Thursday, May
10, 2012
TAKING IN QUINN'S BIRTH CITY
Quinn and I had a GREAT day together seeing different places
here in his birth city. We were taken to four places plus
treated by our driver, Zhang, to a beef noodle lunch. Lanzhou is
known for beef noodles.
We started out early for Five Spring Mountain Park and the zoo.
The zoo is located within the park. Our driver has the most
caring personality and truly loves his job. Echo told him to
push the stroller as he needs the practice. His wife is
expecting their first child in October. He is going to be a
wonderful Father.
As we strolled through the beautiful park we saw many local
people exercising, dancing, singing and playing musical
instruments. They explained to me that the older generation
comes and donates their time to entertain. We stopped and
listened to the music and Zhang asked Echo if he could sing. She
told him NO. LOL
We walked into a large gathering of people in the park. We soon
found out that there was a very, very large Buddhist ceremony
that was going to take place. The news media was even there.
This particular ceremony of prayer only takes place every 5-7
years. This was actually remarkable timing as many local people
have not had the opportunity to see it and here I was. We only
stayed for a little while, but I was allowed to take pictures.
We then walked into the zoo. Admission was $1.00! What does the
zoo cost at home? It was a small zoo, but no means mini. Our
first stop was the panda exhibit! I was so excited, as the last
time I was in China I was unable to see any. Well, it must be
me! The panda’s were eating inside (no people allowed) as they
like it cooler. You have got to be kidding! I have one more
chance before we go home. We will be going to the safari next
week and I am determined to see a panda. I will post my proof.
The Yellow River runs through Gansu. We stopped to see the
famous Mother Statue of the Yellow River. The area around the
Yellow River is very pretty, but the actual river looks like
chocolate milk. I asked if any animals (like snakes) live in the
river. Echo told me that there are NO snakes in this area! :)
Our last stop before lunch was the Yellow River Water-Wheels.
These wheels were actually used many years ago. I saw the
well-known lamb skins rafts. These are used to transport
people/things across the river. There was a small souvenir shop
there and I found Quinn a Gansu province-made Christmas
ornament. It has a “pig” on it as his birth year is a pig……the
same as Travis!
Our famous beef noodle lunch was served with slices of beef,
cabbage and cucumbers. Oh yeah – chopsticks. I had to try
everything since our driver was so kind and generous to buy us
our lunch. I was very leery on sampling the beef. Who knows what
I was eating. First off, I couldn’t even pick up a piece of meat
with my chopsticks. We all started laughing and Zhang quickly
got up in search of a fork for me. I am completely uncoordinated
with these things and Quinn is not much better! As we were
eating the beef (which was pretty tasty) a fly flew out from
inside the pile. I think my eyes almost fell out. That was my
last piece.
Onto the HUGE bowl of beef noodle soup……The noodles are handmade
and are about a mile in length. Really – they are the longest
noodles I have ever seen. I have never met a pasta that I didn’t
like. These noodles had a soapy taste. Now what? I had to eat
this and the bowl was mammoth! I made it through and so far I am
not sick. I really liked the cucumbers. They had a vinegar sauce
on them.
It really was a great day for Quinn. He did not become anxious
outside at all today. He was very comfortable with all three of
us. He was especially happy when we pulled back into the hotel
lot. He was jumping up and down – clapping his hands. He is
really starting to understand that when we go out we will
“always” return home together.
This evening we are spending our time packing up. Tomorrow we
are headed for Guangzhou. Please keep Quinn (and me) in your
thoughts tomorrow. We have been trying to prepare him for his
1st airplane ride. He will most likely be very scared and I pray
I will be able to comfort him. Our flight is 3 hours long and he
is not a big snack eater. I hope he will nap as it is during his
nap time. I still can’t erase the memory of Savannah’s 1st
flight. Krystal – where are you NOW?!
"I know
God won’t give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish he didn’t
trust me so much." ~Mother Teresa
|
Yankee Boy
Upside Down Sunglasses
Learning to Play Badminton in the Park
Zhang (being silly) Wearing Local Man's Sunglasses
(made of crystal - very expensive)
Mother Statue of Yellow River
Yellow River Water-Wheel |
