Day 15- Pick up Visa, Shopped a little more

Same song and dance routine this morning. We headed out to town for a brief shopping trip to the mall after breakfast. We were in  search of pearls that most every lady in our group had purchased. Most of the basement of this 7 story mall is dedicated to jewerly. We finally found the place and it didn't take me long to get down to business. My intentions were to get my girls a necklace/bracelet for when they get older, and for those special occasions. I hope that they appreciate it as much as I enjoyed shopping and selecting out the strands. Mickey had only exchanged a small amount of US dollars, so I was capped off in no time. They did accept credit cards, but I didn't go there. Below is a picture of them restranding them.

Here are some pics around the mall area.

Back to the hotel for a quick lunch-noodles from 7 Eleven, then Mickey took out for the 3rd trip to the Consulate to pick up Anna's visa.

It was a quick trip over there for him, but took 45 minutes to get a taxi, because it was shift change, and it is about a 45 minute ride back. Meanwhile, Anna and I were going to go to the nearby park/playground. So Anna did great until we actually got to the playground, and she pitched a fit. She shook her head no and did not want to go play. So we strolled around the block and came back, and she still didn't want to play. So we headed back to the hotel, for some playing and eventually a nap. We also watched the boats in the river- constantly boats are going up and down the river carrying various stuff. And yes, another smoggy day.

We then went to give Shiyan a gift from us for being such an amazing guide. She has truly blessed our lives and this experience. She is so professional and hats off to anyone who can manage 30 familes for 12 days and still keep their sanity(and dealing with several very difficult and selfish families). Off to Lucy's for one last time, can you guess what Mickey had? (Yep, grilled cheese, I had the club sandwich, and Anna had rice noodles). Took our last stop to 7 Eleven for some ice cream cones. Remember all of the little shops I told you about that were named after people, 1/2 of them are gone now- packed up and GONE. I guess they got word that most of the families left, and so did they. Mickey picked up his laundry he had dropped off that morning, and back to the room for the laser light show. I have enjoyed Shamian Island and the light show at night. There are various boats that are all lit up, some with BIG LCD screens that crusie the waters nightly. I also have missed our friends today (Pav's and Packs) as they are headed back to the US now on their flight. Someday we may meet again. Bob, if you are ever in Virginia- give us a call(wink, wink)

Tomorrow we check out at 3, take a taxi to the airport at 5, and catch our flight to Los Angeles California, where we land at 8PM EST. Layover for 6 hours,and fly out 2AM, in Atlanta at 7AM and back to Chatt by 11. Thanks for everyones nice comments and for praying for us. The journey is really just beginning!! I will be off the blog for a couple of days, but will catch you up on the homecoming, and the Rector family that has become 6.