Well, I made it here without involving myself in any kind of chaos. I've also successfully resisted the urge to shout 'revolution' (I told my family that I would do that just to make them nervous). I can't say that the Chinese people aren't a little chaotic. The transfer from Shanghai to Beijing was interesting. The people moving us around seemed to make things a little more tedious and complicated then it needed to be. Sounds like me :).

After leaving the airport we took a taxi ride to the hotel. Sitting in the taxi I was little overwhelmed at the fact that I was surrounded by Asians, but quickly recognized a bit of home - the music playing in the taxi was the Mandarin version of the song "Last Christmas I gave you my heart . . ." (I can't recall the title). Who said I wouldn't be able to celebrate Christmas in China?

This morning we ate at a place on the street and stuffed ourselves with dumplings. It was only about $1.50 US for three of us! I can't wait to take pictures. We leave for Xi'an this evening.

I miss home and am sad that I will miss Christmas and my family. But am excited to see more of China.