The Swan Transformed/Lizard on a Stick

Overnight as we rolled into December here in China, the White Swan Hotel, where we're staying underwent a magical transformation.  When we came down for breakfast, there was a huge Christmas Tree in the atrium and decorations were everywhere.  Even the dining room staff had on "Santa" outfits.  Very festive, and reminded us very clearly what season we're in. 

This morning we did some sightseeing and shopping very close to the hotel area.  We began by going to the "Pearl Market," which is a 4 story shopping mall with nothing but pearls, gems, precious metals, and jewelry all at wholesale prices.  There were a few stores there that previous tour groups had had good experiences with, and that were reliable, so our guide showed us those.  Most everyone (including us) left with a string of pearls to give to our daughters when they were older. 

Strands of different varieties of pearls

The second half of our sightseeing involved a walking tour or the herbal medicine and food street market.  That was very interesteing.  Every type of herb, mushroom, and plant, could be found there.  Plus, there was a wide array of live animals for pets (or perhaps dinner), including some very interesting things like scorpions, lizards, turtles, venomous snakes, crabs, ants, water beetles, etc.  One of the funniest and most disturbing things I saw was "dried lizard on a stick."  Yum.  One of our adoptive dads was brave enough to try some dried ants.  I was offered some, but politely declined.  Ginny missed all of this fun, as she was sound asleep in the stroller the entire time.  Not sure if she's big on live scorpions anyway, so I'm sure she's okay with it.

Dried lizard on a stick - Yummy!  Who's hungry???

Live scorpions.  Venom used for medicinal purposes.

The rest of the afternoon was spent in the local shops here on the island just picking up souvenirs and such.  Even though we really haven't bought much and the prices are relatively cheap, it still adds up and I've probably spent more than I thought.  We're beginning to start to get organized for the trip back.  We take a train to Hong Kong tomorrow. 

Ginny passing the time at the pearl market with toys in the store.