Thursday, December 2, 2010

Thursday Morning A Visit to the Park

As they say in China;
Warm Attention: For all videos I post, it is best to let them load, then click "replay" to watch in the entire thing. Otherwise, you will have problems with buffering. Also, click on any photo to see it enlarged, then click the back button on the browser to return to the blog page.

This morning we have a new guide, Grace, who took us to this lovely park. There were people everywhere, dancing and playing games of all sorts. The older people retire early, between 55-60 and enjoy their free time.
The gardens are lovely and immaculately maintained.  All over Guangzhou, people can be seen, wiping, polishing, sweeping and trimming.






They are proud of their work!


Matthew is finding butterflies all around. This one  is a little battered.
These ladies were so interesting to watch. They are balancing this ball on the racquet while they dance and they rarely drop it and move in perfect unison.


These people are ballroom dancing. As far as we could tell, someone brings music and they gather in informal groups of whoever is there and dance together.


Another very common game is this hackeysack. The people are so good at kicking the feather back and forth. We bought one and tried it and it looks easy, but it is NOT. Matthew is getting the hang of it, but not me....


Marion joined in.

We joined in and more joined us. The ladies were teaching us the moves and laughing with us.





Outdoor table tennis--many tables. People bring racquets and balls to play
Groups of people doing Tai-Chi (everywhere)

Incredibly big Banyan Tree.

There were some small rides for the kids. Megan did not want to go. She is not feeling too well. She has had a lingering loose cough that has gotten worse in the last few days. I started her on a Zpack today and hope she will feel better soon. Now she is very sniffly and sneezy, too. That is probably why she did not want to go.
Shanna kept banging into the side. She is a crazy driver! And she laughs at it all. Mommy was a nervous wreck, even though she was the only one on the road!
We thought this looked like Minster Tim giving his sermon!! :)

On the way home, the girls were having fun singing. We are not sure what language Megan is singing in! She says its "Grasshopper and Bunny"!!



Mary Alice needed a nap after all that, so Gramma stayed with her and the rest of us went to lunch. We found a great pizza place yesterday (thanks to guide, Joanna) and we went back there again. Matthew feels very safe there, as they understand his allergy and do not use peanut oil. The morning buffet here is much better for him, too. Many more choices and not much peanut. All of which helps me sleep better!


While I have been blogging, Eric is working, Matthew, Mary Alice and Gramma went back to their room to rest and the girls have been playing playdoh together. They play so nicely. Megan and Shanna both hum to themselves all the time. They giggle and laugh and snuggle together like two puppies climbing all over each other. It's very cute.


Yes, this is the room. Can you believe how beautiful it is? We are now off in search of the playroom.

3 comments:

Sharon said...

What a sweet laugh! Love the singing video too! So much joy and happiness!!! :) LOVE IT!

Louanne said...

SO many good photos and video! I love the signs in China. It's too bad you can't take a camera in the consulate becuase the drawing and wording on the inside of the bathroom stall had me cracking up!

Mikenjane said...

Dear Linda and family,

You are missing the first lake effect snow storms here in WNY. My kids are home from school for the second day in the row. I have finally had a chance to catch up on your blog. Congratulations on your wonderful new daughter! I'm thrilled that everyone is having a fabulous time. I esp. love how Megan is so possessive of Shanna in the photos, so affectionate, and that Shanna is responding so well. It sounds as though her caretakers prepared her very well.

Ani would like to say that she would really like to meet Shanna and thank you for posting such beautiful pictures on your blog. Elia would like to say "Welcome to Buffalo!" and "I hope I get to meet you (maybe at Chinese New Year)"!

Enjoy warm GZ while you can!
Jane, Mike, Ani, and Elia