Hello. This is Todd Borgie with the journal entry for October 15th. We have just received the cars. In fact, they came in last night and we drove them off the big container and into Beijing. What an experience driving in China! Driving here is kind of like paddling in a river. You just keep on paddling and don' t make any abrupt movements, but everything is in a constant state of motion. It's an interesting endeavor to stay clear of vehicles, bikers, and pedestrians. This city is filled with bikers, which is a wonderful site, and pedestrians, and cars. It's a real trick to drive. There is a method to the madness, even though you kind of learn on the fly.

Anyway, about Beijing. Beijing is a beautiful city. It's very prosperous and it's up and coming. Construction is going on everywhere. Not half finished buildings, but buildings that are being worked on and buildings that have just been completed. As a matter of fact, China is celebrating 50 years of being a nation, from 1949-1999. The city is decked out! Everywhere you look there are flowers and greenery. Of course, the national colors are red and yellow. Every corner has them. Every porch has them. Every foyer has them. It's truly beautiful. Everything has been repainted in preparation for this festival.

The first day when we were in Beijing we went to Tiananmen Square at night where they had floats. Each province submitted a float and it gave a depiction of what was going on in the province - farming, technology, etc.

The second day we went to the Forbidden City, which is right across the street from the Tiananmen Square. It is the former residence of the Emperor. During the dynasties a common man couldn't go within the walls without being killed. It's a marvelous structure - open and airy, and very threatening in a sense, but very beautiful. Everything was repainted red, blue, and many, many, colors. There is a lot of artwork going on there. It was really a magnificent site.

The following day we went to a summerhouse. It's no Minnesota cabin. It's filled with trees and streams and spread out pagodas. It was really, really relaxing and very beautiful.

Beijing, although very polluted, is spectacular. It's hard to get over the number of bikes that are there. It is unbelievable when you walk for a quarter of a mile with bike racks that extend the entire way. There are 4 bikes on each step. There are literally thousands and thousands of bicycles. You see men and women in suits and dresses riding on bicycles. It's the best way to get around. Beijing also has a great subway system that does the loop around the main old city. It's just really a nice place to visit.

Prices are good. There are a lot of bargains to be had here still. Pearls, jade can be bought very easily and found everywhere. For all the Americans there are McDonald's here, although the Chinese food is wonderful. Our hosts have laid out banquet style feasts. We have at least 6 or 7 dishes including the famous Peking Duck. We were taught how to eat that. There is an assortment of different kinds of fish, beef, and vegetables.

We have all put on weight. But, now we're ready to drive. We've worked through the evening. As a matter of fact, it was a 2:30 bedtime. We are getting up and driving to the Wall. Actually - I was just cut off, so that will end today's journal. Bye for now.