Tour Day in Nanchang

We got up this morning and met in the lobby at 9:30 for a day of touring. It froze last night and everything was a sheet of ice, but this is China so onto the bus we go, just bundle up. We first went to a Buddhist Temple which was very interesting. The painting on the walls and ceilings was amazing and the statues were incredible. Madison was so funny, she said, " So did this guy used to live here or what is this?" It was so funny. So there I am trying to explain that some people worship Buddha and not making any sense. Outside the entrances there were these huge pot/trough things were people came and burned incense, the smell was stronger than any I've ever smelled. The people were all very nice and welcoming. One of the largest Buddha's was 16 tons, but hollow on the inside our guide said, if not it would over 100 tons. There were lots of large branches down in the courtyards because of the ice and there was a lady there singing some song while she picked up and moved the branches. Something about it was so calming in a way after the bustle of this city being so crazy. After this temple we went on to another "tower" our guide called it, a pagoda. Again it was very interesting, not as ornate or dazzling. It was very iced over so we all had to be careful not to kill ourselves, yes, you all know I am talking about myself particularly. This pagoda did have a very big tower that most of the men climbed. I didn't even attempt to cross over the threshold. Vince said the steps were incredibly steep, more like a ladder. After this historical cite seeing tour, they took us to a local porcelain store. The items were beautiful and most very expensive. Some the vases were unbelievably huge, and cost over $1000. We found some beautiful porcelain chopsticks to save for Zoey and a few other things. We then came back to the hotel and decided to venture out in the sleet to Pizza Hut and oh was the pizza worth it. It was freezing by the time we got back to the hotel. We all rested and thawed out. Around 6:00 we were to meet at a restaurant on the 9th floor for a formal Chinese dinner. Our guide explained that none of the food was "not normal", we wouldn't be eating dog or anything like that. Well, some of it was "not normal" to say the least, but we all tried some of most of it. I for one tried the Fish Lips, and let me tell you I am NOT a better person for it. I could definitely lived my days without that taste! YUCK! We also had beef, shrimp, chicken, eggplant, fish, and some veggies. It was a very huge spread of food and even though the food was not to our liking it was a wonderful presentation. Zoey made it through a bath tonight without screaming. I got in with her this time and she had a ball splashing around. This afternoon she had the best time playing on the bed with Madison. She just stared at her and giggled and has been smiley and giggly all afternoon. We have one more day here and then it's off to Guangzhou. The bridge to the airport was closed today because of ice, pray that we don't have any travel problems to delay our trip home. All in all the trip is going by faster and even though it has been a difficult time at some points, it has been well worth it and I am glad we've gotten to experience the sights, sounds, smells, foods, and life of where our daughter is from. It will be wonderful to share it with her when she is older. She is in Vince's lap cooing away right now and it's just so precious to hear her little babbling voice!