Pearl Market & Shamian Island

There was nothing official that we had to do today, so we went shopping!  First we headed over to the Pearl Market, which is a wholesale mall full of pearls and other gems. We heard there were thousands of stores there. It sure felt like it.

Next we headed to Shamian Island. It is right on the Pearl River, and most of the buildings were built by the English during their occupation in China. This is the place where all adoptive families used to stay, so it is really special to some families. To us it was just a place to get cheap souvenirs. 

Today it was so hot and humid that it reminded us of our last trip to China. We went swimming this afternoon. It was Sarah's first time swimming, and she was so adorable. She was a tiny bit apprehensive at first, but it did not take her long to really enjoy herself. 

We ate dinner at our favorite street in Guangzhou. I took pictures of things that make this place special. It is a crowded, dirty street, where vendors set out their goods on the street. There is nothing like this in the US. 

Sarah is starting to talk in English. She has started counting - one, two. She started calling Brig - Ge Ge Briggy (pronounced guh guh, which means big brother). She understands when we say lay down, take a bath or peekaboo. This little girl is a genius. 

The Pearl Market

Shamian Island

Brig and Rick trying out the excercise equipment

There are Banyan trees all over the island

This is how Sarah dealt with the heat

I can't control myself from taking her picture 

Swimming

Not quite sure what to think yet

Our Favorite Street in Guangzhou

They sell meat like this just out on a table with someone fanning it

A table of beans

Buckets full of water snakes, turtles and scorpions - yummy!

Fish

The "harvesting" table for the fish

This boy was playing on his iPad

Dinner tonight