ARRIVAL!

Phone cards work! This AM CDT we got word that all arrived in Beijing as scheduled. EJ got little sleep on the flight and "just wanted to get off the plane" after about 10 hours. L did not report that she and K had the same thoughts but I'm thinking that could be the case. L did report that it was clearly not a stroll in the park.

After the two hours to clear customs they went to their hotel and checked in. That would be about 4:00 PM. (Incidentally for those trying to frame the time--it's 12 hours later than US EDT.) L made a short trip with their small group and the guide to buy some bottled water while the other two "crashed" for a few hours. EJ was exhausted.

Later they got some take-out, Chinese take-out (Even if it was a big Mac I think it would still be considered Chinese take-out.), and had a late dinner and are preparing for bed. Tomorrow includes a visit to the Summer Palace and a trip to see the Pandas at the zoo. L had no time to find the business center to make a posting so this is the guest poster.