Day 9 - Trip to the Zoo (Dong Wu Yuan)

Today our guide Jack took our family along with the other family from Gladney to the zoo. This was MeiLin's first trip to a zoo and likely her first time to see live animals. It was difficult to tell if she liked it but the rest of us had a great time. We saw monkeys, giraffes, tigers, pigs, goats and bears (including panda bears of course!) They even had raccoons at the zoo. The zoo was located near the hotel in the heart of Guangzhou. So, it was interesting to be in such a lush zoo environment and be surrounded by skyscrapers. Not 5 minutes after entering the zoo, MeiLin was wet. Sure enough...another diaper leak. Glad that it was just pee, but still it was up her shirt, down her pants, and into her sock. We just changed her clothes really quick on a bench with a bunch of Chinese people standing around trying to communicate to us that she was cold. Hello we know, but we can't leave her sitting in wet clothes!

After the zoo, we walked to the local Subway for a healthier, cheaper lunch. (Prices in the hotel are outrageous! The one kids meal option for room service was $36!). Then it was time for MeiLin to take a nap while Mommy went for a quick shopping trip. Clothing prices at the mall were just as pricey. The weather is so warm here that I was looking for a cooler top. Of course all the clothes in the stores are winter clothes. So tons of sweaters and sweatshirts but not a short-sleeve shirt to be found. I ended up finding a Yoga section and buying a shirt from there. I knew sizes would be different, but at home I am a size small and had to settle for the XL today - it is still a bit snug. :)

For dinner, our guide, Jack, took us to a traditional restaurant. He did all of the ordering too. Anyone who knows me knows that I am super picky, but the food was amazing! And then at the end (with Jacks' coupon!), our meal was only $55. Mind you this fed Brandon, myself, MeiLin, Jack, and our other Gladney family of 6! Talk about a good deal! But it took a LONG time for them to serve the various courses so all of the kids were getting tired and restless. Last but not least...a big "Thank you" shout out to the other Gladney family as they picked up the dinner bill for everyone. They have been such a blessing this trip!

Until tomorrow...

Photos of the zoo this morning (including the baby whisperer, Renee) and the munchkin!