June 14, 2009

Since most of the clothes we bought with us for Yihui were too big- we decided to try our skill at a Chinese market.  Since we found that most people we ask have no idea where things are anyway- we decided to try on our own and get there.  It was close to where we were yesterday & we took the subway with no problems.  It is difficult to figure out where the subway station is on the map- they have 2 separate maps- the streets & subway but nothing with both together.  We finally found the Yuxia market and found Yihui some skirts.  I knew to offer 1/3^rd of what they quoted me for price and not to pay more than 70 Yuan ($10) for anything.  I was successful but probably could have done even better if I kept trying.  The Chinese market was next door to a huge fancy upscale mall.  The girls had a starbucks & a coldstone ice cream in it.  The contrast of the traditional Chinese market & new malls is amazing.  Chaoyang has many foreigners living in the area. It is where the Embassy’s are located.   The girls then had so much fun playing in the water fountain and trying to beat the sprays.  As you can see they were soaking wet at the end but they had a wonderful time.  We then came back to the hotel because Yihui wanted to try swimming.  She jumped into the pool and had no idea that it was over her head.  I had to rescue her twice when she did it.  That is one thing we must teach her as soon as we get home.  Zoe is an excellent swimmer & it was hard for Yihui not to be able to keep up.  We didn’t stay that long because Bob was taking a rest & I had a hard time communicating that some of the things she wanted to do were dangerous.  

We had dinner and we discovered that Yihui LOVES spicy hot food.  Bob & Zoe couldn’t even eat it.  Then Zoe & Yihui picked out a small toy at the Children’s store on Wangfujing street.  It was an early to bed night- all were tired.