Week One

I am in Beijing! Although sometimes it feels like I'm in Manhattan, except with Chinese characters everywhere...yes it is that advanced. I can't begin to count how many sky rises I have seen here, and of course I have already been to McDonald's and my hotel is amazing! I may have had to wake up at 2.30 am and lost about a day in the traveling process BUT it was all worth it. I love Beijing, I love China. Before the group left, we had a sort of classroom orientation to become acquainted with Chinese culture, history and language. All this paid off because I already had some of the information repeated by the tour guides, which makes me feel smart. Yesterday we visited Capital Steel, an impressively extensive government-owned factory and in addition to learning about the business aspects and prospects of the company, we were able to see the actual production of steel in the factory. I must say that was an incredible experience. However, being a food lover I must say that the highlight(s) of my week have been every single meal. Breakfast at the hotel has over 200 choices buffet-style, and dinner is always a sight, right from the dining room to the presentation of food to the blend of different tastes and flavors. I tried duck last night...scrumptious! Today we are visiting the Great Wall and a jade factory. Am I excited? Yes indeed!