Random Stories

We've got about an hour until we leave Beijing and head to Shijiazhuang, so I wanted to blog some random stories.

First of all, let's work on the pronunciation of Shijiazhuang.

Say "Sure"

Say "Ja"  (like the word Jack, without the "ck")

Say "Jwong"  (J like the word Jump followed by the word wong)

Now say Sure - Ja - Jwong and make sure that the Ja part is a higher pitch than how you say Sure.  Remember that Chinese is a "tonal" language so it's not just what your say and the pronunciation but also the tone, pitch and inflection.  In fact, our translator was telling us that in Chinese it is possible to have an entire conversation just by humming entire word sentences without opening your mouth.

I'm guessing this is why my "Chinese" is greeted with nothing but stares each time.

Funny story from last night:

First of all, the food is good.  It's fine.  But really, when was the last time you went out for Chinese food for breakfast, lunch and dinner for 3 days in a row?

So we found a KFC last night....

And the kids were completely wiped out.  In fact, we looked over at Zac and he had fallen asleep with a piece of chicken hanging out of his mouth.  Ha!  He almost got a bite of dinner.

I guess you had to be here.  It was funny.


OK - So here's some more pics.  Here's me working away at 4:00am while the US markets are still open:

In the US, we call 911.  In China you would want to call 119!

There are only two 7 Star Hotels in the World.  One of them is in Beijing.... and I snuck in to it and used the restroom.  Most likely the only experience I'll ever have in a 7 star hotel.

Inside the 7 Star Hotel.  This is handcraft Mahogany.  I was told that the value of this aft per ounce is greater than that of gold.  

So the next post could be of Melia.  We'll be getting her in about 24 hours!