Crazy long flight and super fun busy first day in Beijing

I didn't post after getting in last night because we all crashed very soon after getting to our hotel. The flight from Chicago to Beijing was supposed to take 13 hours but we got stuck on the plane for 3 hours before take off due to weather and plane issues. Each time they were about to let us off to wait in the airport they changed their minds saying the issues were almost resolved so we just waited in our seats. I was afraid that the girls wouldn't do so great with the length of the flight when Olivia asked if we were almost there after 2 1/2 of being in our seats....before we even left Chicago. But thankfully they both did amazing! We read books, colored, watched (LOTS) of movies and they both slept about 4 hours. Levi and I didn't sleep much but over all it really went well. I pray the flight home goes as well, minus the extra 3 hours.

I probably should not have let the girls sleep so much on the plane because they woke up at 2:00 am this morning and were ready to start the day. I guess they were still on Texas time.

Today was great. We are amazed at the size of Beijing...it is just huge! We are staying near the center of the city which has been very convenient. Our guide, Angela, is fabulous. She is very sweet and has made everything so easy. She picked us up at the airport yesterday and took us everywhere today. She is very kind to the girls and tells us lots of interesting facts about the city, the culture and each place we visited today. If anyone is ever in Beijing I would highly recommend her.  http://ladybugsnlove.com/ 

The hotel is beautiful and the staff very friendly. We ate breakfast at the hotel. It has many American items which the girls were thankful for and Levi and I enjoyed trying the Chinese items. It was all delicious. 

Our first stop was Temple of Heaven which was built around 600 years ago. Then we went to the Pearl Market. It is a multilevel shopping center that sells many items but on the top floor there are jewelry stores that sell beautiful pearls. You can get them at a fraction of the price of what they would be in America. 

Then we ate lunch at a delicious local restaurant, the name translates as The Big Bowl. Angela picked out several dishes that we had never tried before and we loved them all. I also liked the mum flower tea.

After lunch we visited Tian An Men square and the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven are just huge. It is amazing to see these beautiful structures that were built so long ago.

I had the girls dressed alike today and dozens of people asked if they were twins, commented on how cute they were and asked to take pictures with them. Apparently twins are considered very special in China. Olivia loved the attention and Elizabel was very sweet back to them but I think a little embarrassed. 

We ended the day by seeing an acrobat show. It was similar to a Cirque Du Soleil type of show in the type of acts and the awesome talent of the performers. It was amazing!

the day was so fun and exhausting...the girls crashed out on the way back to the hotel. 

I tried to add pictures but can't due to slow internet. I will try again at the next hotel.