                           | This day was the most eventful so far. Having Jamie a part of our crew has paid off (that is besides his crazy strong legs) more than we could have ever imagined. Janet, and Chip Schroeder along with Liz Browne were our tour guides into the heart of Beijing. Our full day started with a practice race down the 2k course. Shortly after we headed out via 45min cab to a fine Beijing breakfast at 'Grandma's Diner' with our tour guides. While walking off our full stomachs we were led to the famous Silk Market. Not known for its silk, but its hundreds of vendors 6 stories high. Everything was about 10 to 20% of the asking price, the bargaining down was the most fun part of the game. What you quickly notice is that every other vendor has the exact same items for sale as the other, and the vendor is willing to sell you anything just as long as they turn a 1% profit - so your goal is to find their cost price by shopping around and bidding that price. You can get some real good deals, plus it's a lot of fun. And what a better way to relax your feet than at a foot massage parlor. For 158 space bucks or about $21 we got a 1.5hr massage with free drinks and appetizers. Not bad. Oh, and foot massage also includes a back, arm and thigh massage as well. Since that isn't enough to call it a day we joined up with Jamie's Uncle Emory for a Beijing Hot Pot. A dinner with two pots of boiling water in front of you and meet, veggies, and noodles combine to make a delicious dinner, capping off a day never to forget. Enjoy the pictures! a very cool building blanketed with apartments Grandma's Diner (from front left around the table: Chip Schroder, Jamie, Matt, Taylor, Sam, Liz Browne, and Janet Schroder) "Beijing Chilling" "The Silk Market" "Watch your Hair" And our foot massages I think this is the soccer stadium...? Beijing Hot Pot WHAT A DAY |