We were in a separate cab from the others and had difficulty meeting up. While we were waiting, we saw these little rodents, maybe mice, maybe gerbils, coming out to eat scraps. They would come right up to people. Greg had one touch his foot. It was so odd. While we watched these rodents run around, we had an older lady come very close to us and simply stare us down very disapprovingly. We aren't exactly sure why, but she was not subtle and she stayed a long time. There were other people at the next table over, so we weren't in a bad spot. It was really sort of strange.
At Xiangjiang, we were amazed at some of the things we saw. They allow you to have your picture taken touching a full grown white tiger, parrots, tiger cubs, camels, mini horse, on an elephant, and a few others. Clearly they do not have the liability issues we have in the US! They have the largest collection of white tigers in the world here and are a major breeder of white tigers. They had a white tiger show that actually started with 4 bears doing tricks--without muzzles on. Then they had 15 white tigers loose in a cage with 2 handlers. It was neat to see, but part of me kept thinking how wrong it was to force those animals to do silly things for our entertainment. The cats seemed a bit grumpy about it.
Elijah seemed to like the elephants the best. We got to buy bananas (10Y or $1.25US for 2 bunches) to feed to them. They were contained behind a fence and then a hot fence, and you just threw the bananas to them. Elijah thought that was great.
We then rode on a tram that carried us through a huge area with roaming animals. Some were contained behind hot fences (like the lions, tigers, and elephants.) The rest just roamed freely across the road in huge enclosures. A dozen giraffes, water buffalo (I just could help bursting into song when I saw them), deer, wildebeasts, ostriches, emus, peacocks, and so many I did not recognize. Elijah really liked seeing all the animals and was very vocal, pointing things out and squealing.
We took the bus home, which was infinitely cheaper than the cab that got us there. Elijah fell asleep for part of the trip, but it was a more gradual, natural nap than the one on the way there. When he woke up, the old ladies on the bus were indicating to us that we should have more clothes on him and should stop him from sucking his thumb. One reached over uninvited and pulled his chest carrier over his legs. We had heard about such rudeness prior to coming but it is fairly strange and irritating to have it happen in person. Another family here with us have experienced strangers on the street pulling their daughter's fingers out of her mouth. As for the clothes, I'm sorry, but I have to repeat that it is over 80 degrees here and we are carrying him all day. He would roast if we put him in long pants and a long sleeved shirt like they seem to want him to wear. Their children sweat.
On that topic, I have to say I am completely amused by the populace here wearing long sleeves, long pants, and sometimes sweaters or jackets, and then air conditioning their rooms to be comfortable. That just kills me. Short sleeves and short pants are so much cheaper than air conditioning. Whatever.
As an added note, we want to thank various family members for suggesting they give us our Christmas presents early this year in the form of cash. They thought it might be useful on our trip. They were right. We decided to use the cash on adventures rather than stuff. We are very grateful to them for the ability to create memories while on our adoption trip.
Here are pictures from today:
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