We have ARRIVED in Beijing!!!!

DAY 1 - After a VERY long couple of flights we are finally at our hotel in Beijing! We started off in Houston IAH, our plane was late taking off as they overbooked the flight, but even the offer of $500 and hotel and meals could not temp us...LOL. We finnally arrived at LAX at about 6 pm and then just waited for our bags and then for the counter of China Southern to open at 7 pm. We were the first in line and received a bulkhead seat...whoo hoo! We were starving at this point and wanted to eat some real food but sadly, the old standby of McDonalds had to do as there was really nothing else open or close that we were interested in. We met Elizabeth and Michael shorttly after we started eating...what a great couple!!! We drank coffee and tea and chatted until our plane left at 11:20...we boarded at 10:20...an hour early! Upon boarding we rec'd slippers,comb,hand cream, etc in a little package...and the seats were much more comfy than coach would have been. About an hour after we had dinner which was noodles and beef stew,salad,fresh fruit, and some other stuff that I was not daring enough to try :P A little while later we tried to sleep some and I think we both got about 6 hours in, but not enough. The flight was long but not too horrible. We landed in Guangzhou at about 6;20 am and easily made our way through custom and baggage etc. This airport is pretty nice...lots of shops, very clean. We waited for our next flight which was to depart at 10:20 am so we had a coffee at a shop...well, with all the prep work I did for myself about not drinking the water & ice etc...I blew it on the first thing I had in China...I ordered a Mocha Coffee and it came as an iced coffee...stupid me drank it...ugh!!! Joe screwed up too...he ate a sandwich with fresh veggies on it...oh noo!!!
Oh well, hope the Pepto works or else the bathroom will be our second home for a while :) We got on the plane at 10:20 and had another meal which was some type of pork with rice and veggies,cake, a cold lima bean/onion salad with some type of meat and crab in it, and a roll. The food on China Southern so far has been wonderful especially in comparison to "American" airlines. We arrived at the airport and our guide was at the terminal waiting...we made it in one piece to the Novotel Peace Hotel(very nice), and everything they say about the driving...true true true!!! We are about ready to head downstairs after having a hot shower and clean clothes, we feel better, but are ready to crash VERY soon...5-6 hours of sleep for 40 hours...ouch! Here are some pics of the trip so far...enjoy!
PS Spencer & Kyle...hi guys! We miss you lots and even tried to call you from Guangzhou but the calling card did not work right :( We will try to call tonight before bed here which will be in the morning when you get uo...it is 4:30 pm on Dec 1st here.We love you, be good for grandma and grandpa!! Will post again tomorrow
Love
Mom and Dad