My older younger brother (M) and his wife (T) invited me to visit them for a week in Beijing China. They are in China for my brother's work and go to Beijing every six weeks or so for a retreat from their normal very Chinese life. Although clearly Beijing is still in China, we did see a fair number of non Chinese people and ate a fair amount of American food. Although, because Beijing is still clearly in China, I saw many things that are very Chinese. It was a trip of a lifetime, a huge adventure and I loved every second of it.
While looking for souvenirs for my kids, I came across a "I (heart) Beijing" shirt similar to the popular "I heart NY" shirts. I considered buying one for my college age son, but the level of appropriateness concerned me. My son had asked me to get him a Cuban cigar at duty free as a souvenir, and after seeing the "I love BJ" (Beijing) shirt, I considered it...as long as I could find a "My name is Bill Clinton" name tag too.
There is some concern over me getting my photos developed. The concern is a potential headline "Pittsburgh mother of four arrested for child pornography." I just couldn't help myself. The kids in China don't wear diapers. They wear pants with no crotch seam. They look like chaps. I saw some babies in outfits that look like long bibs. They go around their neck and a band around each thigh, but the back is completely open. I learned two things about this diaperless thing. One, boys in China are not circumcised and two, baby butts are cute no matter what country you are in.
Oh yeah, my brother asked me to never thank him for the 5 inches he arranged for me. (But I was taught to thank people for nice gifts) So, thanks M for the five inches you arranged. Five inches has never before been quite as satisfying and appreciated. I wouldn't hesitate to upgrade to Economy Plus the next time I fly.
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