Don't worry everyone, we are fine... We were in Beijing at the time of the earthquake and far from the disaster. However, had we had more time to spend in China , I'm almost sure we would have been in that very area as it is very beautiful and one of the places I wanted to explore. Someone was watching out for us... We were in a taxi traveling across the city and didn't think that we felt the earthquake at all, but now looking back, I remember saying to Steve, "I think this guy's wheels are out of alignment", as the car was shaking back and forth a little. Our friend felt the hotel she was in shake and at first thought she was just getting dizzy before everyone realized what it was. Watching the rescue attempts make us cry...especially now that we have been close to that area and now that we have had a chnace to get to know the Chinese people, who are generally kind and gracious. It's so sad... Our next stop is the Queen Charlotte Islands (BC) with my dad, visiting on his island and sailboat. It'll be a good transition from big adventure, to coming home...