Sunday evening

Madeline and I decided to be brave and we hailed a cab to the Zhongshan Department Store. The taxi ride cost us 6 RMB ($1.00). The mall was incredible. There were 7 floors, people everywhere, everyone seems to be in a hurry. We certainly stuck out in the crowd. We received many stares and "Hello"'s. The cutest moment was when a little boy tried to speak to us and when we responded his sister broke out in the most contagious belly laugh. I love the look of the items they sell here. The appliances are often shaped into animals. The clothes for children are adorable.

We purchased an item (can't say because it is a surprise) for Keaton. The process is interesting. You hand the item to a clerk who writes out a slip. Then you walk to a cashier area and pay. Then you return to the area that you found the item and they hand it over. Thank goodness Madeline had her backpack because shopping bags are not standard here. We continued down the road a few more stores before hailing a taxi to return to our hotel.

I have to say that the last two taxi rides were still interesting but didn't seem as life-threatening as last evening.

While we were walking taking in the sights we enjoyed watching the street vendors selling food; there was meat on a stick, something that looked like huge potatoes and very yummy looking pineapple chunks. There are mopeds everywhere and cars make u-turns on the sidewalks.

I included a picture of the hotel pool. Madeline was brave and jumped in. It was freezing cold !

We are hoping to hear from our guide tonight- he is flying in from Guangzhou. Tomorrow we will meet Elijah at 2:30pm !!