With only four days' notice, Hazel and I came to Beijing for three weeks. Our time here has been, quite literally, a breath of fresh air. Vice President Biden came on our coat tails (though I doubt he realized we were here). And Beijing pulled out all the stops, including forcing the clouds to rain for days and subsequently closing the factories temporarily. The results were clear blue skies, fresh air, and a gentle breeze mixed with a warm sun. China has never treated us so well.
Although I still have to work during the week, Hazel spends her days playing with a friend instead of going to Chinese preschool. She recently said, "This is the best vacation ever!" It isn't often a mom can be working full time and still have her kid convinced they are on vacation.
Below are a few of our favorite pictures of Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, some back alley ways, and the Great Wall.
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| Hazel's first observation of Beijing: So many more people dressed up for Christmas. |
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| Tiananmen Square |
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| Beating the heat Chinese style |
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| The 798 Art District |
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| Hazel's Bunny ears from the Art District |
