Hello from balmy Beijing! We are so excited to be here!
We had a smooth travel experience. All of our singers arrived at the airport on time, our flights were on schedule, and all of our luggage arrived with us!
It is very hot and humid here. Everyone tried to keep a sense of humor while standing in a very long line to have our visas and passports checked at the Immigration counter upon our arrival. The airport was not air conditioned and it was very busy. We arrived in Beijing around 2:30 p.m., but because of the long wait at the airport, we did not go Tiananmen Square, which our final itinerary called for. We were tired and hungry, so after meeting our tour guide, Scott, we traveled about 30 min. by comfortable coach to a beautiful restaurant in downtown Beijing, where we were fed a wonderful, multi-course Chinese dinner. After that, we checked in to the Beijing International Hotel, where the plan was to shower and try to stay awake long enough to avoid jetlag and acclimate ourselves to Beijing time.
Overall, it was a successful day of travel. We will have another opportunity to see Tiananmen Square – it is only a 30 min. walk or a quick subway ride away from our hotel. Tomorrow, we start our day with an American and Chinese breakfast in the hotel, followed by an excursion to sing and hike to the top of the Great Wall.
Looking down at courtyard from hotel room on 13th floor.
View from one of our hotel rooms in downtown Beijing.
Cute Chinese school girls posed for us as we were leaving the restaurant. They were facinated with watching our large group from America pile into the coach.
Beautiful statue at restaurant.
Dinner! The food was plentiful. More than we could eat.
Dinner!
Scott, our wonderful tour guide, giving us practical advice about traveling safely in Beijing, as well as some information and history about the sites we’ll see.
Which line are we supposed to be in? Waiting in line to have our visas checked at the Beijing Airport.
Oh! It’s THIS line! Trying to keep a sense of humor in the heat.
Hurray! We’re all glad to know you arrived safe and sound. Enjoy sharing your music and such an amazing array of culturally varied experiences!
I’m glad you all arrived safely! Love the pix!!! Have a wonderful trip!
So many wonderful memories and experiences in this place! The view of the world and those who live in it are significantly altered after this amazing experience! And even more so, it’s great to see Scott continuing as your tour guide! I look forward to following your journey!
Where is your itinerary? My daughter lives in Beijing and wants to come hear you sing!!
Stephanie – I’m so sorry I did not see this prior to our concert in Beijing! Our next concert is June 19 at 3 p.m. at the Xian Conservatory of Music. If by chance she is able to come, please tell her to say hello. Erin
Thanks Erin!!! Her name is Jillian!
Are you singing again in Beijing?