Tianjin

Got Cameron off to school and we headed to do errands and go to Tianjin for the day.  Our first stop was to the chicken framers.  We call it that because there are wild chickens usually all over the place.  We didn't see any though.  We had a lot of new pictures that needed framing.  Mr. Xue went in with us.  Probably being nosey at first but he did end up helping a little.  Next stop was to the hardware store.  We walked in and next thing I new Mr. Xue was right behind us.  I bought 2 cases of pop and 2 cases of beer.  He had a weird look on his face but then took the cart from me and started pushing it.  We went to check out.  He put the stuff up so the lady could scan it.  I got out my money to hand to the lady but Mr. Xue took it from me and paid the lady.  I think I can handle this.  Back in the van and headed to Culture Street in Tianjin. 

I told Mr. Xue at 8:00 where we were going and showed him in the book and map.  One hour and a half later we were finally in Tianjin to what was suppose to be our second location...walking street.  Mr. Xue was so lost.  I finally got out the map and pointed out where he needed to be.  We were on every back road and went the hardest possible way to get there.  At walking street we got out and I told Mr. Xue we would be back.  He said something in Chinese and I said "Oh, your coming?"  He said yes.  UGH!  Why does he have to follow us around?  He proceeded to walk about 5 feet behind us and talk on the phone almost the entire time.  I was so annoyed.  We walked around and then went into the new Gap Store.  They didn't have many cute things and it was pretty expensive.  Next stop was Dairy Queen.  Mango Queen is no longer in business (same ice cream and machines as DQ). 

Walking Street wasn't very crowded.

Hungry anyone?

All kinds of food on a stick.

No clue what these are.

Replacing the sidewalk.

Time for ice cream.

Yum.

Back in the car and thought we better skip Culture Street and go right to the Tianjin Eye...giant Ferris wheel over the road, because we thought we were going to run out of time.  Again Mr. Xue followed us.  Unfortunately the Ferris wheel wasn't on until 4:00.  Bummer.  Took a couple of pictures and back in the van we went.

Tianjin Eye.

Too bad it wasn't running.

We headed to Culture Street after all.  We bought some sunglasses, book marks, and bracelets.  All for very cheap.  Again Mr. Xue followed us around on his phone.  It was a great day to be outside.  Sunny again which is very unusual.

Check this store out.

Yep, it's Walmart's cousin.

I think it will fit Aunt Sharon.

Ancient Culture Street.

Lots of Chinese stuff here.

This man was making paintings as you waited.

Little Chinese culture going on.

Saw some Monks.

Great shopping day.

On the way back to TEDA I told Mr. Xue we needed to buy train tickets from Tanggu to Beijing again for Friday.  Next thing we knew we were in some underground parking and he was getting a ticket.  I asked where we were.  "HUH?"  I said "Is this Tianjin train station?"  He said yes.  I said "Do we buy tickets here?"  He said yes again.  I said "We need Tanggu to Beijing train tickets", again.  He said "OK".  He found the exit and paid.  Back to TEDA we went.  Finally got to the right train station and got our tickets no problem.  Our next stop was the Tanggu veggie market.  We bought some fruits and veggies then headed home.

We dropped everything off and back to the van we went.  We went to school to get Cameron and Alfredo.  We headed to Decathlon, the sporting good store, to get Cameron a new bicycle helmet.  Aunt Sharon decided to she was going to buy it for him.  That was super nice and Cameron was very excited.  He didn't get one just like Alfredo's but it is pretty close.  It is much bigger and cooler than the one he has now. 

Cameron at soccer practice.

Kick that ball.

Back home.  We cleaned all the fruits and veggies.  Mom did some e-mails and Aunt Sharon read a little.  I ran down to Ileana's.  Her mom made me slippers while she was visiting.  LOVE them.  She invited us all down.  I ran up to get the others.  Todd went to dinner with the guys he has in town.  Aunt Sharon, mom, and I went and hung out with Ileana and her parents for a bit.  They are so nice.  It was fun.  They probably couldn't believe how much we can talk. 

My new slippers.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them!!

Whipped up some dinner and watched the video from Harbin.  Next thing we knew it was time for bed.  Another great day in China...except for my driver driving me crazy.

Too much fun.