Sunday, September
23, 2007
Our first full day in Guangzhou. This morning we headed
down to Shamian Island to take Louisa’s photo for her visa
and to do some shopping. Shamian Island was originally a
British and American trading center during the Qing dynasty.
The island has a much different look than Guangzhou,
featuring colonial European architecture, wide streets and
beautiful, quiet parks. The island is home to the White Swan
Hotel, which for years has been a destination for Americans
adopting children from China. The U.S. Consulate used to be
located on the island near the hotel.
The island is also home to some great shopping, from the
pearl and jade markets to the many street vendors. Today, we
went to the Liwan Plaza, a famous wholesale jewelry market,
to shop for pearls and jade. Dennis and Rebecca, our CHI
guides, were a tremendous help in working with the vendors.
At the pearl vendor, you pick the strands you like and they
create necklaces, bracelets and earrings right there on the
spot. The plaza also had some great traditional Chinese
embroidery stores. We purchased Louisa and Avery matching
traditional Chinese outfits for their picture on the red
couch at the White Swan Hotel tomorrow. Check back tomorrow
for this precious picture.
After our adventure to the Shamian Island, Louisa took a
great 2+ hour nap. She awoke refreshed and play. Louisa
really likes toys that make noise and just making noise with
her “quiet” toys. I never thought stacking cups could be so
loud. Then, despite a light rain, we all went to the pool.
They would not allow us into the big pool, so Avery and her
friend, Emily, romped around in the kid’s pool. Louisa’s
cold is still lingering, so she will have to wait to swim
until we get back home. |
Morning exercise.
So much shopping to do. So little time…
Pearls made to order. |
