Day 3 - Part 1 - Forbidden City

Thursday, April 24th we had a big day.  And possibly my most favorite day of our trip.

We started with a visit to the Forbidden City.

The emperor sat on this throne and watched everyone from here.

This picture cracks me up and I didn't even know I took it specifically.  The guy in the bottom left is the second in charge of Kevin's company.  He's just chilling in Beijing with all the Chinese.  Nice guy.

This lil boy was precious.

His Mom came up to me and asked if I would pose for a picture with him.  I happily agreed.

So the most traumatic part of the trip - the toilets.  Or lack thereof.  They SQUAT yall.  THEY SQUAT.  And don't flush.  Oh my lawdy be I was incredibly grossed out.

LOOK.  It's a hole in the floor.  And the used toilet paper goes in the corner.  I die.  And I ran out of this bathroom so quickly.  Heck no I didn't use it...instead I gagged and prayed I wouldn't yack.  I'll tell you about the first time I HAD to use one and how I made it through.  It'll be in a couple more posts.

We were walking through the Forbidden City and a small group of suits were around him.  Paul Ryan!  He had never seen so many Americans in Beijing before.  He was touring just like us and thought it was crazy that 400 of us were there at the same time he was.  Luckily, we were in the right spot at the right time and Kevin got to shake his hand. 

This video is of when Kevin met him.  One of his crazy buddies yelled out that he is a democrat which was hilarious because he isn't. 

Moving on....

Brad and Yvette.  Benjy and Sarah.  Kevin and I.

Next stop...my favorite - Great Wall of China.