Beijing - Arrival

Internet access was not available during our time in Chengde. We are now in Beijing and access is good. Here's a summary of the first few days: We arrived safely in Beijing and we immediately bussed to Chengde. We received a very warm welcome at the hotel in Chengde (see welcome banner below). The itinerary has been altered significantly, but we plan to see everything as intended and we will perform at the expected locations. The kids are great travelers and are taking tons of photos. We had an exciting night in Chengde when a thunderstorm knocked out power just prior to Welcome Banquet. A group of us were stuck in an elevator halfway between floors - but nobody panicked.  When the power was restored, the banquet commenced. We visited a mountain resort and 2 temples. Students and (some) parents climbed more than 300 steps to top of the temple. The evening rehearsal in the hotel parking lot was very interesting - some hotel neighbors were perplexed by the rehearsal.  Be sure to ask just students for details! 

The next day, the band performed at a cultural festival. Participants included the CFHS Falcon Band, the Londonderry HS Band from New Hampshire, the West Shore HS Band from Pennsylvania, and several Chinese marching and entertainment groups. The festival was held on the campus of the Chengde Teachers College.  The band was very well received and students had a great time. After the performance, the students met with their Chinese counterparts in classroom settings to exchange ideas. The band then bussed back to Beijing and checked into the hotel. 

 A full day scheduled for tomorrow.  The best seat on the bus is just behind and above the driver where one can truly appreciate local driving habits.

 

June 26 : 01 Beijing Capital Airport - Arrival June 26 : 02 Beijing Capital Airport - Entry Control June 26 : 03 Beijing Capital Airport - Arrival June 26 : 04 Beijing Capital Airport - Arrival June 26 : 05 Beijing Capital Airport June 26 : 06 On the Road to Chengde June 26 : 07 Chengde Hotel June 26 : 08 Chengde Hotel Welcome Banner June 26 : 09 Mountain Resort June 26 : 10 Mountain Resort June 26 : 11 Mountain Resort June 26 : 12 Mountain Resort June 26 : 13 Mountain Resort June 26 : 14 Mountain Resort

 June 26 : 15 Band Busses June 26 : 16 Puning Temple June 26 : 17 Puning Temple June 26 : 18 Puning Temple June 26 : 19 Puning Temple June 26 : 20 Puning Temple June 26 : 21 Puning Temple June 26 : 22 Putuozongsheng Temple Summit June 26 : 23 Putuozongsheng Temple Summit June 26 : 24 Putuozongsheng Temple June 26 : 25 Putuozongsheng Temple - Waiting for Busses June 26 : 26 Band Meeting at Hotel  June 26 : 27 Band Festival Pass  

June 26 : 28 Band Festival June 26 : 29 Band Festival - CFHS Falcon Band June 26 : 30 Band Festival - Chinese Band June 26 : 31 Band Festival - CFHS Falcon Band June 26 : 32 Student Exchange June 26 : 33 Student Exchange June 26 : 34 Driving (Chengde to Beijing) June 26 : 35 Driving Hazards (Chengde to Beijing) June 26 : 36 Driving Hazards (Chengde to Beijing)