We once again went to the breakfast buffet. It is wonderful having this complimentary meal daily. After breakfast we ventured out to the playground which is located behind the pool on the 4th floor of the hotel. We stayed less than fifteen minutes due to the weather. It was very cool and windy.
We returned to our room for our laundry pick-up which our guide had arranged. We then ventured outdoors. The high temperature for the day was only 55F. The wind made it appear colder. On our last two trips to China the weather was 100 degrees plus with humidity beyond anything we have every experienced living in the Deep South. In the past it was unbearable hot in the day time. This change is actually very pleasant. We walked down the sidewalk to the left of the hotel. There is a McDonald's/Pizza Hut combo and a Subway a little farther down for those less adventurous in eating local food.
LOVED this sign outside of a bar - "21/12/12 YOU ARE SAVE"
We spotted the Tekila's Mexican Restaurant which seems to be a favorite among adopting families. Being a Saturday the streets were more crowded. We were trying to find the Jusco store which is a Japanese owned chain of department stores. After asking numerous people to help us when we did not speak Chinese and they did not speak English we decided to return to the hotel. I asked a man at the front desk for directions to Jusco. He scolded me for having the girls out in only a thin jacket. (I had only brought their fleece jackets thinking that is all they would need.) He said, "Too cold girl outside. Girl need thick coat. You no walk. You take taxi." Another much younger male employee said, "You walk. Only ten minute." Older man said "No too cold girl. Take taxi." So we took the taxi!
JUSCO
Jusco is a higher end store than the Trust-Mart which we visited the previous day. I would describe it as a cross between a higher end department store and a Target. Several parents we had met in the hotel lobby told us about the store and we wanted to go to pass time. When leaving the Garden hotel you will see a Starbucks across the street. Beside the Starbucks is a building with Peace in the name. You walk straight down and the Jusco is on the left. It is multi-leveled with escalators to each floor. We realized on the way that we needed "coats" for the girls to avoid further scrutiny. We located the children's department. They had the most amazing and colorful shoes on display and beautiful children's clothing. I could have done some major shopping if our finances here were different. I was once again reminded how many people are in China. As I was looking at the children's shoes there were at least six sales ladies in one small area. They were more than eager to help us. I kept trying to say "just looking" but none knew English. As I walked past displays in the clothing various sales ladies picked up items showing them to me and then holding them up to the girls. Picture Macy's, Belk, etc. where you have to seek and search for help and then it is usually only minimal. They could learn from these people! We found several coats on display and finally found two that were adorable and reasonably priced around $26 US each. They say "cute baby" on the front and MB was less than thrilled about that but hey she will be warm. As is usual in China you chose your item and the clerk hand writes a receipt. You take it to the cashier. You pay then return to the salesperson and show her the paid receipt and then you are given your purchase. I guess these sweet ladies thought my children were cold too! They started cutting the tags off the coats and putting the coats on the girls. They motioned for me to put the other jackets in the shopping bags. OK, got it China kids must be bundled. We looked through the toy department. It had very nice high quality toys and dolls. New coats!
We went exploring up another set of escalators. We found a Dunkin Donuts. We had a caramel latte and the girls had a donut. While sitting we were offered various juice samples. Not real sure what type of juice but the workers were eager for us to try it. China definitely does not half-do things. I have never seen donuts in American like these!
We then ventured to the public restrooms. MB got her first experience using a "squat" toilet. She came out with her pants still dry so it was a successful experience! LOL It probably helped that she had on yoga length pants.
We then saw a store across the corridor from the Dunkin Donuts and we ventured inside. The girls still had some of their own money and they wanted to look. It was a variety type store. We did not see any prices. After asking numerous times "How much?" and being told "Ten". We realized that every single item in the store was 10 rmbs. We love our Dollar Tree at home and excited to realize we had happened upon the Chinese version. 10 rmbs is equivalent to $1.61 US. Upon leaving Jusco we noted that they had a deli on the first floor. We purchased noodles and dumplings for lunch for less than 20 rmbs - around $4. We returned to the hotel to eat.
Since being scolded about our children's lack of clothing and me having the girls in yoga sets with MB's being short Billy was convinced they needed warmer pants if we were to be out longer. The only pair of jeans I had brought them were sent to the laundry. We ventured in the MASSIVE Guangzhou Friendship store. Their children's department was amazingly overwhelming and EXTREMELY expensive. We were able to find someone who spoke enough English to help us with jeans for the girls. Amazingly we found some at a reasonable price. If there had been a thrift store here I would have headed that way. It pains me paying full price for anything. If anyone is coming to Guangzhou soon make sure and check the temperatures and pack appropriately.
We did a little more walking and then went to dinner. Several families had recommended The Paddy Field which is behind the hotel. It is out the back of the hotel on the Japanese consulate side and to the left. It is on the right side of the street. The food was excellent and servings large. It was pricey on our budget and we will not return. Had we known the prices before hand we would not have gone. We each had a steak sandwich which came with fries, salad, and an onion ring. They had excellent iced tea. We drank it and were fine. They have a children's menu and Anneli ordered a pizza and Mary Bailey had spaghetti.
We were all asleep by 7:30pm!
Sounds like an adventurous and fun filled day. But this time tomorrow!!!!!
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