Saying 'Zaijian' To Beijing (for now)

Well, it's travel day today. I don't leave until later tonight but I am getting ready now. As I was packing, it was time to say good-bye to Ben and Gaya.

They are a great couple from Israel. They are both very nice, patient, and tolerant. They have a few months of traveling left. This morning, they are heading to Mongolia for a month. I can't remember where after that but I wish them well. It was a pleasure to meet such a nice couple.

As I was getting ready to leave the hostel, I took a picture of some of the workers and a Dutch young man named Reinger (pronounced Ranger). Here is one of the pictures:

Cindy is second from left. She is a very friendly young lady that works eight hours a day, seven days a week. I will now stop complaining about my schedule. The other workers also work those kinds of hours. They have not had vacations in two years! Reinger tried to teach me some Chinese as well. He has traveled to many countries and is now in China studying the language six hours a day, five days a week in an immersion program for foreigners. Very smart guy. Speaks nine languages, four quite well and five where he can communicate effectively enough to travel anywhere in the that particular country.

Here is Christina:

Her English is pretty good, too. I taught her some sign language. Mind you it was only the alphabet and numbers 1-20, but she was able to memorize all 46 signs in only three demonstrations by me! Unbelievably smart young lady.

I headed to the train station. This is the Beijing West Train Station. It is massive! The picture shows only the front and what is above ground. Even still, I couldn't get the whole thing within my frame. Underground is like a separate city with enough shops and food to keep you going all day.

There must have been tens of thousands of people underground. This was one of the big boards they have inside so you can find your train.

Saying 'Zaijian' To Beijing (for now)

Beijing, China