Tips Along the Way

Well, after a good night's sleep, I did think of a few things to share.

I can't speak for all hotels, but the one we're staying in as these nifty outlets. You don't need an adaptor as they can take any kind of plug configuration. You would still need a converter if you're going to plug in anything that needs one. We only have our laptop and video camera and both can take the higher current.

Brushing your teeth. First of all, the wash cloth over the faucet is a great idea. It just makes you hesitate long enough to keep you from accidentally brushing your teeth with tap water. Now I've read for years about using the bottled water, but no one ever said how. The first time I tried to rinse my brush, I poured half the bottle and it still wasn't clean. Then it dawned on me. Pour a little water in the glass and swirl your brush around in it. Presto! Clean brush, and you don't use up all your water.

I survived my first squatty potty. It was at the airport in Beijing. The airport in Shanghai had the doors labelled, but the Beijing one didn't. There was a handicap stall, and I'm sure it had a western toilet, but the person in line in front of me went in there. It wasn't as bad as I feared, but I will wait for the western style whenever possible.

Oh, and dinner last night. All that food I mentioned came to about $25.00 per couple. It was a restaurant and a meal that would have easily cost $70.00 in the U.S. It was interesting to see that beer is cheaper than water. The beers were only .80. Drink up!

Since I know it's the pictures that really draw everyone. Here's one more from yesterday. We had just arrived at the Temple of Heaven. That's the back of my head in the lower right.