First of all Joseph's TB test came back negative today. Yeah!!!
Sunday we went back to Shamian Island to do some shopping. It was incredible to walk in a few stores and have people remember we were here last March getting our baby, May Lee. We had a good time looking around and bargaining. Most stores don't have prices on their items, and bargaining is expected. For those that remembered us, we were told, "I offer you best price." Joseph's favorite phrase was, "I want that!"
We came back to the hotel and then walked to an "Italian" restaurant for lunch. Joseph is such a good eater that we have to cut him off and tell him, "No more!" We can't believe he hasn't gotten sick yet.
After he finishes an adult portion he eats our leftovers! We then walked back to the hotel for the "paper party", where one parent sits and does a load of paperwork. Steve did it last year, so it was unfortunately my turn. I got lucky and didn't have to do as much as he did last year, because this time we were required to do a lot of it before we left.
About five families went out for dinner that night to the Latin Music and Brazil Grill. Here they cut slabs of various meats off a large skewer, as much as you want, along with an all you can eat buffet. We had gone there last year and loved it. This is also where they have the chocolate fountain and last year Coleman was dared to eat chocolate broccoli, and did. He said it was disgusting, but well worth the money Jarrett paid him. The chocolate fountain was good again, along with the Vanilla and Mango ice cream we had?!
Notice Joseph's clean plate! We had to cut him off again.
We were entertained with live music. One song even sounded like a Christmas song, but we couldn't figure out which one.
Today, Monday, we went to the Chen Family Temple, a local Folk Art Museum. It was even more beautiful than last year when we were here because of some renovations.
Joseph at the entrance to the temple.
Joseph's favorite posture, the lean - otherwise known as the lean and pull.
We determined this is why Asian men so often stand with their hands clasped behind their back. Smart!!
After the temple we went back to Shamian Island to the doctor to get Joseph's TB test. We were very relieved that the shot sight had cleared up dramatically and expected it today to be negative, but it is always nice to hear it for sure. We walked around a bit on the island. It was nice and comfortable, since we spent three weeks on the island last time. Joseph had the "I want its" again. I told him, "No" and he wanted to know why. I told him that we can't say yes every time he asks, and he said, "I know, because I want everything!" We even walked into a store and he asked me what
something was and I told him it was a computer. Of course he said, "I want that!" For lunch I had been looking forward to eating at Lucy's where they have "American" food. I got my usual (usual from last year) quesadillas.
We spent a little time at a local park just hangin' around.
We then walked through the markets off the island. There were streets and streets of everything you can think of for sale. They had many different spices and foods, from various roots, to dried starfish, snakes, and something that looked like huge roaches.
Lizard Anyone?
We finally got a cab home, back to our hotel, where we cheated death again, and again. Whether by van, bus, or cab, or even on foot, it is never a dull moment on the streets. We decided a great occupation to have here is to either sell break pads, horns, tires, or be a bicycle repairman. We were exhausted since we were gone most of the day, well, of course all of us except Joseph, so we ate dinner in the room, the healthy carb-fest again.
