March 23, 2019

We had wanted to visit one last temple before we flew home to California. I know what you’re thinking, ANOTHER TEMPLE?

Well, we decided that we wanted to get a little more rest and didn’t want to navigate the subway system. We decided to go for a walk – and attempt to find the #1 dumpling restaurant in Beijing. We still couldn’t find it, but decided we would just get food at the airport instead.

It was nice to walk around and see some of the local neighborhoods.

Joe and Lorraine had wanted to get to the airport a little early – and they invited us to join them in the Air China lounge. (We would have said yes even if the lounge wasn’t involved). On the shuttle we met two other girls who had traveled with Affordable World. Their trip took them to Japan and ended in China – they loved Japan. It’s still on my list – I am hoping that I might be able to score tickets for the 2020 summer Olympics. (But if not – Japan isn’t super high on our list).

Journey made sure we got checked in – luggage dropped – and took a few pictures of us.

Then we made it to the Air China lounge – which was amazing. There was free food and drinks. Plus, we were so excited to run into another couple that stayed their whole trip in Thailand. They told us that our group was missed – but they had a great time. (Naturally, they didn’t freeze their rumps off in Beijing).

The flight back was pretty anticlimactic, except for the woman sitting next to me who had the worst breath and was a mouth breather who had a tendency to sigh deeply frequently.

Our luggage made it – and we made it home without a hitch. We were able to drive to Stockton to meet our friends Audie and Vicki who watched our boys. It was nice to be home – but there is so much laundry to do!