Winter in China

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You know, I checked the temperature in Beijing for about a month before we came and it was always in the 50's, so we were quite pleased. However, to our dismay and the people here, winter has shown up again with these winds that make you feel even colder. We decided to try to go to the Temple of Heaven and The Forbidden City next week when we get back to Beijing.
We decided to go to the Silk Market shops again. Jim bought a heavier coat that looks like he'll be able to brave the Artic and I bought a cashmere coat. It was black and I rellay wanted a camel colored one, so I was quite ruthless in my bartering and got it for about $30 US. After the market, we took a taxi back to the hotel and then, walked to a fabulous bookshop. It had 5 floors and every floor was full of people. Their English section was not large, but we each found what looks like an interesting book. I found one written in 1915 right after the Revolution that did away with the dynasties and the emperors. Jim's is a biography of Mao written by one of his former bodyguards.
We then just wandered about until the cold forced us in. We went through a very modern mall which was the biggest in Beijing. Qing said that there must be about 50 nice malls in Beijing and 5 or 6 that we could walk to from the hotel. The celebration of the Spring Festival was ending yesterday and we saw a costumed man collecting money because of it. Qing thought maybe for himself.
We were so amazed to find a wedding couple having their pictures done in front of the Catholic Cathedral (closed during the Communist years). They looked so cold and trying to look happy. I've included a picture for Peggy, who should be so thankful to be a photographer in Phoenix. Then, we said good-bye to our guide, Qing and wandered back to the hotel. On the way, we discovered one of the little streets that have food vendors and thought it was so funny to see this old traditional way of getting food and a KFC across the street. Gave up and went in at 3:00 to stay in for the night. We will travel to Qingdao today and start doing business and looking at the machines. We hope the plane will not be delayed becuse of winds. We had visions of walking by the seaside, but that doesn't look too promising. Will blog again as soon as we can. Please, keep us in your prayers.
Shirley & Jim

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Photos

Modern Mall
Back of Jim in his newly purchased coat

Costumed Character
The little boy had just given some money for good luck.

Cold Wedding Picture
They were so brave

Street Scene
Notice the army guard in the lower right. They are about every half block or so. Always at attention.

Local Food Vendors
This was decked out for New Year's and the Spring Festival.