Back On Shamian Island

We went back to the island yesterday for lunch and a little bit of shopping.  We took a taxi and got dropped off at the White Swan hotel, which was nice.  We had a chance to walk around a little bit.  We bought a cool chop with Kennedy's name on it and one of the feathery toys that you kick around.  We bought one for Mia in Texas and another smaller one here for Kennedy.  She knows how to do it.  She kicked it around 10-12 times.  Mia and I couldn't even do it twice.

 

We ate lunch at the Cow and Bridge restaurant.  We had not had a chance to eat there before now.  We really loved it last time.  This time it was more difficult.  We had no one to translate for us, so it was more complicated.  Annie wanted vegetable curry that was not too spicy.  She managed to explain that to our server, but what she got was still super hot.  Kennedy of course had no trouble with it.  I went for the roasted pig's feet this time.  It was pretty tasty.  It was kind of like a super-thick piece of bacon.

 

We spent some time at Jordon yesterday.  We had a scroll made with Kennedy's name on it.  It is really pretty.  Kennedy disputed the translation, so after lunch she and I went back to the shop to ask about it.  He explained how he chose the translation.  Kennedy and I got a very nice explanation about how Chinese people can translate.  He told a story about choosing a translation for David.  You can choose one that is very nice or one that means 'big stomach.'  That got Kennedy's attention.  Mine too.  It was kind of funny to watch him explain it.  In the end, she understood, and decided that she liked the translation.

 

The worst part of the day is that we were on the island fifteen minutes before we needed to be boarding the bus to our consulate appointment.  So…we're the losers that almost made everybody late for the second most important appointment of the entire trip.  We could not catch a cab on the island.  We had to walk back to the hotel and wait in line.  Fortunately, another local family was kind enough to let us go ahead of them.  It was extremely kind and extremely helpful.  When we got to the hotel, I ran (literally) to the room and grabbed every piece of paperwork we had.  I had no time to choose wisely.  I carried a ton of stuff and our guide laughed at me.

 

More later about our cool dinner last night.  We are about to leave for the zoo.