tuesday on shamian island

She was happy from the time she woke up this morning. . .

Playing is hard work!

***

This morning, Michael (our translator / guide) went to the American Consulate to take our visa application for Lauren - and other documents required. Tomorrow we will have our consulate appointment / interview and pick up Lauren's visa. That is all we need before we go home! We will leave Thursday morning. Today there is much wind here from the typhoon headed towards Hong Kong (last we heard). It was warm wind, but it helps with the heat none-the-less. When all our consulate documents were confirmed to be in order, we walked around the streets near our hotel again. We went out early this morning for the 7-eleven further from us since the other is being remodeled - for water and baby wipes. I love the early mornings here because, not only is it a little cooler, but there is so much activity - people doing tai chi in every park area or playing something that looks like 'hacky-sack'. We passed a school and could hear all the children inside. People walking and riding their bikes to where ever they were headed - work, etc..

This afternoon we went to the left out of our hotel toward where the American Embassy used to be (it recently moved - but guards are still there). There is a Christian church next to the old American Embassy. We turned down that street toward Shamian Island's Main Street.

The side of the church.

Along Shamian Island's Main Street (many parks).

People live above the shops.

I wanted to go to this "A Gift From China" shop (proceeds help China's orphans). It's a really neat place to visit. We bought a few things in there.

This is the guy who checked us out. Lauren liked him. He gave us a little ornament thing in the shape of China with Hunan Province indicated since Lauren is from that province.

Right near, the "Gift From China" shop are 2 others that we went to - Jenny's Place and Sherry's Place. The girl that works at Jenny's place is very sweet (they all are though; Jenny is not working now because she is pregnant.) - we went back there to buy a few more of those hand fans. She'd given us one free before and we've used it so much. Sherry's Place truly does have the best selection of 'squeaky shoes' ('at the best price'). So, for anyone following behind us - please visit them! ;-)

This is the girl that works at Jenny's Place.

. . . and this one is Sherry.

I am thinking this is a Banyan tree - they are all over. So cool looking. This one is right in front of this deli shop next to our hotel. We were able to get them to make us a plain tomato and lettuce/cucumber sandwich on wheat bread here (so we've been back a few times).

The building in front of the deli shop.