Street eat'in

There is a street in Beijing where you can eat everything on a stick. So, I thought how about grasshoppers? Yes, you can do it! How about grubs? Yes, you can do it! How about Scorpions on a stick? Yes,,,,

One World One Dream

Most of the World has images of the 2008 Olympics still in our minds. These Olympics were extremely impressive on many levels, the opening ceremonies, the international guest and the excellent service provided throughout events. Today, we were able to see some of the venues of the games, very impressive! Athletic would not be used to describe our team, although some still think they are ready for the next Olympics.

As we walk through the village and saw the venues it was moving to think of the thousands of people from all across the Global who came to Beijing. Beijing is truly an International city and did an excellent job hosting the 2008 games! One World One Dream was the theme. We are starting to Dream!

There are many parks in this International city. As we walked through a park today I thought of the contrast of the old and new. A theme which repeats it self many times through out the day. Everywhere a person turns there are examples of both the old and the new. The contrast is sharp. One example, I found great transportation which would really cut my fuel cost. As I sat on my new acquired mode of transportation, as BMW passed me? The contrast of the old and new.

As we walk through the park we see people enjoying life playing cards, dancing, singing and relaxing in simple ways. We watch a retired man spend hours with a spinning top, as it spins the sound comes out of the top. This ancient chinese top is now mass made out of plastic, but still appreciated. A great way to spend retirement and cheaper than golf.

Another beautiful day in Beijing!

Tea & Talk

Tea has an amazing history, especially in China. It's part of tradition and relationships, it adds aroma to the room and forms bonds. Tea is complex and one should know what they are doing when they are handling good tea. There are complexities in how tea is cooked, poured, cultivated and stored. It is always used in formal gatherings.

Today we were expose to a new level of Tea drinking. The leaves were gathered from one of three trees left in China, the tea tree is actually protected by the government. As we sat and watched the elaborate process leading up to receiving a cup of tea, it was mesmerizing. First, the tea is placed in a tea pot, then hot water is added through a process of pouring it through a funnel in a circular motion into the pot. Then, the tea sits for a while, then poured into a clear glass pot, and finally poured into a small cup. Only a little bit at a time. No "big Gulp" cups in the room and don't ask for Ice and sugar.

When the aroma of the tea reaches your nose, you know it has excellent qualities. The smell is light and "earthy" ( Now I am sounding like I know what I am talking about?). My time in France had prepared me for this moment. Don't gulp, just sip. During the day this experience would repeat itself.

During the afternoon we gather at a National historical park in Beijing. Stunning place with water falls, stone bridges, beautiful lakes it provided a very peaceful setting. We look at various building and began to "negotiate". We talk about culture, history, modern trends, economics, the Olympics and what would a partnership look like as we moved forward into the future.

Bringing two cultures together is a delicate dance as we try to understand expectations, language, cultural nuances, and implications for the future. There is definitely an art to negotiation. Who know what tomorrow will bring as we continue our journey down this path of trust?

Day two

I've been hunting for many things life, but hunting for a "hand bag" would not top the list. However, when in Beijing their is a tradition of stoping at the "Pearl Market". The stuff in this place will make an avid shopper drool at the very mention of the name Pearl Market. It's five floors packed with name brand goods from watches to shoes and very famous for the Purses, but not just any- Prada, Coach...(for the expert you get the picture). Well. I was sent on a mission get a bag a "hand bag" and a bunch of Pashmina scarfs.

If your feeling abit unwanted the Pearl Market is for you, as you will be grabbed by the arm and dragged over to a booth by merchant and deeply appreciated. They will coax you by saying," Hey, Mister I know you" or "I have specail deal just for you." It's a crazy place, but if your a bargain neogicator you'll love it. It took me one hour to get the "goods". I was exhusted by the whole odreal, but, I got what I was sent for.

Late afternoon we were able to meet up with our Friends and share a great conversation together in a Chineses tea room. The atmopshre was comfortable as we sipped tea and fought off the jet lag. Later we were joined by some other friends and shared a meal together. Once agian, eating wonderful and mysteries items off the menu. I am not sure, but I think we ate snake tonight?

Later in the evening we joined more friends and shared great conversations. We were able to meet up with one of our friends who will be married next week. Roger mention to our friend that he had brough a wedding gift for the soon to be married couple, which brought tears of appreciation, great to see such sensitivity and joy fill the room this evening. Very moving for all who were present. What a great Global connection this evening for everyone.

We arrived in Beijing,China. What an amazing place, what an amazing trip. Only 14 hours from Chicago and a person can land in China! I was able to see the new airport very impressive with the mordern faicliaties, clean, shinny and very efficent. We were met by our smiling host and taken to the hotel, which allows us to settled into a very comfortable room. Then, we went out to grab something to eat at the local restaurant.

Wow, live EEL and turtle right from the tank.-Yum. Is this a restaurant or a pet store? Actually, I am not sure what I ate, but it's was good. No dog.

Got back to the room and crashed, but then woke up at 4 a.m. and skyped my family, that was fun hearing Joanna, Anna and Ben. We are looking forward to meeting some new friends today and spend some time in the city.