Beijing and the Great Wall

My first time to Beijing! It's been amazing to be in the same city as my husband. The sites and oddities of China make it even more wonderful. Strangely, China seems more convenient and more like home than living in London. Joe contributes this to the desire of every brand in the world to want make money off the billion+ people that live in this country. For starters, they have Cheetos and Oreos readily available. I saw Papa Johns, Cold Stone just opened, and they even have Fauchon (gourmet food store from Paris)! People travel around mostly by car, but the difference is most people just take a taxi! I have gotten quite good at taking naps between destinations. They even celebrated Halloween quite elaborately here in the Google Beijing office yesterday. Joe dressed up as a ping pong player - LOL. People are still getting the hang of what dressing up for Halloween means in China, but they get an A for effort. Other Halloween Party photos here.

Joe and I hired a driver last weekend and spent a lot of time seeing/climbing the Great Wall. It's expanse is jaw dropping. If you ever get a chance to visit, I really like the section we visited -- Simatai, which is less touristy but a bit further than Badaling (very touristy). It's said to be the longest and toughest climbs, so bring food and wear the right shoes! We also did a bit of pampering and spent 1 evening at The Commune by the Great Wall Kempinski. Ever posh Yvonne suggested this as a destination, but also saw it in our Wallpaper Beijing guide. Lots of photos of the buildings in our album below. Visiting Forbidden City and Tienanmen Square this weekend, so more photos to come!