Day 9- 07/17/09 Friday

It will be very sad to leave Chongqing after four nights. Amie's passport arrived this morning so we are all set from that perspective. This city is absolutely full of life in the streets. There are major economic gaps between the rich and poor. The poor live off about $7 per day and you see this reflected in all the shops, food stations, and services. For example, it is very hilly in Chongqing so you typically pay someone to carry heavy items up the side of the mountain using a bamboo pole with net baskets on each end. They will easily carry over 200 lbs.

The night lights are incredible and construction is everywhere as more people move into the city. China is really in a major transformation. Daddy touched the mighty Yangtze river and saw the streets up close on a few long runs. With the new baby, we did not venture out much though to eat due to the heat and the crowds. Both of us have had some stomach issues but feel better today. Maybe on a future trip someday we can see more of the night life of Chongqing.

We went to the Chongqing Zoo this the morning and saw a few Panda bears which Amie was very curious about. Panda bears are from this region of China. Then, we saw some tigers. It was extremely hot outside and Chongqing is like a furnace by mid-day in the summer. Amie was asleep on Daddy most of the Zoo trip. We have been asked periodically to take pictures with Chinese people as they want photos with Americans.

We called home today for the first time and sister Kate was very excited to talk with Amie. We miss Kate.

We fly to Guangzhou this afternoon for five nights waiting on the visa appointment at the US embassy. It will be Amie's first flight. We are a little concerned about the major storm approaching that area. The famous White Swan Hotel should be nice though and we can visit some local markets.