Chongqing Zoo

Today was the first day the sun has peeked since we arrived in Chongqing. Most of the days here have been chilly and gray. So we decided to take advantage of the warmth and take a tour to the Chongqing Zoo set up for us by our CCAI representatives Marie and Anita. The Chongqing Zoo is known mostly for its work done to help the endangered Giant Panda. (Little tidbit - The Giant Panda is the symbol of peace for China. Pandas are seen as gentle since they rarely feed on other animals. ) This was obvious to us as we walked in to a beautifully landscaped area followed by a couple of large Giant Panda exhibits. The pandas were definitely living large compared to the other animals.

The zoo is located right in the middle of a very busy section of Chongqing. There are high-rise buildings, both old and new all around the zoo. It was kind of sad at the Giraffe exhibit. Unlike the Brevard Zoo, the giraffes overlooked some old buildings.

Although it was nice to see the animals in the zoo, the most interesting part of the zoo was watching the Chinese people. Andy took a great picture of some “elders” playing Mahjong. ( Mahjong (also called mah-jongg by the American association, Traditional Chinese game for four players that originated in China.) We also thought the basket idea was a great way to carry children around.

After the zoo, Andy, Emma and I headed over to McDonalds – yes you read that correctly, for lunch. Each day we have been eating, large traditional chinese meals. They have been very good, but I was really craving some American food. There are quite a few choices of US fast food places; Pizza Hut, McDonalds, and KFC are a few. There is also a Starbucks right around the corner.

Everything is going well. Emma is making gains it seems hourly. She enjoyed the zoo, but I think she enjoyed the bus ride out better. There was a lot to see, probably a little overstimulation for her at times. But she was a trooper that's for sure. In this picture of her, she is taking a nap. She has such a calm demeanor, Very similar to Joshua right now. I can’t wait for her to see Joshua and start learning from her older brother. I also can't wait for her to meet everyone.