Last night we went on a dinner cruise on the Pearl River. The Pearl River is the third longest river in China after the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, and is navigable from Guangzhou to the South China Sea. The city itself has a census population of 10 million, but some estimates place the actual population at over 15 million. Having driven around the city on various tours and adoption business over the last few days, we can confirm that this city goes on and on for miles. Guangzhou was formerly known as Canton and is renowned for its spicy Cantonese cuisine. The city also lies about 75 miles northwest of Hong Kong. The buildings along the river as well as the bridges are lit up at night and quite beautiful. The skyline goes on an on, and is also quite impressive at night. The food was satisfactory; however, the unsuspecting tourist needs to get used to how the Chinese often prepare various types of meat. Whereas we have sections with a complete bone (e.g., rib, chicken leg, etc.), they will often cut this all up into the dishes, so you really have to pick apart your food to get out the bones, tendons, etc. It takes a bit of getting used to.
Yesterday we took a stroll on the island and along the river and encountered a number of people seeming to take naps everywhere we looked – benches, against trees, in parks, etc. Also, a number of people were swimming in the river, some in the middle of the channel where large boats travel. They seem to do this in some cases for exercise and sometimes even for bathing. A few had handmade life preservers with them made of plastic soda bottles tied together and capped on top. Primitive, but effective. One thing you can’t miss when walking around on the island are the old banyan trees which are everywhere; quite majestic and beautiful.
Although there are buildings everywhere, with many appearing to be apartment-type buildings, Elvin told us that only the wealthiest people could afford them. The going rate for a 100 square meter (~330 square feet?) apartment costs about $2 million U.S. dollars. Most workers in the city either come in from the suburbs, rent a much cheaper apartment, or live in the much poorer areas. We drove through some of these areas on our way to the U.S. Consulate today, and it was quite eye-opening. Once again, we had to go through the local traffic. Words cannot describe what it’s like. The lane lines, I am convinced, are placed there largely for aesthetic effect, as nobody seems to use them very much, nor do they use blinkers much either. “Lane changing” has no rhyme or reason, but rather people just cut in front of each other within inches, and I am not exaggerating! And nobody ever gets upset! I have never once seen a finger or hand gesture, cursing, or anything. It seems to be the normal course of things here. Likewise, “lines” in general aren’t really adhered to much here. People cut in front of you or barge in like it’s nothing…..no acknowledgement or anything. In the States, we would find this incredibly rude and cause for a spoken word or confrontation. Not here. It seems to be the norm; a culturally accepted and expected practice. We continue to be amazed by it but, once you realize it’s nothing personal, you just go with the flow, so to speak.
I drove with Elvin and one other family representative to the U.S. Consulate this morning to complete the paperwork on Cammo’s passport. No problem. Now the only thing we have left is our Consulate appointment tomorrow afternoon for the swearing-in ceremony. We took a taxi back to the hotel from the Consulate. The fare for 3 passengers to go 17 miles, which took about 40 minutes, was 52 yuan altogether. That’s about $8! Try that in NYC!
This afternoon we are going to a local historical park (can’t remember the name), followed by a stop at the Pearl Market. It rained earlier today…..pretty much a daily occurrence here, so hopefully the weather will hold up this afternoon. Cammo continues to do remarkably well, and is anxious to get to his new home. Although we are anxious to return home as well, Angie and I also have lots of emotions about taking Cammo from his native country and know that, although he seems quite adventurous and adaptable, the adjustment to his new surroundings and culture will not be an easy one.
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