Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Shamian Island

Shamian Island used to be the place that adoptive families stayed in Guangzhou.  Although some hotels still remain, since the White Swan, the main hotel, is closed for renovations (We couldn't even get into the lobby to look.), families now just visit.  It was just a 10 - 15 minute taxi ride from our hotel.

The entrance to the famous White Swan hotel
The island itself is beautiful.  Built with both French and English influences, it includes cobble stone streets, open park areas in between century old buildings, beautiful bronze statues, and courtyards.  It reminds me of New Orleans, Coral Gables or even a little like St. Augustine.

Some of the old buildings held government offices and some held shops.
A view down a walking path between buildings
A gazebo in Queens Park
The park housed trees that held the striking, red blossoms we found at the Buddhist temple.
Apartments were also present.  I wonder how much people pay to live in them.
We even saw a bride and groom and models posing for professional photographers.  Because of its beauty, it must be a popular place to have pictures made.




When we first arrived, we walked around and checked out some of the shops.  Shop workers and owners came up to you and tried to entice you to enter their stores.  I wonder how the closing of the famous hotel has influenced their business.

This was a shirt hanging outside one of the shops, too funny!
We then walked to Queens Park where many people were enjoying the holiday.  (It's still the Tomb Sweeping holiday.)  They were playing hacky-sack and soccer and were dancing.


Chloe wanted to dance when she saw the others dancing, so this gentleman taught her some moves and encouraged her to dance with her Baba.

We walked along the river's edge in the park and enjoyed the view.


Then, we let the kids play on the playground.


We topped off our trip with lunch at Lucy's, a famous restaurant on the island that serves Western food.  Chloe ate fries, a little of Tim's burger and my sandwich, a little fried rice with beef, a spring roll or two, and some of Zoey's noodles.  Of course, by the time we got back to the hotel, she was ready for a banana and milk snack.



Tomorrow will be a packing day.  We leave for Hong Kong around 4:30.  While w have enjoyed, we are more than ready to be home.

1 comment:

  1. Have a safe Journey home. I hope Chloe won't need to use the bathroom too often. Isn't it just amazing how quickly these children adapt to a new way of life. They are so eager to try everything and experience life as they have never known it. Again, Safe Travels.

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