We visited a wonderful jade factory where we learned a bit about jade.
The one on the left looks like it has a ferris wheel and you KNOW how I adore Ferris Wheels!
The other has such delicate carving.. so pretty! Don't you want to join them for a tea and listen to what is going on?
Maybe they are chatting about the best shopping spots in Beijing!
....and we got to see a master Jade carver in action...
Then we ALL went ... mmm.... well... to do RESEARCH.. yes.. that's it... RESEARCH on JADE... I think we had FUN here! First we got a lesson on how to tell jade is real by the sound it makes (like crystal). Then on to a bracelet fitting ... yes, MUCH fun was had by all!
Read a bit more about jade HERE
And another thing we did was see something SO DARN CUTE you just CAN'T stand it... Pandas!!!!
Big Pandas, Rolly Polly Pandas, budda looking Pandas, and little BABY pandas!!
These guys are not THAT little but sure smaller than adults!!!
And why do ALL animals give you the butt shot 90% of the time? This I REALLY want to know...
I've been 'Panda Crazy' most of my life... how can you NOT go 'gaga' over something so darn cute and cuddly? We have pandas here at the Washington DC zoo... but not this MANY pandas. It was a treat to be able to observe that many at once! Read a bit more on the Beijing zoo here
Your not bored with my travel log are you? I hope not..there is MORE fun stuff to come! And someday we'll actually do something you would want to watch with the 8 hours of video we shot... unless you want to come over and watch it.. you know how much everyone LOVES home movies.. ROFLOL!!!
Hehe... we DID make our families sit through the 'home movies'... I'm not sure when we'll be invited back... LOL!
Posted by: Pat Sloan | December 02, 2008 at 04:22 PM
I LOVE home movies-I'll bring the popcorn!!!
Posted by: susan | December 02, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Thank you so much for sharing your trip. A belated happy birthday to you as well. I chuckled when I saw the change in your age-my Dad was always 39 (he was 80 when he passed away). When I turned 40 my niece emailed me to ask how it felt to be older than my Dad! When he passed away I informed my family I was inheriting his age. This month I will be 39 for the 21st time!
Posted by: Suz K | December 02, 2008 at 09:02 AM
Bored....BORED, you say??? Who could be BORED with this? I'm loving it. Great information in the links and super photos!
Posted by: Pat | December 02, 2008 at 07:40 AM
I have been loving your posts about your trip. Your photos are great.
Posted by: Lynn | December 02, 2008 at 07:33 AM