Big City… China-style!

October 24, 2013

Dear Family and Friends,

Big City…  China-style!

Guangzhou in the Canton Province - our Canton Ave connection-Carolyn’s home turf- a city of modern mixed with old world. Narrow alleys are littered with markets selling strange fish, flowers, herbs, trinkets, meat cuts of all sizes and shapes, and stool-sitting, miniscule lunch dives. From one to the other, we would cross over bridges with glorious blooms \to the wide tree-lined avenues clogged with traffic. Tall ultra-glass skyscrapers and high-heeled “fashionettes” grabbed our attention.  We made our way around the city via the sparkling new efficient metro, experiencing both worlds: old tombs, temples, parks, and art in addition to markets, rivers. We frequented a variety of restaurants where we braved all kinds of mystery dishes. In the early morning, the city teems with people of all ages, busy at group dancing, tai chi, and singing in the parks. By mid day, the throng commute to work, shop, and construct new buildings, roads, parks, sport centers, and more. The new is replacing the old at a world-wind pace. In spite of all prior conceptions, the sky is actually blue here, unlike other burgeoning cities of the north.

We are most pleasantly surprised by the curious stares and friendly gestures of the local folks, as we struggle with our maps and non-existent language skills. Charades have never been so useful! We laugh along with the Chinese at our continuous confusion. Occasionally someone runs in panic rather than confront our overwhelming questions- the four of us are left standing perplexed in our tracks. We have often enjoyed their outgoing spontaneity, humor and social nature.

We are now back on the road… in fact, we are sitting in the train station, waiting for the noon train to pull up, to go to Hong Kong. We are looking forward to our last adventure. This will be posted on blogspot as well where last few adventures will be posted.

Love to all,
The Bob-A-Longs (J, C, L, B)