Today we went to People's Park with our guide Lisa and her son. It is amazing to see a beautifully landscaped park, complete with a lake and a rock garden, amongst such a busy city. It is certainly comparable in size and beauty to Central Park in New York City. But Central Park is missing something this park has. This park has people, lots of people, who enjoy being around each other and are not shy.
At this park, we found people doing exercises of all types, dancing, performing tai chi, practicing martial arts, strength training, playing badminton, and much more! There was a man performing Beijing opera, men playing cards, and men writing Chinese characters on the ground with large water pens. There were also people playing with Chinese yo-yos and playing with Chinese tops. You see, it is the people that change the park from just an ordinary park into a lively place.
A sign of behavior to come?
While strolling through the park, we got to interact with a few of the people there. One man painted Wuxi's name on the ground with his water pen so that we could take a picture. Another man let Matt and Lisa's son try their hand at Chinese yo-yo and offered instruction. Matt also got to try playing with the Chinese top. Everyone was very nice and eager to have us join in with them.
This park was not just for adults, though. There were also some activities for children. We saw people riding around in motorized electric cars they had rented. We also saw people riding around in motorized boats. Apparently pedal cars and paddle boats are a thing of the past here. We settled on something a little slower paced and got to feed the fish. Hannah absolutely loved it!
In the park, there is also an "amusement park" with carnival rides. We found one that looked not too scary and gave it a try for $5. Matt and Hannah, Lisa and her son, piled into a children's roller coaster, buckled the children in, and went for a whirl. She loved her first ride!
Shortly after this is where the fun ended for Hannah. She started crying and flailing and stomping around. She spit, she drooled, and did everything else that comes along with the terrible two tantrums! As if we didn't have enough stares, we now had a fog horn of crying to draw more attention. She continued to cry for at least the next 20-30 minutes while we tried to comfort her. Conceding defeat, we left the park and took the 10 minute taxi ride back to our hotel. She continued to cry all of the way home, up to our hotel room, and only finally calmed down after being in or room for 20-30 minutes. This little girl has some stamina! We share this to be real and show that this trip isn't all roses and sightseeing. This is real life. Parenting is hard; whether it be struggles with biological or adopted kids.
After eating a few noodles, Hannah put on some PJs and went down for a much needed nap. She slept for 3 hours! Throwing a tantrum, after all, is hard work for a little girl. While Hannah was sleeping, Deanna went out shopping with the two ladies we met at dinner last night.
We made our way to "walking street." Deanna had heard that there was a market at the end of walking street. The street is under construction for the new subway system that is being built. It was a mess! The market was something I had never seen before! There was so much stuff! There were tiny aisles and many vendors that were all selling similar merchandise. I have no idea how they all stay in business. We started on the top floor with the children's clothing. Then, we made our way downstairs and to the building next door. It is really hard to accurately describe this experience. The phrase that comes to mind: sensory overload! A few purchases were made and then it was off to dinner. They took Deanna to Pizza Hut. Just like the other restaurants we have dined at, there were many dishes ordered. Apparently, a good host orders many dishes. There was pizza, pasta, potato salad, fries, shrimp, soup and dessert. It is served family style. Our hosts were very interested to hear that in the States, we would have just ordered pizza and possibly one side. We are so grateful for the friends that we have met. They have been so kind and generous. Their hospitality is top notch. After dinner, it was back to the hotel.
A man and his pet monkey
This is how you do Pizza Hut in China
Green Tea Cake
Meanwhile, Matt took Hannah up to the tennis court again to play with her ball. That lasted all of 10 minutes. Then they strolled around the hotel, met with Lisa to check some paperwork, and ended their day with a trip to McDonald's to eat corn, milk, and ice cream. Lovely combination! Hannah squealed at her first bite of the cold ice cream. Every subsequent bite she had to blow on it first (to heat it up?) before putting it in her mouth.
Tomorrow we head for Guangzhou by plane. Praying for a smooth ride. Pray for us!
No comments:
Post a Comment