07-08-12_morning-quick-update

Just a quick update because we're pooped and heading to bed.

The pandas yesterday were AMAZING!!  I'll post pics when I can get new batteries for the camera.

Today started at 6:00 to get ready to head to the airport at 7:30.

Flight left 1 hour late, surprise surprise.

A family that also flew to Guangzhou missed their connecting flight to their first orphanage city so we had to stick around the airport for an hour or so until the guide got them squared away.

Five hour drive to MaoMing.

One hour drive around town to find the hotel.  Neither guide nor driver have ever been here before. 

So it was about a 14 hour day of traveling, bleh.

Pics should be tomorrow, we have free time after visiting Syd's orphanage.

07-08-12_Afternoon_Chengdu..

We spent 2 days in Chengdu where we went to another show which included shadow puppets and mask changing.  The mask changing was everyone's favorite but I didn't get any pics.

 

 

 Chengdu is very beautiful and is known for it's panda reserve.

 

 

 

 

 

Guess what we got to do???

 

 

 

 

This was one of the most incredible experiences I've ever had.  That little guy weighed a ton!  When we got to our appointed time in the morning, we were told that the pandas were getting a bit feisty so we weren't able to hold them.  Thankfully we were rescheduled for the afternoon which was actually very lucky.  The pandas usually sleep in the afternoons because of the terrible heat but it had been rainy so it was cooler than usual.  There are about 10 toddler pandas that they rotate to be held, they keep them happy by giving them apples or bamboo dipped in honey.
Chengdu has been Syd's favorite city so far, second best breakfast buffet.