Mui & Portia & "Clare's Shantou" - A Definite Highlight!!

Hutson and I left Guangzhou aboard a coach at 11:30 a.m. on Monday to spend the night with our friend Mui at her apartment in Shantou.  Clare is from Shantou, and Mui was gracious enough to be our guide when we visited Clare's orphanage in November of 2008.  We became "instant sisters"!!  Clare overheard Jim and me talking about the trip, and she asked Jim, "Are they going to MY Shantou?"  Yes, honey, we went to YOUR Shantou!!  We arrived in Shantou at about 5:30.  We had a fabulous time!  Mui is such a wonderful hostess!  She and her daughter, Portia, and her parents picked us up at the bus stop and took us immediately to a vegetarian restaurant where Hutson and I got to try some interesting food!  We had a good night's sleep, and then Mui took us on a tour of Shantou.  I hope you enjoy the pictures!

Our coach

PRC Flag

Jim, this is for you!!!

Mui, Portia, Mui's dad, Hutson, Mui's mom (who was always worrying that Hutson wasn't eating enough!)

Poor Portia - she wanted Hutson to hold her hand, but he was having none of it!

Mui's parents and Portia at the restaurant

Mui's nephew and parents, and Portia

Precious Portia!  Auntie Brycie and Uncle Jim love you!!!!

Mui's brother prepares Hong Kong tea

Bookshelf in my room - notice the picture of Mui, Portia, Brycie, Clare & Jim

My bed

The crew minus Portia, who was at school

Mui's apartment building

Mui's cute little Honda Fit.  I'm glad she's a good driver - the traffic in Shantou (in China, generally) is CRAZY!

Hutson using his umbrella to act like a little old man

Mui's neighborhood

Store in the neighborhood

Mui's sister-in-law's cousin showed us how they use heavy bamboo to make noodles.

Fish

Eggs

Cleaning fish

Mui peeled some lychee for me - yum!!

Brycie eating lychee

Lady selling the lychee

Goose, anyone?!?!

Honey wine - bees included.  I wish I could bring some home for Angelo!!

Morning exercises

Pork - is this really safe?

Our way up to the scenic spot where we can view all of Shantou

Not as bad as the Great Wall!

Shantou

The old center of town

Brycie eating something strange

Shantou Social Welfare Institute - this is were Clare lived.  I couldn't visit Shantou without at least seeing it!

Entrance to Mui's studio where she does English tutoring

Mui's studio

A painting for Clare!!

"Peace out" through the filthy coach window.

Thanks a million, Mui!!!  You're the bestest!  I love you!!