Beijing Summer Palace - March 30

I did not get to see the Summer Palace with the group because of my leg. It was one of Stans favorite places so since we had some time, we went back so I could see it too. It is beautiful. Places like this are so nice to go to because it gives you chance to stroll around in beautiful setting with other people of China. Locals come here to visit, exercise and enjoy the park.

Our driver brought us into opposite side which would have required a lot of walking to get to the lake so we took advantage of this spot for shopping.

Beijing Zoo Panda Bear - March 30

We had to leave Zhanjiang day early then planned which was OK. We flew back to Beijing with a bit of layover in Guangzhou.

We did have some extra time to see bit more of Beijing. We knew the girls would be disappointed not to see the panda bears. Also Stan had enjoyed the Summer Palace we thought if we had time it would be nice to see some of it. Through the conceirge at the Hilton we got a driver to get us around. Having someone to guide you through things makes it so much easier.

At the Beijing Zoo it is possible to go and see just the Pandas. They are in the park but in a seperate area. We were so glad we did.

We visited the zoo when we were here in 2000. It seems like they have fixed it up quite a bit since then.

Another short video of the bear.

Video of tiger.

Another short video of tiger.

Zhanjiang - Other Sites

We saw other sites in Zhanjiang. There is a very pretty park to stroll with an amazing bridge in the background.

We stayed at the Silver Sea Hotel which is listed as a 4 star hotel. Right up the street is a Crowne Plaza which is exceptionally nice. We went there for dinner where they had a wonderful buffet.

Zhajiang - Laurens Finding Site - March 29

Lauren was found at the market in Guandu Town of Zhanjiang. It is a short drive out of Zhanjiang.

Before we even traveled to China, I talked with Lauren to ask her if she wanted to go here. She answered Yes - like we are not traveling all the way there and not see this.

Guandu is small area like a village. It has a police station which is where Lauren was taken where she was found.

We were there on Saturday so there were lots of shopping going on.

Oysters are big here and several people were selling them on the street.

Police Station where Lauren was taken when she was found.

Zhanjiang - Laurens City - March 28

We flew from Guangzhou to Zhanjiang, Laurens city. It is short flight so we were there by noon. We are met by our guide and taken to the Silver Sea Hotel. Laurens orphanage does not allow contact with foster family so we knew this would be a different type of visit. This was part of the reason it was a priority to be there for Laurens birthday.

Before we went to the orphanage, we made a stop at a tea shop to get a gift for the orphanage director. I also needed to pick up some great throat lozenges for my sore throat I had found in China. She took us to tea shop with pharmacy right next door. We stopped and had a quick sample of tea.

The Zhanjiang Social Welfare Institute

Orphanage Director, our guide, and Stan talk about where we live and travels we have taken.

Lauren is asked to sign a book for people returning for visit to the orphanage.

We met some of the care givers who cared for Lauren while she was here.

Through Our Chinese Daughters Foundation, we contacted the orphanage to see what they needed. There were several items but Lauren picked a washing machine. OCDF handled the purchasing and had it delivered to the orphanage.

We are going to take a short walk over to restaurant for dinner and celebration of Laurens birthday. This is street that runs in front of the orphanage.

Here we are at dinner with director, other staff, guide and driver. Another great meal. Zhanjiang is known for its seafood so there were several of those dishes. They loved that Lauren did so well with chopsticks and that she loved the seafood dishes. She does love seafood.

Lauren was having such a good time.

Then they brought out the cake!

They had a gift and a card for Lauren.

Here are some short videos

Guangzhou - White Swan Hotel - March 27

Part of the fun for us in Guangzhou was to stay at the White Swan Hotel. It is very nice hotel with wonderful staff. We especially enjoy the lobby with its waterfall.

Favorite Spots in Guangzhou - March 27

We enjoy our time in Guangzhou but there are a couple of favorites and new to us spots.

Our guide took us to a tea house which is place to sample different typs of tea in a traditional Chinese service. You can purchase any of the teas and tea sets. After wards we walked through a park around. It was beautiful and very peaceful. I would highly recommend this to anyone visiting especially to take a bit of a break.

The park is also known for its bonsai trees.

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Another of my favorite places is the Chen Family Temple. A man by the name of Chen to the third highest on imperial examination which gave him office title and honor to the Chen family. Someone suggested they build a Chen family temple to honor their ancestors and encourage other family members to study hard. It was built in 1894. It was almost lost during the Cultural Revolution but member of Chen family stood up to soldiers who were about to tear it down and convinced them to keep it. However all the honors to their ancesters were taken and burned.

The architecture is amazing. Today it is used to showcase variety of the arts. It is also an opprotunity to purchase variety of art work or even muscial instruments.