The flight attendants were very helpful on the way over. They gave me the names of the shops where they buy pearls and tips on how to get a good deal. I’m finally looking forward to the pearl shopping with anticipation instead of dreading having to bargain for everything.
We had a fast and uneventful trip through immigration, customs and quarantine (for swine flu) checkpoints and the luggage came off fast. We were probably out of the secured areas within about 45 minutes or less of arriving at the gate. It seemed like there were dozens of guides outside the doors holding signs with the names of people they were picking up. Even so, we had no trouble finding our Beijing guide, Grace. Tour guides receive an English name, to make it easier on English speakers. Some choose, some get names assigned, and some are drawn out of a hat.
We have a private tour, just us with a local guide and driver in each place we will visit. And as it turns out, this is a great way to travel in a place like China. The guides were flexible, and accommodated us when we wanted slight changes to the itinerary.
We are staying at the Novatel in Beijing. The rooms have a very European feel to them…sleek, light woods, and duvet bedding. The bed is only slightly softer than a rock. We are both very tired … hope the rock is comfortable enough for a good night’s sleep.
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