Friday,
April 4, 2008
Last night our guide first took us to a local silk factory where
we learned how silk is woven. It is an amazing and difficult
process. We left with some lovely souvenirs and Maggie's photos
below showcase some of our purchases...Mom, dressing a girl is
so much fun!!
After our tour, he then dropped us off at a local restaurant to
eat some authentic Sichuan cuisine. I think that he wanted us to
experience something other than Western food while we were here.
Kristy and I have been afraid of getting sick, so that is why we
haven't tried much of the local food. He helped up pick out some
dishes, so we were sure that we were not eating monkey brain or
intestine....yummy, yummy! He then left us to our meal. We
wanted him to eat with us, but he said that he would be back to
get us. We are unsure what he thinks of us, whether he is
getting tired of these loud girls from America, or if it is not
appropriate for him to be eating with 2 women. The food was both
good and spicy and I think that we gave the wait staff something
to laugh about. The food was so spicy, that we needed water (the
tea wasn't cutting it) so they bring us hot water...major
language barrier going on here. Maggie again refused the
highchair, but did demand to feed herself rice soup. Of course
this would be the one time we didn't bring an extra set of
clothes! Up until this point she had been upset to get dirty and
have anything sticky on her hands. We began to see the real
Maggie for a moment. She was standing on my knees and wanting to
bounce up and down.
Next stop was the Ancient Marketplace where many local artists
were selling there wares. For those of you who live near us, it
was kind of like the downtown mall, Asian style. Many local
people were there as well as some tourists. Our guide once again
suggested that we do the Tea House experience, so we agreed. I
was thinking it was when you sit around and sample different
kinds of tea. No, it was one cup of tea and a show, which was
like cheesy Chinese slapstick with a little opera and shadow
puppets thrown in. This is the one thing that we think we wasted
our money on. Although the biggest laugh did come from this
experience when a man came around and asked us if we would like
our ears picked...excuse me? We were hysterical and I think our
guide thought that we were being a bit rude, but really, ear
picking? He had a big light on his forehead and big q tip
looking things with which to pick your ears. My guide said that
he guessed the the guy would have to pay me to pick my ears.
Very funny story!
Back to who you really want to hear about, Miss Maggie Mae~
~She did not have a good night's sleep last night, tossing and
turning, coughing and crying out a bit. The fever is gone, but
she had not gone to the bathroom, so I was worried that maybe
her tummy was bothering her.
(Update, that is not the problem anymore...success, and in the
potty at that...have I mentioned that she is potty trained? We
just put her on a few times a day and she goes. Sorry if this is
just too much information, but I am amazed!)
~She is most sad in the morning, but I don't know if this is her
personality or her time of the day that she grieves. Once she
eats breakfast she usually brightens up.
~I tried another bath and she was terrified. I got in with her,
and she was finally calm enough to stop crying, but she does not
like it one bit. Those of you who have done this, should I push
it?
~She loves to get her shoes, grab her purse and go. What a girly
girl. Once out and about though she becomes quiet and
introverted. So be prepared that her first time at church might
be pretty scary for her. It is not that she is afraid as much as
she is tentative.
~She loved trying on her new outfits and we did quite the photo
shoot. Afterwards she spontaneously called me Mama, and was
repeating everything that we would say to her. And she was
signing ball for us. (Just for you Bonita).
~At the park that we stopped at today there was a small
amusement park for the children. I decided to try the carousel
with her...not a good idea. It was the first time I heard her
really cry and I felt so bad.
King's Dominion isn't lookin good for this summer boys.
~She continues to be clingy to me, wanting to be carried
everywhere. Not surprising though as she is still trying to
trust me.
Not only did we come 6,000 miles to eat western food, but we
asked him to take us to Wal Mart. Yes, they have Wal Mart here.
It is pretty much the same, except smaller. Our main goal was to
find another duffel bag, (Jeff, you didn't read that) but we
also got some snacks and drinks.
Tomorrow we are off to Guangzhou where we will reunite with our
travel group, do more paperwork, and yes, you guessed it, shop
some more. Kristy and I are having fun with that part of our
trip.
Pray for Maggie and her first flight. If it goes anything like
the carousel ride, we are in trouble.
We continue to be amazed at how God has prepared her for us. His
blessings are many~
Denise |
At our Tea House experience.
In a local park...making a favorite picture gesture of the
Chinese.
Spicy noodles for a spicy girl.
Silk factory purchase #1.
Our guide says she has quiet elegance.
Purchase #2...well worth every penny!
She takes my breathe away.
Mama and her girl. |
