The Bullet Train

Today we had a morning to pack up, relax, face time friends and family, and tour the local tea shop.  There are 3 new tea enthusiasts in  the family now, mom, dad and Jonny.  The tea shop next to our hotel shares the history of tea, the art and nature of tea, and has tasting of teas and snacks available.  It was a pleasurable little 'field trip' for our kiddos and we each have a new respect for the entire tea process.

Ten Fu's Tea Shop (Tasting tea and snacks)

Praise God we had a guide lead us to the train station in Beijing and walk us through the station.  We were quite a site to see, 6 Americans, each with their rolling suitcase, following one another through this very crowded, station.  EVERYONE stared and took pictures and followed and touched.  But, it was all done in a pleasant way.  The Chinese are so kind, pleasant and fun loving.  So far, we are still very light-hearted about sticking out so much and getting more attention than we are used to.  Again it is still Ethan and Jonny that get the most touching and pictures.  We are so proud of the kiddos to be pulling luggage and walking quickly with hordes of people around, and mind you the sense of personal space has been abandoned!, and traveling up and down huge escalators.   Little Ethan's legs were moving so fast, but he did not complain or slow down one bit.

Walking into the train station.  The crowds continued to increase as we walked into the station.

"Central Station" board

Waiting Room #10, with shops all around it.

Boarding the Bullet Train

The bullet train is the high speed train (307 km/h) that took us through the countryside of China.  We saw much farm land and quarries and goat/sheep herds.  We saw rice fields, tree farms, and shepherds walking with their flocks, and small villages lining the railway.  We are so glad to have been able to take this 1.5 hour trip.  Although we kept laughing at the fact that we had to show our tickets 3 times prior to getting onto the train, once while on the train, and then once more when departing the train station.  Can we say overkill!

Upon arrival in Shijigzhuang, we noticed that air pollution is quite bad, nearly zero visibility.  The air is very moist and cold. We were quickly escorted to our nice hotel, which is connected to a mall, and settled in for the night.  We shared as a family just some of the changes that will take place after tonight, but the joy and peace we all feel is remarkable at this time.  I am so encouraged by my kiddos who are taking each day of this trip in stride.  They have been taking everything in and absorbing it and are learning so much about the Chinese culture.