We started out back at the medical clinic on Shamian Island to have Joshua's TB read. Praise the Lord, he had NO reaction. Our guide said many older children react and have to get an x-ray which also costs more money. I was grateful that he did not have to have any more medical intervention. When we get home, there will be plenty.
We then walked over to the shopping area across the bridge. We started out on medicine street. Our guide was looking for some tea beans for her mother.
Many medicines. Our guide did not know what they were.
There were stalls as far as the eye could see. The entire day, this same scenario played out and I wondered how any one could possibly choose which vendor to support?
Our guide did decide to buy from this 16 year old who was in a little hole in the wall. She said she had bought from them before and she negotiated a good price for the beans which are supposed to help the eyes.
Never know when snake skin will be needed.
Next door was a man selling all sizes of turtles.
I found the tiny weeny ones and asked (gestured actually) if I could pick one up. He completely humored me because he knew I wanted to show Joshua.
Who was NOT too sure.
But he mustered his courage and picked it up.
Curiosity got the best of him and he climbed out of the stroller to investigate.
Monster turtle. We didn't think of picking him up.
I know you are just dying to buy one of these live scorpions, eh?
Albino turtle?
We moved on to the pets for sale street.
Many cages of cats all looking like they were way too young to be away from their mother.
I would have brought this puppy home. What a cutie. No, kiddos! We cannot have a dog.
I guess fish and aquariums are a big hobby because there were extensive displays.
Next stop was the umbrella shop. Molly's had broken and I needed one for the sun/rain. Having a sunshade makes a big difference when it is this hot.
As we continued on, I saw the watch shop. I had been looking because I realized early on that I would probably be able to find a watch in China that fit me. I have a terrible time in the US finding extra small bands because my wrists are so small. Joshua and I both got watches for less then $10 total. Our guide made sure we understood that they wouldn't last for more than a year or two. No problem. It's the same in the US. You get what you pay for.
Delivery service.
We went here to use the bathroom upon the advice of our guide.
On to the pearl market. 5 floors of individual stores. I am not kidding. It had to be more than a thousand stores in here.
We went to the fifth floor where we found a wholesale store.
Color, size, quality. You name it, they had it. And the girls that waited on us were very knowledgeable. They made sure we knew they took credit cards.
We rode down in the transparent elevator. This kid is a good shopper.
Outside, Bob was impressed with the tall buildings.
I am not sure what this man was doing but he played an instrument.
The square in the shopping area.
Stores galore. Bob wanted to find a button down shirt but alas, his size was not available.
Our guide took us to an alley for Chinese food. We each ordered from a different stall. Super fun and cheap.
Finally, I saw the boy eat some rice.
Bob got a rice and beef dish.
Molly joined us for lunch. She is a lot of fun.
OK. Joshua was getting bored about 4 hours in.
Somebody is in trouble. These were the first policeman we have seen in China.
Waiting for a taxi.
Someone is always cleaning with these homemade brooms.
We headed back to Shamian Island to pick up our laundry. Many photo shoots were taking place and this lovely couple posed just for us.
Joshua would not pose.
Beautiful flowers.
Even the dead leaves are constantly swept up.
We had also visited the store where you can buy all kinds of DVDs very cheap. We bought Joshua a Mandarin/English program so that he can teach the kids Mandarin and learn English at the same time.
Whew! That was a big day. We headed back to the hotel and chilled out for the rest of the night.
Early to bed because tomorrow is our Consulate Appointment at 8:30 am sharp.
You definitely made the rounds! By the time we got to Guangzhou after our one week delay in Beijing, we were broke, so we did almost no shopping and I was tired of being a tourist, too. Hopefully I'll see some of these shops this time around.
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Your pictures are great! I'm glad you are enjoying your time in China, but I'm guessing you are about ready to head home to the other kiddos.
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