YOU KNOW YOU'RE FAR FROM HOME WHEN..

YOU ARE CARRYING THREE (3) DIFFERENT KINDS OF MONEY IN YOUR POCKET. Check out the three "wise" men.

I hope you have enjoyed this installment of "Beijing on Tour" check back in a week or so and we will show you the "Great Wall", "Forbidden City", "Temple of Heaven", "Summer Palace", and the "Hutong Alleys & Village" where the local people live.

Peking Opera

Part of our tour was to spend an evening at the Opera. We were able to watch the performers put on their make-up (which was a big job), and then we saw some of the best acrobatics I have ever watched. The singing and music were quite different, but it was fun.

Tianaman Square

The largest city square in the world was the site of an international scandal 30 years ago when protesters were killed and at least one was ran over by a tank. This place was cool. There were huge "big screen" tvs. It sits accross the street from the "Forbiden City".

Shopping & Other Sites

We bought some toys for some boys in India, and visited a vegetable shop. I thought the electric buses were neat, and the "three humper" building. They have a lot of cool archetecture in Beijing.

Vehicles in Beijing

Since I am a vehicle lover, I am always interested in the transportation aspects of a new place. In China electric vehicles are plentiful. Here are some pictures of electric Tuk-Tuks, bikes, and of course their Harley "want-a-bee". Since the weather can get quite cold in Beijing, they have come up with bodies for the Tuk-Tuks to keep the passengers a little warmer.

Crowne Plaza, Beijing

Here are some shots of the 5 star hotel that cost $100-$150/night. It was very clean, a great breakfast buffet was included, all of the appliances worked and so did the staff. It was again very impressive and reasonably priced considering it was in the heart of a city comperable to New York City.

Beijing China, What a place!!

Nickie and I spent 4 days touring Beijing. It was a great break from India, and I was impressed in the cleanliness, organization, and efficiency of the city. For a city of 18 million people it ran smoothly, traffic was heavey, but not unmanaged, and the streets were not filled with chaos and confusion as you might find in other large cities. Here are some random shot of the streets. A sculpture close to the hotel, Mc Donalds, food vendors, a mobile pet shop, and Nickie.

Happy Dewali or Deepawali

This weekend is Dewali. This is a major holiday in India celebrating the Hindu god of wealth. There are a lot of fireworks, and decorations, sales and all of the trapings of Christmas. It is called the festival of lights.

Sites at the Royal Orchid

The pool, the flowers, etc.etc.

Happy Birthday to Me

I actually spent my birthday(Oct.14)traveling back from New Delhi until 12:30 AM, so Nickie took me to the Royal Orchid Hotel behind our apartment on Saturday 10/17. We ate at the Ginseng Chinese Resturant. They gave me free b-day cake, and Nickie made me some soup at the build your own soup counter.

Half Yearly Conference

Held in a nice looking Hotel in New Delhi, this conference is a session where all branches of SIS report on their progress toward their ABP (Annual Business Plan). Two days in the life of President Ed Nix, ServiceMaster Clean-India.

In the Hospital Again!!!

I spent a couple of days in the Hospital trying to find out how to fix my food processing system. I'm sorry to say that the answer is just more drugs. My system functioned well while I was in there, but look at the food that they gave me. This room was their "top of the line luxury suite?".

Sunday Afternoon Playtime

On a rainey day we stayed in the house, and Nickie took pictures so that it could be an "event".

Pastor's New Baby Boy

We had a new arrival at church this past week. Our Pastor and his wife had a baby boy. His name is Chiraag.

Thank You God

For the opportunity to be in this place at this time....