Tianjin

We woke up to a down pour again.  We still went to Tianjin.  Mr. Xue picked us up at 10:00 a.m. and took us to our first stop...Florencia Village.  This was a relatively new area in Tianjin.  It sort of made us feel like we were in Italy.  The outlet mall is very nice looking.  There was water running through the middle of the mall.  Cameron was standing on the bridge and he said "If only there was one of those boats that men use sticks to move going through here".  Yeah, if only. 

Back in the reading groove.

Entering the mall.

Checking out the map.  We are far bottom right
and need to go top, far left.

The mall is fancy.

We can only afford Tod's purses in Beijing from
my purse lady.

This is where Cameron was hoping to see boats.

We looked in a few stores but we were on a mission to find Kid Land.  Finally spotted it.  Once inside we saw a display of Lego's.  Success.  Plus, they were cheaper than anywhere else.  After looking around we found 2 things for Alejandro's birthday present and Cameron got a big Lego set.  He was happy.

Big bag of stuff.

We did a little more walking around and then went back to the car.  Mr. Xue wasn't there.  He must have been shopping for some more man capris that he has been wearing lately.  All in the van and off to Metro.  Bought very few groceries there so it was a quick trip.  We did see some funny things in Metro that made us laugh.

You are so corny.  I am not.  It says I'm corny free.  haha

AKA Beer...
Also Known As Beer.

Finally, refreshing beer.

Next stop was Aqua City.  This is another western grocery store.  Todd and Cameron had been there before but this was my first trip.  It was like all the others.  We didn't even buy anything there.  Todd ran into McDonald's to get some drinks for us all and Cameron entertained some Chinese people by trying to walk on these bars.  I don't think we will be seeing him in the Olympics on the balance beam anytime soon.

Quick, take the picture.

 Back in the van and headed to Aulare, an Urban Latin Restaurant, for lunch which is in building A. We drove around trying to find building C for about 15 minutes because there was a new store we wanted to visit but we finally just had Mr. Xue park so we could go eat lunch. In the restaurant we ordered quesadilla's, pepperoni pizza, empanadas, and seafood paella. I enjoyed all of it except the paella but boy did the boys like it. Todd first had to get all the seafood out of their shells. Cameron helped a little. This is a great place to eat.

Cheers with a beer and Cha Cha Cha.

Quesadilla's and Empanadas

The pizza and Paella.

The seafood guts as Cameron called it.

We left the restaurant on a mission to find D-Mart, the new store.  It is another western grocery store.  After walking around for about 10 minutes I finally spotted it.  We headed inside and we were quickly let down.  It's new so maybe it will get better but right now it is definitely not worth going back. 

Finally found D-Mart.

Todd:  Here Cameron I'll give you the finger.
Cameron:  Inappropriate.  (But cracked up laughing)

This picture had many Chinese laughing at Cameron.
It's painted on the wall at the Zoo Coffee Store.

Back in the van and headed to TEDA.  We arrived home around 5:45.  Cecilia sent Manuel down with a big piece of cake that was left over.  We lounged around and watched a couple episodes of the Simpsons.  We then skyped with my parents and headed to bed. 

Cameron starts school tomorrow.  He is very excited and ready to go (he told us that several times today).  He went to bed at 8:30.  He was in our room twice between 8:35 and 8:50 saying he was too excited and couldn't sleep.  He finally was asleep by 9:00.