Ordered the duck for lunch.   Was hungry by that time and the tuna appetizer was pretty good.   Air Canada apparently recently changed their menu and wine list so it was something new.   The duck was okay but maybe not the best option for an airplane.   The French pinot noir that they were offering was very drinkable though… almost too drinkable!

After lunch took a bit of a nap.  Woke up and had a Kit Kat they had out.  Tried to take another nap but could smell some dim sum cooking and couldn’t sleep.   

Slept for a bit more and had another snack.   We had to circle around Beijing for a bit (kind of turbulent) while they “changed the runways”.  A bit bumpy but we eventually landed.   Pretty quick going through immigration but the baggage claim was a train ride away!

Got my luggage and headed out to look for my ride  – lots of people with signs and he seemed to show up after I stood there for a few minutes.   I was just about to check the materials and call when I spotted the sign.   A bit of traffic heading to the hotel so it seemed like a long ride.  The driver took me past Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden Palace on the way to the hotel.   Apparently he couldn’t make a left to the hotel though where he thought he could so he decided to pull a u-turn on the busy little street running beside the Forbidden Palace.  Surprisingly it didn’t take too long but I think the other drivers were a bit ticked. 

Got to the hotel and checked in.   Settled into the room, which has a distant view of the Forbidden Palace.  Then headed out for a walk around the block and a drink in the hotel lobby bar. 

Had a quick bite to eat at the hotel coffee shop and getting ready for bed.   Going to head to bed early as I’ve been up for a while and would like to do some sightseeing tomorrow.