I am going to preface this "journal" entry with a warning of not a lot of pictures and here is why. We thought that our day was going to be pretty peaceful, easygoing and even laid back. The only real thing on our agenda was a train ride to Hangzhou, which again, we thought would be a fairly easy process.....it wasn't. Our day started off with some sightseeing via 2 local taxis. We left our hotel in the morning and went to the Pearl TV Tower and the business district to look at the downtown area, which was nice....enjoy the pictures. We went back to the area where our hotel was and stopped at a local convenience store to pick up some lunch. We picked up some Ramen noodle soup (more on that later) and some snacks and went back to our room.
Here comes the first problem and we didn't even realize it before, not sure how. We over packed. We over packed because we had to. We had to pack for Benjamin and gifts for the people at the orphanage, which is something that is required. We have 6 people including Lily and then there is Sarah who is only able to carry a certain amount which really leaves the 4 adults to juggle 12 suitcases varying in size...............so there is our first problem. We then proceeded to the train station.
Imagine if you will, lets say the busiest airport in the US on Christmas and multiple that by 100......this was a busy train station. We eventually made it to the train will the 5 of us juggled 12 pieces of luggage and a small child. We boarded the train only to find out that standing tickets had been sold as well, so the aisles were crowded, there was no room for the luggage but in the overhead compartments....it was crazy. So crazy that Pauly was unable to take pictures.
Anyways, on with the pictures, sorry for the lack of commentary, I am trying to get this done as soon as possible....I have a major headache and am trying to get to bed.
Pearl TV Tower
Yes, no motorcycles, bikes, walking, 2.o m's, lit matches, trumpets or 5's. :)
Austin, these are for you man, thought this was interesting.....They looked like flowers from afar but indeed were cabbage like plants.
This is something I wish was in the states.....The light turns yellow before red and before green, so you know when you are about to take off!
Josh, this is for you.....the packaging is quiet different...I saw this and picked it up....haven't drank it yet, I will let you know how it is.
Ramen noodle lunch (again, more on this later, maybe tomorrow).
After the CRAZY train ride. That Chinese solider in the pack actually helped us carry some of our luggage.
A bad/blurry picture of our new guide Jessica. We parted ways with Sophie; new town: new guide.
Dad listening to Jessica talk about our plans while in Hangzhou
Yes, that is a Papa Johns Pizza. See the English version sign behind the tree?!
yea.
Dinner! nothing crazy beef and cabbage dish.
Hot Pot! :)
At our hotel.
You figure out what a flitan was yet? It is an old english word.....more to follow. =)
Tomorrow's Agenda: GOTCHA DAY!!!! WE GET BENJAMIN!!!!!! Stay tuned!