The less Westernized Guangzhou

Andy, Natalie and I took a short walk today across the river. The atmosphere changes very quickly. We are staying in a very Westernized hotel and are very sheltered from the reality of Guangzhou I think. Other than the small shops outside of our hotel, everything feels a lot like home. Small hotel rooms with AC and a great view of the river (a different river). However, you walk for about 10 minutes and you notice a difference immediately. I've posted some photos below from our walk this morning.

On our way we found this bronze statue of a boy, girl and dog. Notice how relaxed Natalie is in the carrier. She oftens hums as we walk along! So cute!

Our first glance down a market filled street

Notice the heavy load on the bicycle behind Andy - these Chinese men may be lanky, but they are strong!

Live scorpions anyone? There were also live turtles for sale.

Someone's pet kitten beside their wares. There are a lot of cats roaming through the food laid out. Sometimes they are tasting what is for sale...

Some sort of dried root for sale



Every shop seemed to have a bin of sea horses for sale - dried - not sure how they are used. Sea Horse soup perhaps? mmm-mm-good...

It was an interesting morning and I'm glad to have had the experience of walking the shop-lined streets. I couldn't help but feel like an intruder with my camera and Andy toting his camcorder. As I asked the man with the scorpions and turtles if it was ok to snap a shot, he nodded yes and quickly spoke to his wife. We were brief and I'm sure there were many eyes on us. Natalie still gets a lot of looks and I wonder what is being said as we pass by. No worries though. As Andy and I were saying this a.m. Natalie has been 'ours' since the day she was born. We all just had to wait a little while to be united.

Thanks for all the comments and emails! We enjoy hearing from all of you and miss you! Alicia