We awoke with excitement but also with anxiety – we had to take a 12.5 hour flight….We thought 6 was long enough. Started off with a typical continental breakfast – nothing exciting about that.

Upon checking out of the hotel the clerk told me I had a $40 credit from a voucher which could not be redeemed for cash – she told me I had to spend it and sent me to the minimart….Do you know how hard it is to spend $40 on nothing that you need, so we bought packets of Tylenol, chapstick, peanuts….just what we needed added weight to our bags. We got on the shuttle – told the driver United – he of course dropped us off at United – Domestic….uggg….we had to walk to another terminal…We got into line and just as we were weighing our stuff Elizabeth from Sew Many Places approached us….we were now connected to our group.

We assembled – had a group discussion on what to expect and what to do on arrival…Biggest thing was to ensure when you passed thru the Temperature detection machine that you stated you were fine if you had a fever. I was a bit panicked since I came down with a cold the day we were leaving.

But guess what – as we were sitting there waiting to board, May another participant whom we had been corresponding with over the last 9 months introduced herself.  It was like old friends meetings.  May asked us what we did the day before and we told her about our day and trip to Britex.  Just by chance I said “May – do you have a niece named Crystal”?  She looked a me and quizzically said yes I do why.  Ok how funny is it that the store clerk from Britex is best friends with May’s niece Crystal….we had a very good laugh over the connection.

Flight was long….we watched movies, read, did puzzles, sewed a teddy bear head and body…made friends with our neighbors….cat napped – we did what it took….then WE LANDED – yeah!!! we were in China…We arrived got thru customs without any issues and I even passed the temperature control gate….whew….we made it.

Charlie our tour guide is wonderful – he is telling us all the things we need to know. We arrived at a beautiful 5 star hotel – the Regent – freshened up and met for an authentic chinese dinner….it was fantastic….we were given instructions for Sunday and then went back to our room and crashed….

Tomorrow we are off to Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall…..will be back tomorrow…..