July 26

After another yucky train ride (it would probably be fun with a bunch of buddies including at least one who could speak Chinese really well!) we arrived in Beijing at the Holiday Inn. Like Zhengzhou, this is mostly a business hotel. Although we don't feel that the locals are staring so much at us (neither here nor in Zhengzhou) the businessmen seem surprised at two women traveling alone. It brings occasional discomfort although nothing overt is said or done. Charlotte noted with dismay that there are condoms with the mini-bar accessories here. Kind of inappropriate for a room for a mother and daughter. Makes one wonder what kind of establishment they are running here. On the other hand, it looks just like a very swish Holiday Inn.