Do you like Incense?

Buddha does! Or thats what his smiling gold face would tell you! October 7, 2006 Today we were able to take a city tour for 3 hours. Or thats what Jason (our Guide) said it would be. We went a little over because of all of us tourist taking too many pictures and choosing to stop by the pearl market on the way back to the hotel. The first stop of the day was the 6 Banyon Tree Buddhist Temple. After we got past the beggers we were able to enjoy all the insence you wanted (and didn't want). The temple was actually a very nice architectural place to visit. The Pagoda was 50+ meters high and it is leaning now. The temple is 1450 years old but because of wars it has been rebuilt about 5 times. After the temple we moved on to the Qin (Chen) family museum. The architecture here was very cool. Here I was able to get a stamp made with Gracie' Chinese name symbols on it along with Tong Min Tai. There were also some very good examples of guangdong provincial paintings, furniture and China (dishes). The Chinese arts and Crafts Center was the official, final stop of the tour. This is actually a government owned store that carries the finest silk, porcelain, gifts, jewelry, and a tea cup store. Here I was able to purchace the Traditional Chinese dress for Gracie to wear for hear "Red Couch Picture" and also when we get home for all of the chinese holidays. The porcelain shop was also a very cool place to see. they called the pieces egg shell, and when you hold the items you know why. I think I would hand cuff my boys if they were ever in a store like that. Now that the tour had ended, we chose to go the Pearl Market to chek for some deals on jewelry. Now this place was crazy. Picture a regular full size mall. Now make it 6 stories tall and make each of the stores about 10 feet wide. Now make all of the stores pearl, gems, silver and gold products. That is this market. It was crazy. I was able to get a great deal on a pearl necklace and bracelet for Grace here. Well it is time to go to dinner but I will update more as soon as I can.