered the lights in the cabin and tried to get us to sleep and on Chinas time zone.
Our first day of touring began with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, built in 1420 A.D., where the emperors prayed to the heaven for a good harvest. We then continued on to the 2008 Beijing Olympic venues for outside views of National Stadium, the Bird's Nest and National Aquatic Center. En Route to the Great Wall, the 4,000 mile long and 2,000 year old structure. While I was there I purchased a lock and had my husbands and my name engraved on the lock and hung it on the Great Wall. We also stopped at a Jade Factory Were you could purchase all colors and types of jade, as well as see it being carved.
Tomorrow I'll talk more about the food in China and day two of the trip! The South Windsor Chamber of Commerce is taking a group to China April 3-11, 2014 for a once in a life time trip and all inclusive price of $2399*. If you are interested in finding out more about the trip we have an informational session Monday, December 9, 2013 at 5:30 in the Chamber Office or call 860-644-9442, www.southwindsorchamber.org . Thanks for reading my blog, Shari Fiveash
