FLEETING IMAGES OF BEIJING

Our family really saw a lot in Beijing, but there were a few attractions we missed out on (the major one being Tiananmen Square) because we simply did not have the time.

We did stop and check out the city's famed Bell and Drum Towers, but were just too tired to ascend the stairs to the top.

Beijing is undergoing a rapid transformation to get ready for next summer's Olympics. It is still a city steeped in ancient history, but there are many modern and radical style buildings mixed in as well.

Everywhere you go, there is Olympic gear for sale (both legitimately and illegitimately).

We did eat at the local Hard Rock Cafe one night. It was pretty much like every other Hard Rock Cafe I've been to.

No matter how many famous, historical, and fantastic sites we visited, nothing topped the guy on the street with the inflatable chef costume.

I think I can speak for the whole family when I say that we had a great time in Beijing. There was so much to see, but it will also always be remembered as the place where Julia lost her first tooth (after much drama).