Last Day in Guangzhou

This morning started out with a treat. We met our new friend Jordan and went shopping. Jordan used to own a shop on Shamian Island. We remember him and his store from when we stated on the island for Hope's adoption trip. He has sadly had to close his shop because business has slowed so much due to the closing of the White Swan Hotel. He now has an office on the west side of the city and sells some of his things there. He also offers his services as a guide and takes families out for whatever their need. It was fun to spend the morning and part of the afternoon with him.

We started out with a trip on the Metro! This was a highlight.


Jordan took us to see "real life China." This market was an experience! I bet almost all of the locals here had never seen Americans, let alone a family like ours. We got some looks! The were many comments and questions. Everyone was very gracious, kind, and wonderful.


I really thought Ron might try some of the delicacies. Didn't happen this time, though some of it looked and smelled very good.





Everyone needs bottled water.


1000 Year Eggs - preserved in an ash and salt mixture to stay fresh without refrigeration...for 1000 years





Love this picture!


Walking to Jordan's Office - I was feeling as bit like the buildings we're closing in. It is amazing to experience the population density of this country!


Jordan's Place - He wrote names for the kids. Hope made a picture for him to keep. He and his wife treated us to cold drinks and snacks,too.





Jordan's Wife


Pearl River Outside Jordan's Building


Heading Back on the Metro


Our guide, Lucia, stopped by this afternoon with Luke's visa and immigration paperwork. We now have the coveted brown envelope and can travel home. :)


Our new friends from Illinois took a taxi from their hotel on the island to come have dinner with us tonight. It was wonderful to spend one more evening with them.


Jason and Benjamin


Terri, Hope, Beth


Hope and the Boys


This was apparently what we ordered for dinner. It was quite comical because NOONE there could speak English with us. We had asked our guide to write down some of the things we like to eat, but we showed it to the ladies at the restaurant and they quickly told us no and crossed out sweet and sour pork. Hahaha - we took a menu and ordered by pointing to pictures.


This is what came to the table. We liked the noodles and broccoli. All the meat had bones and was very tough. Alas, we tried. (P.S. Luke loved it. He'd probably still be there eating if we hadn't wrestled him back into the stroller.)


What a great final day. We are so blessed to have met these new friends and can't wait until we can see them and get our Jiangsu boys together again.

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