Nathan's parents have been living in China since the fall of 2012 teaching English classes at a university in Beijing. Nathan and I decided that it would be a great experience for Nate and Haley to go visit Grandpa and Grandma Taggart in China over Spring Break. They got to spend a whole week in China. It was quite the experience getting passports and visas for the three of them, but we did it and the kids were so excited in the days leading up to the trip. It was such a treat for them to see Grandpa and Grandma whom we've missed the past months, but they also go to visit Chinese landmarks and make memories that they will remember always.
Their first outing was a rickshaw ride through Old Beijing. They then visited the home of Madame Sun Yatzen who is the wife of the "Father of Modern China."
Next, was lunch. The Chinese have a habit of leaving the heads on their fowl dishes, Nate passed but Haley wanted to try it. Yes, she is holding a chicken head on a stick. She said that she would have really eaten it if her dad would have let her. I have a hard time believing that!
These next two pictures were taken at the White Pagoda.
Taking a break in Beihai Park where this sign was posted.
This nice gentleman was part of a folk dancing group near the Temple of Heaven.
The top and bottom pictures were taken on the Temple of Heaven grounds.
The Great Wall of China. I can only imagine how great that would have been to be on the actual wall! The kids really enjoyed this outing. Nathan got some beautiful pictures and I couldn't decide which ones to share on the blog.
The ticket booth is one of my personal favorite photos!
The Lama Temple
The Beijing Acrobat Show at the Chaoyang Theater. They sat on row 2 and center so they were practically eye to eye with the performers!
Tian'anmen Square
Curious as to what this crowd is taking pictures of?
Why it's a bunch of good looking Taggarts! This is how Nathan's dad described the frenzy on his weekly newsletter:
"Out Tian'anment, some Chinese tourists politely asked if they could have their picture taken with us. Little did we know we would soon become a minor sensation, as more and more...and more individuals and groups wanted a picture. There were two attractions really: first, Nate and Haley - the young and smiling westerners - were a curiosity. Second, Nathan at 6'7" and Marilyn at 6' were, respectively the tallest man and woman in sight. It soon became a feeding frenzy, to which I, fortunately, was partially oblivious, as I had the assignment of standing in line to buy the admission tickets."
Having their picture taken by locals happened every where they went. This was this biggest group by far. Marilyn said that she and Haley liked to joke about how many family photo albums they would be in. When asked, Haley says that one of her favorite parts about the trip was always being asked to take her picture.
This little boy wanted to share his Chinese Oreos with Nate and Haley.
Taken inside the Forbidden City
These pictures were taken at a sort of "Snack Alley" that they passed after the Forbidden City. The above picture shows some yummy treats. John takes his best guess as to naming all these tasty looking treats: (from upper left corner going clockwise) small silkworms, scorpions, beetle, grubs, worms, snakes, centipedes, and large silkworms. He says in some cases his guess was his best guess. They did not try any of these treats, even their guide, Steven, couldn't recommend trying any of them. They did however try the fruit on a stick picture below. Haley said it was really yummy!
Kite flying with Grandpa.
All in all, Nathan, Nate and Haley had a wonderful time! They got to try Peking duck and other Chinese foods and brought home all sorts of great things. Nathan's "prize" was a remote control helicopter with an attached camera. He was so excited to show me! We are so grateful to Grandpa and Grandma that they served as tour guides and loving companions on this trip!
