Mothers' Day in Guangzhou

Today we met the group to go shopping at a local (non-tourist). Our guide said we would get better prices here with no haggling.  The shops were in a ring, and at the top and bottom of the ring, there were entrances to 2 huge 5 story malla.  One had all jewelry stores and one had mostly jewelry stores.  It was amazing.  We walked around the circle and looked at some shops...and we did a little buying, too but I can't give that part away!  At one point, we walked the length of one of the malla and exited to the plaza on the other side.  It was quite stinky.  When we have traveled off the main streets, there is an increase in bad odor...I won't go into details...be thankful.  Even on the main streets, there are a lot of people smoking and there is smog, so we are never confused and think we are in a park :). Many people in the city wear masks over their faces because of the smell.

Back at the hotel, we had to change to a smaller room, although it still has a bedroom and a huge sitting area.  One unique feature is that there is a huge picture window that allows you to look into the bathroom from the bedroom.  Fortunately, there is an optional curtain.

We have been eating breakfast on the 30th floor, but were told when we downgraded our room we would have to eat in the first floor dining room with the other peasants.  However, when we were making the switch, the very nice hotel lady gave us a special card to allow us to continue to eat at the top floor dining room.  Yay!  A special blessing!

So, after moving our luggage (and receiving a delivery of clean good-smelling clothes from the laundry man), it was time to take one more walk around the hotel and then tell Daddy and Savanna good-bye.  We said a family prayers and had a group hug and they were off.  When they got to the airport, Rebecca got them a seat upgrade.  Yay. Another blessing!

Davina and I looked at pictures, she tried to teach me how to write mom and dad in Chinese (epic fail) and then we went for...pizza of course.  It was at an Italian restaurant. Different than American pizza, but very delicious.  Then, back to the hotel for a little more visiting then off to bed.   Another good day.