It's going to be hard for met to do any formatting, because all the menus are in Chinese for some reason, and of course I don't even know which button is for changing preferences because I don't know how to spell "preferences" in Chinese.

Anyway, we're in Beijing today, but now the trip is all about trying to get our baggage. Chicago says it's here. Here they say it's in Chicago. All I now is it's a terrible mess and we have to go out and buy clothes and we don't know if we're ever going to get the bags. It's made it really hard to enjoy ourselves.

I'd be hard-pressed to say that I'm blown away by Beijing at first sight. It's not a place that reveals its charms instantly. We saw the Forbidden City , which was impressive and beautiful in places, but Tiananmen Square, though large, was pretty unimpressive and though it's said to be the world's largest square, it's certainly not a "wow!" The Temple of Heaven was also very pretty, but the walkway in was populated by vendors trying to sell t-shirts, guidebooks, watches (I need a watch but I passed), and various sorts of junk. They were ever so slightly aggressive, and it wasn't really that pleasant.

We had a great lunch. I can't remember the name of the place, but you probably aren't going there anyway. It had tastes familiar in US-based Chinese food, but richer and more complex. The soup, which was a kind of egg drop soup, but with fish eggs, was exceptional. We also saw a state-sponsored crafts complex, where we get an introduction to silk carpet and embroidery and a fresh water pearl showroom. Very pushy salespeople.

Finally gave up and came back to the hotel and crashed for a while. Then off to the mall to buy clothes. I'm pleased to say that we will both be able to wear something different tomorrow.

I haven't uploaded pictures yet because I need to conserve my battery until the luggage arrives. Didn't take much today anyway. We're doing the Great Wall tomorrow, which should be pretty photogenic.