Mountain Park and the Tea House

Today we were taken to Mountain Park to walk around and see the sites. The park, like the zoo, is open to the public at no cost so you see many people there, some exercising, some dancing, others just walking and socializing. The weather was perfect, cool, but not too cool. We walked up quite a bit so you could see the city below, but unfortunately, the pollution is so great, that you can't see very far. China has grown industrially very quickly, but there is no EPA here to help regulate the companies. In Mountain Park there is a government owned tea house and we were shown the correct way of making tea. We also got to try three of their teas. The tea trade has lasted over 4800 years in this area. I found the teas to taste too much like perfume was added, but other people in the group loved them. Sarae especially loved the chocolate wafers so we ended up buying those for her. The traffic over here is incredible and although there are lanes, people just drive wherever they can fit. It's a bit scary sitting in the bus and see another bus coming straight towards you. Somehow, everyone figures out what to do and I have yet to see an accident. There is no yielding for pedestrians and crossing the street is quite a challenge. Our guide Michael said there were three steps to crossing the street. One, close your eyes, Two make a wish, Three Run! I quite agree!

Speaking of Sarae, she is walking quite well with assistance. Doesn't seem to want to try steps on her own like yesterday, but walks like a champ if you hold her hand. She has also learned to clap her hands and say her version of "yay!". She finds this very amusing and laughs and laughs. She also says mama and dada. I've explained to her that I am her mama, not quite sure how to break the news about dada to her : ) We don't have to worry about Sarae's self-esteem - one of her favorite things to do is to look at herself in the mirror and kiss herself!

We received the paperwork for her adoption today and will receive her passport this evening. So, tomorrow we head back to Guangzhou. Not sure if we will post tomorrow or not. Will try since it is Sarae's first birthday!, but don't worry if you don't see anything.