Today began with a flight to Nanking. Made famous by the 1937 Japanese Inavasion and subsequent atrocities known as the Rape of Nanking. We learned how realiable local Chinese flights were... not very. We were delayed on the runway after we boarded the plane for over two hours. We knew we were in trouble when they started serving us food before the plane ad even left the gate. We had hoped to have have time for extensive sight-seeing as Mark particularly wanted to see the Rape of Nanking memorial and related historical sites, but we didn't get in until quite late so we ended up not having any time. Instead we took the subway down to the river district where we enjoyed a lovely walk. It was absolutely insane how many people were out enjoying themselves so late on a Sunday night, the streets were packed.
Living in the Bahamas, we are used to being a minority. But on these streets we truly were the only white people to be seen and became a bit of a tourist attraction ourselves. A Chinese girl came up to us and asked if we would take her picture. Lisa agreed and instinctively reached out her hand for her camera to take a picture of the girl and her boyfriend by the beautiful riverfront. A misunderstanding - she wanted a photo with us, not her boyfriend. After they left we asked Maggie what it was all about and she told us that we were the only white people they have ever seen in real life and that we look like movie stars. Not sure what movies Maggie has been watching?!!?
We stopped for dinner and Mark enjoyed his first ever "Bean curd and Duck Blood Soup". Don't worry I won't be posting the recipe. The meal was only "so-so" compared to the other Chinese food we have enjoyed so far but we still enjoyed the spicy fish and ribs.
Some photos of our day...
The canal area of Nan King - there were lovely little boats touring passengers around.
Maggie and her bean curd noodles. Adam wishing desparately for Pizza Hut. He doesn't like Chinese food so we are starving him.
Mark having second thoughts about the duck blood.
Lisa as the local freak show on the streets of Nan King (see Maggie waving in the background)
Maggie and Mark
Mark and Pagoda
Mark on the streets
4 comments:
Sounds like fun is being had by everyone... I envy you... I am ready for another trip somewhere... well, I did just come back from one in MIssissippi and am going to Colorado in August... hehe
Do you really want to eat from street vendors? Just worrying about your stomachs! The smells are amazing too...shame you can't get scratch and sniff blogs. Any Durian fruit around right now?
That's too funny! My sister-in-law is teaching in Thailand this year and she says people always treat her like a movie star, too!
I LOVE that picture of the canals at night! Beautiful.
Very cool. My babysitter Tori just got back from Japan, and she had an awesome time. I can't wait to hear more stories!
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