DAY 9 (LATE ENTRY)

Today (Tues) we ventured off the island without our guide with our friends the Dancy's. We went to what is called the Toy Market, a five story large building full of toys and such. Any flea market we have ever been too couldn't compare with this place. Got a few cute little things. It is amazing how far the U.S. dollar will go in China. While we have been here, the exchange rate has been $1=6.8yuan. We all four ate at a KFC for lunch today for $7.00 U.S. Sometimes I feel guilty trying to bargain with the vendors as anything you buy is so much less expensive then in the U.S. (except Evian water-only the best for Doug you know!) The last couple of days have been the hottest and muggiest weather we have had, basically since the typhoon.

Bree has had a lot of firsts this week. She had a strawberry sundae today that she just loved. I gave her the first bite and her eyes got real big and she began giving me kisses by the dozens. It was so cute. She is imitating everything we do. I am thinking she will do well on the plane as she absolutely loves to sit by herself in the taxi's and buses.

Tonight we went on a Pearl River Boat Cruise. They served a buffet dinner which was pretty good. We passed on a few things like the smelt and other unidentifiable items. I heard that there was steamed shrimp and got excited until I saw their beady little eyes looking up at me-just couldn't do it after that. We sure are spoiled Americans when it comes to our food preparations. The cruise really was beautiful though. Tonight was the first night I just didn't feel well-had a headache so I am eager to get to bed.