Good-bye Beijing!

Our last full day in Beijing was pretty laid back. Bill and I had an adoption meeting all morning and then all 5 of us had lunch with 3 other families who are here with our agency adopting. However, there are several families through other agencies here to adopt too. We have seen a few out and about.
After lunch we decided to defensively walk down to Walking Street. This isn't the actual name, just what everyone calls it. It is closed to traffic so everyone can casually walk around and shop. It is a huge shopping district. From what I know there are a minimum of 3 malls within 3 blocks of one another. They are all 5 and 6 levels. We had fun doing zainy poses and looking in the Asian shops. We went into a candy store and looked around. There was a small tray of some sort of crackers all broken up. They had a few about the store. I tried a little sample when suddenly I was heavily scorned by this woman who worked there. I kept saying Dui Bu Chi which means excuse me. But, she let me have it. Bill and I couldn't stop laughing later about it. It was funny. I didn't know how to say I'm sorry, so my choice of words probably didn't satisfy her.
We are amazed by the international culture here. We have met or observed people from Brazil, Singapore, Germany, France, Japan, Israel, Brussels and Australia.
Yesterday was a beautiful sunny day, except we couldn't see the sun. You see wind is a friend to Beijing, and if there is not wind the smog sets heavily down upon the city. It was disgusting. We wanted to eat Roast Duck last night or Peking Duck. It's kind of like barbecue in KC, just the local cuising for the area. The place we wanted to go was only 5 blocks away. However, Bill and I couldn't bare the thought of walking through the smog much more.
So, we settled for a little French place and had pizza!
Last night after dinner Bll and I went down to Snack Street. (Right next to Walking street) Vendors are stretched about 50 yards down the street selling the delicatessens that make you cringe insdie. It was a lot of fun. The assortment to choose from included: Small baby chickens (cooked as if they are trying to escape the frying pan), star fish, sea urchins, eel, whole squid, sea horses, silk worms, beetles, lamb (intestines we think), snake, pranges and more. Bill decided to take a walk on the wild side (does this surprise you?) and eat snake. This family from Israel came up to us and were 'exclaiming what is he eating, what is he eating?' so the gentleman joined Bill and tried some. Bill's description of the taste is a very common one "It taste like chicken." To cook this variet of food it is all served on a stick and deep fried. The grease dripping of of the snake alone was gross, not to mention the food.
So today in about an hour, we are off to the airport to go to Fujian. We will be meeting our daughter in 9 hours. Very Excited!!!!
Blessings to you all!
P.S., Unfortunately I just looked and Bill hasn't downloaded the photos yet. So, you will have to stay tuned...I know you are dying of curiosity to see the snacks! :)