April 8, 2008 Zoo, Qingbing Market, Jade & Pearl Market
Today was non-stop from the time we got up. We started our day with going to the Guangzhou Zoo. All of the babies came back to the hotel and took a nap before setting out for the next adventure.
Our meeting time was 3:00 down in the lobby for our trip to Qingbing, Jade & Pearl Market. Greg took off shopping after we got back from the zoo and said that he would be back by 2:30. Well you can guess what happened next. It was 2:54 and Greg was not back in the hotel room. Angelina was still sleeping but I picked her up, changed her and off we went. There’s one thing I’ve learned about Greg is that no matter where you are, he’ll find you! So needless to say, I didn’t worry that we were leaving him behind.
Our group took off walking and headed for the Qingbing Market. It was about a ½ hour walk from the hotel and it was so interesting. Each day I’m just so fascinated with this culture and my opinion of how I view the world is so different now.
While we were walking through Qingbing, Bill (our Chinese guide) answers his cell phone. Immediately, I knew that Greg was looking for us. Sure enough, Greg caught a taxi and met us at the Jade Market. As we’re walking I’m thinking there’s literally millions of people everywhere how in the world is he going to find us?! It wasn’t but a few minutes later that I see him walking toward us with a big grin. I’m not sure but I think he’s part coon dog!
We strolled around Jade Market and stumbled upon a Buddhist monastery. Of Course, we had to go and check it out because of our curiosity. People were burning incense and bringing flowers to Buddha. You will notice in the picture below that Buddha is surrounded by literally hundreds of statues made out of gold that are worshipped by people as well. There were several other buildings that we entered but one had a huge statue that people were kneeling down and it looked like they were praying. That was the only area that was roped off and you couldn’t go inside.
Next we went to the pearl market. This was an enormous mall with 7 levels of jewelry stores! For example, it would be equivalent to the Fox Valley Mall with seven floors and it’s nothing but jewelry stores! Thank goodness I’m not into jewelry otherwise it could have been a dangerous place :o)
All of the babies are unbelievable!!! They left their orphanage only eight days ago where their life was confined to basically a crib. Now they’re eating out for every meal (except for our pizza parties!), taking tours, shopping for hours, rickshaw rides, boat rides etc. and to top it off they’re surrounded by thousands of people; talk about over stimulation with all of the senses!!! They just take it all in and still smiling at the end of the day! These little girls are such a blessing, thank you God!!!
