Day 2 Shanghai

    Today was still foggy but little rain.  We slept in a bit.  Of course the beds are HARD and little but we didn't really care.  We all were so tired.  We had a nice big breakfast and then SKYPED with the kids.  They were total goof balls.  We've agreed to no crying -- just fun -- as this is the means to getting Elizabeth :)

 Me on the computer -- blogging and skyping

     The three of us packed our bags for the day and off we went.  We walked to the large shopping area.  It is about 15 min. walk.  There are LOTS of malls and beautiful architecture.   There is lots of technology stuff!  We walked around a bit -- very expensive but loved the layout :)  Just fun to see everything.  

 Fun architecture in the 'shopping' areas.

 On TOP of the highway.

 Waiting to cross

 

     We were told to do some shopping at 580.  For those of you that have been to Beijing, it is like Silk Alley.  This was haggle shopping.  So, I find something; in my head I come up with a price; they give me -- 'my good friend.' a good price (hahahah); and then we try to both be happy.  Well, basically -- I NEED to be happy or I walk away -- which they don't like.  BUT I have a philosophy --- I NEED nothing.  So, if a good price -- yep; if not -- NO!

Picking out the jackets.  This guy started SO high BUT cut his price by 2/3's :)

 Purchases :)

     Dad -- YOU got my first deal :)  Something you and fun!  Lauren got my 2nd deal -- which is beautiful!!!  Don't worry I bought plenty for me and others!  OH, and Tori (at school)  I FOUND the red converse.  Thankfully, I waited -- I got them for under $8.  What a deal :)   MD's first purchase was at our 'tea experience.'  It's called a peepee boy.  It is hysterical and I'm dreading the mess at home BUT he just had to have it!!!

 MD's first purchase -- PeePee boy -- you pour hot water over him AND

 He peepee's

     We had tea with a lovely lady in her shop.  She was a wealth of information about tea and she served us different flavors of teas.  It was pretty ceremonial but fun.  I was still nervous about drinking water from anyone BUT I did it and DID NOT get sick.  Of course I bought a great tea pot.  

The tea area --

One must pick-up the top clay cup and rub it 3 times around the bottom cup for 'good luck'

Next, you must smell the inside of the tall cup.

Yes, it smell wonderful.

AND if you are cold you rub the cup in your hands or on your face to warm up.

Next, DRINK.  Men with all 5 fingers -- ladies only 3.  Again, for 'good luck.'

In the taxi on the way home.  MD is exhausted!

     We took a taxi back and SLEPT for about 5 hours!  Really the plan was NOT that but MD was so tired and we realized we were, too.  We woke and decided to look for dinner -- yep, we skipped lunch.  We walked a bit but decided on a place that translates to -- Yerhari Xinjiang food -- a muslim resturant (????)  It was VERY crowded so we thought it must be safe :)  Well, it was an experience.  LOTS of MUTTON!!!! Just take a look -- the guys ate more than me!!!  We won't go there twice :)  Although, it really wasn't horrible just not anything to brag about.

SPICEY Mutton.  

Fried Beef Brisket with dates and tomato sauce.  This was very grizzly. 

Thankfully, we ordered steamed mutton dumplings.  Actually, I liked those.

 MD trying everything.  The guys like this dish.

     Thankfully, on the way back is the best cafe 85c.  The have fabulous Jasmine Tea that is the best ever.  Matt gets a tiramisu latte -- yum.  They also have the best pastries and deserts.  We actually went this morning and again tonight.  We were first there when things were being pulled out the oven.  AMAZING -- YUMMY!  Thankfully, everything I've tried is no barley as I have not gotten sick!

 Fresh out of the ovens.  The strawberry one back by head was fabulous!

Mom -- so was the tiramisu layered cake.

     Hopefully, a good night of sleep is going to happen as tomorrow is a HUGE tour day.  We will being seeing LOTS of Shanghai with a private tour guide.  We are really excited :)

Yes, our dorky MD - chillin before bed.

Praises:

1. Fun day!
2. Good health!
3. Good rest!
4. Kids at home doing well!

Prayer Request:

1. Safety and Health -- especially my diabetes (so far it's been great!)
2. Traveling around Shanghai tomorrow -- with guide.
3. Elizabeth to be prepared for Mar. 5 
4. Our kids at home -- good attitudes, good health, fun time with Lauren and nanny's!