This morning we all went to the Aquarium. We had talked about going to the zoo, and to the aquarium associated with the zoo, but “aquarium” became the focus word, and we went to a different one. It was a good error, as the one we went to was great. They had the typical tanks and things, but they also had a long underwater tunnel for viewing rays, sharks, fish and coral. Throughout our walk, there were two divers feeding the fish, and towards the end a mermaid jumped in and did some tricks. The little girls in our group were in awe.
After the aquarium, we coerced the driver to take us back to the last market – the Pearl Market, which is really the same as the rest with trinkets and clothes and jewelry. We found a few more things, including another suitcase to carry stuff home in. Behind the Pearl Market was a TOY MARKET, and I was feeling guilty about the inequities between take home items for the girls and take home items for the boys, so the boys have a few new toys that have nothing to do with China.
Right across the street from the Pearl Market was the Temple of Heaven. More ancient buildings. The Temple of Heaven was built in 1460, and was used by the emperors to pray and offer sacrifices for good harvests, and cool stuff like that. Again, beautiful buildings with not enough time to read all of the information. Upon leaving I bought a book of Beijing. I tried to buy it for $20, but pulled a $50 out instead (that’s RMB, not CDN, so $50 is less than $10 CDN). Julie bought one from another seller and managed the $20 price (being ready) but the seller tried to give her fake money as change. Luckily she had her wits about her and her bitchy attitude ready.
We took a cab back to the hotel and vegged for a few minutes, then met the group in the lobby for a walk to a group dinner sponsored by our guide and her company. Again a traditional Chinese dinner, which was delicious. I had written about how much I was looking forward to eating in China, but I expected to get tired of the food before the trip was over. That never happened. True, we had McD’s last night, but that was more to be able to say “we had Chinese McD’s” and to taste it. I am still LOVING the food and wish I could have more of it. Now the Dragon King Buffet in Halifax seems a poor comparison. I may have to try and make some someday soon.
And so ends our China adventure. A trip we’ve dreamed of for almost 3 years is over in a flash. We are all packed, so we are hoping to spend a couple hours tomorrow at a market or something – I ‘d hate to waste time IN CHINA doing nothing. Our bags need to be ready for pickup at 11am, and checkout is 12 noon. We have to be at the airport 3 hours early, but we’ll likely be there about 5 hours early to accommodate all the travelers and their departure times. Luckily the other families will also be at the airport, so the kids will have each other to torment.
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4 comments:
We were there 3 hours early and it was just enough time to get through all the different lines we had to go in.
If you are bringing any, and I mean any, beverages home pack them. They will open them at securtiy and smell them if you don't. Now that I write that you can't bring liquids on anyway.
Have a great flight home.
This is a really bittersweet time for you, I'm sure. Travel safely, my enormously tall friend. Hopefully I'll catch up with you Sunday or Monday.
HUGS!!
Have a safe trip back. It all sounds wonderful and understand your not wanting to waste any time while in China. Can't wait to hear and see the photos of the siblings meeting at the airport!!!
Feb 6, 2006 is the year of the dog. Guess what will be waiting for my new granddaughter when she gets off the plane???????
Have a safe flight and see you in TO.
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