Monday, January 17, 2011

Subway, Asian olympics, mall

We had a great day, we went to the Olympic stadium and then to a huge 7 story mall. We took the subway/train to all the sites. We saw the tallest building in china.
We brought our new stroller with us and I have to say we have put on some serious mileage and it has seen some rough days. This city is not easy for the handicap or strollers, sidewalks are high and have few lowered crosswalks. We have had to help each other in our group carry strollers with kids in them up/down huge flights of stairs, across very bumpy stone walkways, over high door steps and over stop posts that allow only pedestrian walking. We encountered many stairs on our adventures in the subway today.

We also went to a huge grocery store today. I can't believe how many employees there are at grocery stores. Each aisle has a "salesperson" to help you and to promote their store brand. There are also people selling specific brands in each aisle like Lipton in the drink aisle, she was dressed in a yellow outfit that reminded me of a 1970's plane stewardess. The stores are so busy with people that they have smaller shopping baskets, a cart that you can add the small baskets.

We have to buy lots of water, the tap water in undrinkable by everyone, it can only be used if boiled. Hotel restaurants are very expensive so we are trying to buy some meals at the store to make in our room. This city is so much nicer to walk around in that we have enjoyed many nice meals out too.

Three more days and we leave for the last leg of our journey, we have one night in hong kong. We are trying to absorb as much as we can of this wonderful country. We are having a wonderful time here. They are keeping us very busy but I know when we leave we will have wished we had done more.

3 comments:

China Dreams said...

Did you ever notice that you never see a Chinese parent with a stroller in Beijing? They must put them in the stores just for foreigners.

Glad you're enjoying your time there. Great pictures!

Ruby

Anonymous said...

I am in awe of your journey! So fun to see the girls. They are beautiful! Safe travels!! Cannot wait to meet them in person!

Tandy Grandstaff

Mary Ellen said...

I am amazed at how much these little girls are so comfortable with you and in such a very short time. It's amazing...you have no worry regarding the bonding of these precious little ones with you and Paul and from one picture I saw, I think not Nate either. Your pictures have certainly given me a very different insight to China and it's people. I know that you guys must be ready to come back to Orlando and get a routine going for you, the girls and Nate back on one. It has been a real answer to prayer that God has kept all of you safe and well during this journey.