General Pete exploring old Beijing

Since Pete is a military man, he really liked these camouflage pine trees. That is just the bark, it's not painted, honest. Perhaps they are genetically engineered by the Chinese army, their new secret weapon. It's not secret anymore! We are spies now. Please don't blow our cover.

In a historic "hutong" district. This is the view from the top of the Bell Tower looking toward the Drum Tower. The bell tower has a huge bell cast in the 1400's. The drum tower has, you guessed it, drums. Pete was glad it wasn't a windy day. Despite having a cape, he can't fly.

That's the big bell. Pete called it "the donger".

These public phones are scattered about. We affectionately refer to them as the "butt cheek phones".

Pete is traversing the crevasse. He's really brave.

Lake Houhai, in the middle of the Hutong area. Some Chinese guys were laughing as we took this picture. Pete didn't mind.

There's a talking bird in that there cage. Camden liked getting it to say "Ni Hao". It also had an ear-piercing squawk, so Camden and Pete are running away.

We're tired, still got some jet lag. Pete too.

Pete is kicking back with a moderately cool Pabst Blue Ribbon - China style. This is a bottle of water, not beer. Strange.