China Trip: Day 2

At dinner tonight—in the Faculty Dining Hall of Renmin University, where our host Weifang taught English—the kids said over and over, “I can’t believe we’re really in China.” We made it!

Everything went smoothly, from the check-in at Newark to immigration in Beijing (although the agent was a bit incredulous that some of those young children in the passport photos grew up to be our current ninth graders.) Despite our exhaustion from the long day of travel we tried hard keep a festive mood (or at least to stay awake) through dinner. As a treat, Weifang ordered American French Fries. To everyone’s surprise, the kids preferred the Chinese dishes, especially the long noodles that are traditionally enjoyed on birthdays in hopes of longevity. And, of course, everyone loved Ella and Josh's birthday cake.

After a short group meeting about the plans for tomorrow, the kids headed off to bed. Moments later, Weifang’s 2-year-old granddaughter, Joy, arrived, wheeling behind her a suitcase holding 76,000 RMB. It’s time to change some money and get some sleep. Maybe tomorrow’s hike on the Great Wall will convince the kids that we’re really in China.

Catch up on all the China adventures!

Day 1