De-briefing and decompressing in Guangzhou

Yesterday, Sunday, was our last day in Nanning. Matthew took us for one more early hunting expedition at the Senior Market, where I bought more pearls. I have surely purchased more jewelry on this trip than in my entire life up to this point! Can't help it, as pearls will forever remind me of my little pearl from Beihai.

After that, we had a wild ride to the airport--wilder even than usual because our driver overslept. We said sad good-bys to Matthew, and I cried my traditional cry as we took off from Nanning Airport. I promised Lulu we will come back someday, and make the trip to Behai next time. (She was asleep, so missed my weepy spiel) Our flight was short and uneventful. A very nice guide named Elvin met us at the airport, and escorted us to the fabulous White Swan Hotel, where we rejoined our original travel group from Wide Horizons. The McCormacks, (Mr Ono, as Libby calls Terry--because at first she said Oh no! whenever she saw him, and Pamie), and Pierre, Libby, and me were the only families who went to Nanning--the other 12 families went to a different province after Beijing. It is sort of bizarre trouping about in a huge gang again. Libby likes it, though, because two other older American kids are traveling with the group. The three of them hang out in the back of the tour bus, always the coolest place to be!

Here I should say that I am uncharacteristically, and hideously SICK with some sort of viral thing, so my impressions of Guangzhou so far may be a tad distorted.

Last night we had the only truly horrible meal of our trip. Actually, my food was pretty good, but for some unknown reason, we HAD to eat at a restaurant which had lost power. Therefore, they had to cook each dish separately, over an open flame stove. Thus, as they cooked each dish, it was served to all who had ordered it. One of the babies, Grace, had her first birthday, so her dad had bought a cake. This was served first, as it required no cooking. Then everyone who had rice was served, then everyone who had noodles, etc, etc. Also, the only light was candlelight. Also, there was no air conditioning. Also, the floor was wet, probably because of the drenching rain which has been falling since Typhoon Pearl. So . . . it was like eating dinner in a darkened sauna. For me, quite miserable.

I stumbled back to the hotel, filled out forms for the counselate,begged off Libby and Mom time, and went to sleep.

Woke up not much better, but hauled myself out of bed to sample the much raved over White Swan breakfast, and it WAS worth it--delicious, everything you could want, Western and Chinese. Then we walked in the rain to get the required medical exams for the babies. Lulu was unfazed by the poking and prodding, and was pronounced adorable by everyone. One doctor was concerned that she couldn't talk, because Lulu was uncharacteristically silent, but I assured her she could and does talk, quite a lot!

After this, I begged Dr. Steve, the physician traveling with the group, to examine me, and hopefully prescribe drugs!
Alas, after the exam he told me it is "just" a bad cold and bronchitis, and basically, to suck it up! Dismayed,I told Pierre to take the kids to the White Swan's playroom, and I slept for a couple of hours. After that I felt well enough to go with the group to the Six Banyan Trees Buddhist temple, where the babies were blessed by monks. I loved being there five years ago with Libby, and was so happy to return. Just like last time, I lit incense and prayed at the Mother Goddess' shrine (I don't know how to write her name; it is pronounce Gui-lin). I wanted to stay longer, but this is the problem with trouping about in a gang--its always rush back to the bus!

Then we went to the same jade factory showroom I visited with Libby on my last trip, and of course, I had to buy lots of jade! Because jade reminds me of my beautiful treasure from Anqing City. I did my famous negotiating (Matthew has taught me well) and believe I did quite well--bracelets for the girls, and two for myself, including one special one that I knew had to be mine as soon as I put it on.

On to dinner at a restaurant called, interestingly, the Black Swan! Good Cantonese food.

Back to the hotel, tub, story and bed for Lulu. Libby and Mom time tonight was a game of checkers in--where else?--the White Swan's game room. Libby also played air hockey with her beloved Jazz (who turned up here today), and enjoyed some ice cream. I had a pina colada while I lost (only partly on purpose) our checkers game.

I have heard rumors that cough syrup and even perhaps stronger drugs are available from the guest clinic in the hotel! Stay tuned. Till then, good night!