The island was packed (since it was Saturday) with locals and photo shoots everywhere!!!! It seems every bride in China has a photo shoot on Shamian Island because of its historic colonial look and beauty. Plus, models (including ones in bras and panties only!). A lot of locals were out - exercising, playing badminton, playing with their kiddos. It's a beautiful, charming little place and we love it. So different than Beijing.
We visited Jordon's place to pick up Benjamin's scroll and purchased a few items (definitely see the price difference vs. shopping wholesale with Ann!). We even managed to buy BenBen his first pair of "Squeakers"....shoes that squeak when he walks. They're sandals and fit his "Fred Flinstone" feet (LOVE!!!!)much better than the socks with Stride Rites we brought from home! :)
We came back to the room around 12:30 p.m. so BenBen could nap before our shopping excursion with the other families. He fell asleep quickly. Greg agreed to hang in the room this time so Sam and I could take a walk to find a local "charity" gift shop where we can donate unused items before we leave (i.e. medicines, diapers, etc.) and pick up Subway for lunch. Greg enjoyed his time in the room, drinking a Pearl River beer....and crying over his broken camera. Soooo sad.
We met our John and the Teague family (with new daughter Mia - adorable!!!!) at 2:30 p.m. and loaded the White Swan (deluxe!) bus to the shopping district. It was sunny out and extremely crowded!!! The shopping district was a long street (no cars allowed) and beautiful....hanging lanterns, loud music, TONS of people. We saw a McDonald's converted into a lingerie store...hmmmm......and a koi pond with children feeding the fish using bottles. No one bought anything but it was very fun and interesting to see.
We then walked thru the small, crowded pet market....fish, turtles, bunnies, cats, dogs, gerbils, hamsters, birds, lizards, frogs, crabs, salamanders. BenBen loved the "go go's" (dogs), of course. We turned onto the medicine street and it was packed with vendors selling dried animal skins, herbs, tree bark - you name it. John said most items are used in soups. He also said he sees a Western doctor for antibiotics. :)
We walked back to the island (just over a bridge) and walked with the Teague's to Jordon's. They bought Mia her Squeakers (hot pink) so LOTS of squeaking!!! We decided to head back to the hotel so the boys could swim before dinner (the Teagues have 2 boys - Carson and Spenser). Although BenBen had a nap, we were still apprehensive about dining out.
We decided to risk it and venture out with the Teagues to a Cantonese restaurant our guide recommended that is very close to our hotel. It was packed...and quite an experience! The menus are huge but most have pictures which helps when you don't speak Mandarin! The waiters also expect you to order everything at once and they deliver dishes in complete random order - whenever they're ready, I guess. They also do NOT offer napkins...even in the finest restaurants. We've also seen a lot of locals wearing plastic gloves when they eat. Interesting...
Greg ordered a variety of dishes including a beef rib dish, chicken dish, fried rice and noodles...and Pearl River beer! (LOVE the beer here!). All the dishes were quite spicy vs. Beijing food.
We really enjoyed the time with the Teagues. They are a great family and such a blessing to have with us on this trip. Ben did GREAT!!!! He sat patiently throughout the long meal and tried most dishes.
We walked back to the hotel (around 8:30 p.m.) - which is very late for BenBen. We gave him a quick bath and off to bed...Greg, Sam and I are headed to bed now too (about 9:30 p.m.).
Tomorrow (Sunday) we're going on a temple tour (I think, not even sure which one!)....it's supposed to rain (rainy season in Guangzhou) so we'll see. John received Ben's passport from Beijing yesterday!!!!!
Monday is our U.S. Consulate appointment swearing in. YAY!!! This will be the last appointment before we leave for HOME!!!! We'll pick up Ben's Visa on Tuesday and we leave early Wednesday morning - flying Guangzhou to Shanghai to Chicago to Evansville! Arriving at 8:45 p.m. Wednesday night!!!! Can't wait!!!
So exciting. Almost home! He is so precious. I know he'll fit right into his new family who already love him to pieces.
ReplyDelete