5/1 - Since we went to bed early last night, we woke up early this morning, probably about 4:00 am Beijing time. We unpacked, watched CNN and checked email. By 6:00 I was ready to roll so we went for a walk outside with the camera. 6:00 am in Beijing looks a lot different then 6:00 pm! We decided to check out the hotel continental breakfast - good choice! There was Chinese and American food at the buffet. We've been told - no ice, no water and no fresh fruit. So we stuck to fried rice, bacon, sausage, pancakes, french toast, croissants and potatoes. After a filling breakfast we met in the lobby for our day's adventure with Zhou. Our first stop was the jade factory. We learned about the hard gemstone jade and jadeite. We saw some workers carving jade and saw many fine pieces of jewelry and sculptures. Unbeknownst to us, May 1st is a holiday in China - their version of Labor Day. The trip to the Great Wall was modified since there were so many tourists. We started to walk around and came upon a mass wedding. The brides were beautiful and all a size 2! Half of the families made the loop and the other half made a small venture around. Dan and I were in the latter group. We took it easy on the knees. The great wall is really thousands of steps going up a mountain! Instead of climbing, we bartered with the local merchants. They saw americans and called us over. Ken and Dan were mobbed by Chinese wanting their pictures taken with Americans. The wall itself is very impressive. About 1:00 pm we left and headed to lunch, which was really the Friendship store in disguise. We learned how they make copper/brass vases and color with the beautiful inlay. After the quick tour we sat down to lunch which was served family style. We had some sort of sweet & sour chicken, breaded chicken, pepper steak, rice and some other dishes that I didn't try. Neither one of us tested the fish that was in full attire on a plate. We walked around the store after lunch where they sell all kinds of pretty little trinkets. Mid-afternoon we left and headed to the Olympic stadium. We all traveled together in a small bus and had room to relax. The traffic by the stadium was CRAZY again. I guess everybody had the same idea for a way to spend their holiday. The plan was to see the inside of the stadium but found out it was closed once we got there. It was closed because of the holiday. We were able to take some pictures from the outside and then headed back to the hotel which is where I am now. Mary Clare nicknamed Dan Freckles on the busride back. Aaron was named Showoff. I'm not sure what they decided to name her, other than Too Much Energy. Dan is napping and I am tapping and munching on some of his chips. He bought cucumber flavored chips and they are pretty good! The food has been excellent and his stomach seems to be doing fine. He had an earache after we landed yesterday, but it seems to be better this afternoon. And our luggage made it in one piece. What could be better?