Friday Night, 5/21

Today we had a very busy morning. We went on a tour of several places here in Guangzhou. it was very interesting to learn about this city and the province. For example: Guangzhou is in the Guangdong province of China. It is the 3rd biggest province with approx. 70 million people living here. The city of Guangzhou is the 4th largest city in China with 11 million people. It's history goes back 2400 years. We went to a Buddhist temple today and it was packed!!! Apparently it is the birthday of one of the most famous Buddhas. This is the Buddha of health so there were so many people paying respects or honoring him. There was incense burning so thickly that in some places it was hard to breathe. The temple is called the temple of the 6 trees in reference to the 6 banyan trees that were growing outside of the temple 1200 years ago when the original one was built. the trees are gone now and 2 "new" trees were planted 175 years ago. We were a very big attraction at the temple with many people coming up and touching our babies and just staring. They would walk up to us and stand about 2 feet away from us and stare- this is very unnerving. The Buddhas were statues in gold about 30 feet high and were quite impressive. there are 15 most important Buddhas- 1 of those being a woman who is to protect pregnant women and children. It was very interesting and both Patrick and I were struck by the reverence that the people had when worshipping. They hold their beliefs as dear and as sacred as we hold ours and that is touching to watch- even if we don't agree with what they believe.
From the temple we went to an open air museum. I think that I have forgotten to mention the weather today. The temp was not bad- about 80 degrees. The humidity was 95%- This is the most unbearable weather I have ever been in. I would much rather be in Idaho where it is dry on a 100 degree day than what it was like today. The moment we stepped off the bus we were immediately covered in sweat. Our poor babies all had sweat running down their faces because they were in the carriers- it is best to have them close when in a crowd. The museum was so interesting but I am a little embarrassed to admit that we mostly stayed in front of the few fans that we saw. We saw some beautiful tapestries and wood carvings as well as some beautiful pottery and art work. There was a man making the most amazing pictures using only ink and his hand. It was incredible but it was very hard to enjoy that with sweat running down your back and legs. I wish we could come back on a different day. We did learn that only very privileged families are allowed to have a statue of a lion out front of their house. Also a government building- but when I asked our guide what would happen if his family just decided to put a statue of a lion out front of their house he just looked at me like I was crazy and said it is not possible, it is not allowed.
From here we went to a provincial government store- it is like a really nice department store. They had clothes, pottery, artwork, jade, tea sets, and many other high quality things. Our guide told us that unlike what we find on this island these items are the top quality and from the Guangdong province. We bought some fun stuff. This store was air conditioned. It was glorious.
We got back to the hotel and gave Olivia a nap and it was time for dinner. Olivia was a trooper. She really is feeling 100% better. She is laughing and happy again. She makes a very funny high pitched squealing noise- it is so cute. She ate well today!!!
We went back to the Thai restaurant today for dinner. We had a strange experience. A young couple were seated next to us when we were about 1/2 way through our meal and the woman was staring at Olivia- really staring in a creepy way- for a long time. I felt like holding onto Olivia a little tighter because she seemed like she could grab her and run. After they ordered she pulled out her phone and I think she was taking pictures of Olivia. then the man started staring and they were speaking in Chinese. It was the most uncomfortable we have been and We very quickly got our bill and left. One of the other moms here and I were talking later and we said that we wondered how many women on the street were staring because they had to give up their baby girl. It gave me a moment to put myself in their shoes- that would be hard to see all these families walking around and very happy with babies in their arms knowing that one of them could be your biological child.
Sorry for the long post- it was quite a day. Tomorrow is much more quiet. Hope all is well where you are!
With much love,
Donna, Patrick and Olivia