China Day 10 - Baby Shoes and Fashion Horror

We went to a local tourist place, Shaiman Island. Our guide told us it's manmade and was created during the British and French colony period, which explains why it looks so Western. Our guide explained that at one point, Guangzhou was the only area of China that was open to outsiders, therefore it became quite rich. It is still busy with import/export businesses. It was a beautiful spot and reminded us of Charleston or Savannah.

This is a famous sculpture. People take pictures of their kids in the space where Jack is. She wasn't happy with being put down though.

We looked around at the local shops and got some "squeaky shoes," which are leather baby shoes with a little squeaky thing in the heel. You can bet your sweet bippy we'll be taking those out soon. The smallest size they had was a 2, which was a little big lengthwise but good enough. It's a little pink sandal with a strap across the foot. The strap is made for a fatter foot and the result is almost comical.

There were statues all around and wedding pictures being taken and tai chi being performed all over.

Matt showed Jack how to pose for a picture with these statues of musicians. He was less than amused to find out I took his instead.

We found this track in the middle of the walkways and of course, Jack took off like a shot, running back and forth on the lane. Only a kid.

Next our guide took us to a local market. Dried things of all sorts. Our guide laughed and told us that the strangest thing was the dried penises. Deer, cow. All sorts of animals. Matt remarked that we are looking for a gift for our parents. Perhaps you could add some twine and pesto! You have yourself a very unique Christmas tree ornament. Or you could get a bunch and make a wreath. It would be all over Pinterest in a matter of days.

Bag o' penises

We asked what they were used for (I was thinking a Manhood Stew or something). He said you put it in wine and drink it and it's supposed to help your performance. It seems like it would be a shameful thing to buy, like Viagra. Men quietly remarking to the clerk "Could you please put a couple in a brown bag?" 

Tubs of scorpions.

We got Subway sandwiches and went back to our hotel room. After Talitha's nap, we headed out to explore the area around our hotel. 

We found this "fashion" section of the city. A bunch of malls in a row. It was really odd, though. There were a bunch of clothing stores but nothing like we have here. Every piece of clothing was individual. They didn't have a bunch of clothes in certain styles but in different sizes. It was just a bunch of weird clothes thrown together.

Also, almost all the stores were vacant. It was a little creepy with the music playing overhead. Like a scene in a horror movie.

I can't even begin to describe the horrific awesomeness of this outfit. Check out the leggings. The cat eyes were glittering with sequins. And desperation.

Don't step on my what?!? I want to take a sharpie to this shirt so badly my fingers twitch.

There was this Ronald sitting outside the mall on a bench. We didn't see a McDonald's. It was like Big Brother. Chinese Ronald is more bizarre than American Ronald.

In your face, Starbucks.

All sorts of street vendors. Mmm...salmonella.

I think we'll definitely check it out more tomorrow. I do miss my other two (oh how I want to squish Noah and give Katie a kiss!) and can't wait to be home. But I'm enjoy my time in this fascinating country, or at least this teeny little corner I'm in. 

We went to dinner at our hotel's lounge tonight and were unfortunately caught in the crossfires of an pompous monologue. This guy behind us started yammering away and in the space of 10 minutes, we heard the following topics covered by one man: Martin Luther, first class, parenting, Alzheimer's, respect, and a bunch of things that have fallen completely out of my brain. He just loudly talked and talked with no regard to anyone trying to enjoy dinner around him.

At one point he was recounting a story about a water basin that broke and he exclaimed loudly "I couldn't find any tools! There were no tools to be found!"

I leaned in close to Matt and whispered "There's a tool right here."

As we walked out, we noticed his companion - eyes glassy with boredom, head slightly nodding every few seconds. We didn't hear a word from him. Give that guy a medal for remarkable endurance with a me monster.

I leave you with a few shots today of our sweet youngest daughter.