Summer Palace

Today we visited the Summer Palace of the emperors. We walked along the waterside taking in the beautiful structures and workmanship that must have taken years to build and create. The view was spectacular. Of course the boys thought the view of the popcorn container was great too. It kept them moving along the long corridor. Wherever the popcorn went, the boys trailed closely behind! (We have a great picture!)

The boys talk to each other in a regional dialect of Mandarin. They talk constantly. We think they understand each other most of the time, but are not sure. They also call each other on their imaginary cellphones!!! The chatting becomes very vocal when there is excitement around, like taking a ride on a big boat with a dragon's head (which we did today). Everybody in the vicinity knew the boys were excited because they talk so loudly and there's nothing we can do to keep them quiet! And do you think they get attention?! I am surprised at how many Chinese know the word "twin" in English! "Twin?" they'll say, pointing to each of them. No, I say. And the more the boys act up, the more the people are charmed by them. "Good naughty," they say. If the boys are dressed the same, the attention doubles... What a set of charmers mom has!