I Can't Believe We're Here!

       I can't believe we are in CHINA! We got off the plane in a very unusual way. The plane parked on the tarmac, and they drove stairs up to the side of the plane. We got on a crowded bus and drove to the airport on what seemed like the runway. We actually had to stop so a plane could land in front of us! Then Arthur, our guide, drove us away in a black van with lots of leg room!
      As we were driving to the Novotel Peace Hotel, I started remembering what China was like the last time we came. It hasn't really changed much, and the taxis and bikes are still there! Taxis: The taxis are green. They have yellow Chinese writing on them and the drivers drive crazily (if that's even a word-- let me describe it to you and you'll see what I mean!). They weave in and out of cars, even when everyone else is stopped. It's not as bad in Beijing as it is in other places, so we only almost got run over once! Bikes: The bikes are your average type, but EVERYONE rides theirs EVERYWHERE! I can honestly say that there are more bikes on the road than cars. We are sitting in the lobby now, so I am watching everyone on their bikes ride by. I wish I could post a picture of the 50 or so bikes parked and lined up in a row, but we haven't even taken a step into our room yet. There were people staying in our room before us, so the hotel people insisted (thank goodness) on cleaning it before we settled in. We haven't really been outside, just getting in and out of the van with lots of leg room. I REALLY want to go take some pictures and post them, but we have to wait on a room. We are also waiting on a lady to get back to the hotel from the bank so she can transfer our money from dollars to RMB, which is Chinese money. It's lunch time here, so we really want some food, but we can't eat without money! I am kind of ignoring my family right now, so I guess I better stop typing! Bye!