I added these photos of the flowers to show you how interesting the process was. The first photo shows the pile of flowers the florist was using to set up everything - sort of like the back room at Bachmans but it was right out front. The results are shown in the other photos of the altar and our table. Just amazing colors and arrangements.
We said good bye to Red and Carol Smith and Jim and Jill Lindsey today as they headed back home. Billy & Jingyi stayed in our same hotel so we were able to have breakfast with them today. What a week we had in Beijing - and we have never seen a wedding like Billy's including both the beautiful Christian service followed by the Chinese traditional Tea Service ceremony. Billy changed clothes three times during the wedding and Jingyi had four different outfits! The photos in yesterday's entry show both ceremonies and we will explain both when we return. He is so happy in Beijing and he is surrounded by an amazing group of young professional friends; so, although we leave with heavy hearts, we know Billy & Jingyi are happy and surrounded by great friends and that is a blessing.
We were dropped off at the Beijing airport today and walked right up to security, so that was a great help the travel agencies have provided. After a 1 1/2 hour flight, we landed in Xian, the original capital of China located in the center of the country. It is warmer here than Beijing, about 95, and you can't see even 4 blocks because of the haze and smog. Alex, our new guide, explained that 90% of munitions and guns in China are made in Xian and this province as well as airplanes. They need to kick in the pollution control measures or I won't even last the one day with my allergies! We are once again staying at the Xian Hyatt in the heart of the city near the Bell Tower and city wall. Meg & I saw those last time we were here, but Peter and Maddie have not been here so the sight seeing begins in 1/2 hour followed by a traditional dumpling dinner tonight.
We have hit the wall! Went to the city wall in Xian, then the Wild Goose Pagoda where monks still study, then the Bell Tower and finally a dumpling dinner near the Bell Tower. Alex our guide is again very good and his driver is also prompt. We are back by 7PM this evening just dead. The photos at the end here are of the city wall and Bell Tower and the dinner followed by Haagen Dazs. Up at 9:30AM for a whirlwind day tomorrow - purchase and ship a warrier, see the terra cotta warriers and jump on the plane to Guilin.
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