Taking In Guangzhou

Max had another great night of sleep last night. He is still fighting his runny nose and cough but he was more himself today which was good to see. We are praying he keeps improving before the big trip home.

Today was our last full day in Guangzhou. It is hard to believe that our time in China is almost over. We have not been in our room too much in Guangzhou but instead have been enjoying the weather and our time outside before we head back to the bitter cold of South Dakota. Most mornings after breakfast we take a walk around the island. The Chinese culture is really so intriguing. I love the way they approach life and the way they take time for their mind, body and soul. On any given day you can see many activities around the island. There are some running around the track and using the exercise machines in the park. Others are playing bad mitten with a net tied between light poles. You can also find some ballroom dancing or just dancing to music. Some are doing routines with balls or swords. You often see the old instructing the young. There are some that jump right in the Pearl River for a swim .. burr.

Others join together to sing or play musical instruments. We could learn a lesson or two about slowing down, taking time and enjoying life.

The view along the Pearl River is beautiful and the people are captivating.

The other thing that we see all day long on the island is people doing photo shoots. The island was once controlled by the British so the architecture is very different than the rest of China. It is beautiful and is the perfect back drop for photographers. There are couples who come to the island before their wedding to take their wedding pictures. There are magazines doing photo shoots. People are posing for fashion magazines or for the Internet for clothes or purses. There are professionals and armature photographers all over the place.

This morning was the "Red Couch" picture day. You have to figure that many little ones who don't like to be out of their parents arms plus for most it was nap time is just a recipe for disaster.

So this is about as good as it gets for our travel groups little sweethearts.

Here is a picture of our whole travel group. It really is amazing to be on an amazing journey with others walking the same road.

The three of us.

After our pictures we decided to walk with our friends over the bridge and head off the island to local area of Guangzhou, the non-Americanized area.

The first area we came across was the Spice Market. There was store after store of spices. There were items laying out all over drying. Fish or sea horses for your soup anyone?

The second area we came across was the Pet Market. There were some really cute animals and some not so cute ones too. It is a guess if they are really sold as pets or for other things ... one may never know.

We got to the local walking street and we definitely stood out in the crowd. I was walking with 3 dark haired Caucasians so my lighter hair stood out in the sea of dark haired people. We were amazed at the number of people on the walking street. The population in these Chinese cities is just unbelievable.

Max again handled the morning in true Max fashion. Our travel group often jokes because they rarely see our sleepy boy awake when we are out and about. Today he slept part of the time tucked under Eric's arm in his carrier and then he would stretch and lay back and sleep in this position. Yes, he continues to steal our hearts over and over again!

We spent some time this afternoon shopping on the island. I also have been waiting for a time to get a picture of Max by these cute little children but it seems that when we are out and about walking he is usually sleeping. Well today I got my pictures of Max with the children.

If only we know what Max is thinking? What does he see through those little eyes of his? A whole new world has been opened up to this little guy in the last 9 days and we often wonder what in the world he is thinking. I watched him for a long time today as he touch and studied this leaf. What I wouldn't do to see the world through Max's big brown eyes right now!

Tonight we met most of our travel group at the Thai Restaurant for our final dinner on the island. I took pictures of all our tables but there were eyes that were closed and the color wasn't great so instead I will leave you with a picture of Max and his new friend Lu Lu. They are only 3 days apart and both could light up the room. We are going to miss Lu Lu and her mommy and daddy!

My heart is full tonight, God is good!