Last day

This morning, we slept in, and then went to the new Starbuck's down the street for a coffee (and to write post cards). Surprisingly, it hasn't occured to the chain yet that they should offer souvenir/gift items printed in Chinese characters or serve Chinese (Yunnan) coffee...It's just like any Starbuck's around the world, but without scones.

After that, we went shopping for a panda for Gavin and had a light lunch at a tea house. Then, Walti had to pack, and I went with him to the airport. Right now, he is still in the middle of his non-stop 14-hour flight back to Newark...

Mom and I spent the afternoon enjoying a walk through the little, yet elaborately landscaped park north of the Chang'an Jie, between the Beijing Grand Hotel and the Forbidden City. We even stopped off to see an exhibit of the Forbidden City and a contemporary artist who was into old shoes (not exactly our style).

After a drink and good talk at the Beijing Grand Hotel and a stroll through that historical and magnificent edifice, we had a "western" dinner at the Novotel "Le Cabararet" restaurant just across the street from the Lee Garden. This place is important, because they bake their own European-style bread, served warm with butter (sometimes, you just crave those familiar comfort foods). The grilled shrimp and scallop skewers were excellent, and now we are on our way to bed...