Visit to Local Pharmacy!

Having trouble posting pictures- will try to add some later.

Today we ventured out of the tourist area and into a local market. Right across the river from the island are many shops that sell "herbal" medicine. We saw many interesting "cures!" From deer leg bones, to dried seahorses, dried ants & centipedes, even live scorpions that preserve wine keeping it good for up to 1 year?! Our guide said going to the Dr. is too much trouble when you can just go get something here to cure your illness.

There were also vendors selling skinned tiger legs, they tried to sell us the claws.

It was so nice to be out experiencing the local people. They are curious about us in a positive way. Although it is sometimes hard to tell because the Chinese people do seem very serious and stern but they are truly warm. There is something about them that is simple and inviting. We have very much enjoyed our time here in Guangzhou. I think that our American impression of the people here in China is so far off base and it is always good to be reminded that we are very much the same despite our cultural differences.

The top picture was a group of 5 year old girls out with their teacher. They practiced their English with us and were delightfully full of giggles. We were stopped by another group asking for autographs. It is impressive to hear such young children so good at speaking a 2nd language.

Tomorrow we pick up Nolan's Visa and hopefully finish up our time here in China. As soon as we are done at the US Consulate we will board a train for Hong Kong. We are looking forward to seeing more of the country side. It's about 2 hours by train. So happy to be heading home soon!