A few quick notes from our stay in Guangzhou

Tuesday, April 11, 2006, 7:42 a.m.
Three more days until Pam, Camryn and I return home.

By Terry R. Cassreino

GUANGZHOU, China - Water bugs are usually cooked deep fried, while sand worms are boiled and eaten like noodles.
Both are considered health dishes by the Chinese, who eat them for the calcium they provide. Milk, usually a source of calcium, is not very good in this area of China.
Water bugs, sand worms, and other dishes we would consider strange in the United States are some of the more popular entrees in China. Water bugs, by the way, are crunchy.
No. I didn’t eat them. But there are plenty of people who do. The bin t the front of a local restaurant near the White Swan Hotel was half empty of water bugs Monday night.

Riverside park

Also nearby the restaurant is a small park that borders the Pearl River.
A paved walkway hugs the river. Next to that are several children’s amusement park rides. All of the rides were covered with tarp, possibly because the ride season hasn’t begun.
Also along the river is at least one restaurant with tables outside next to the shore. On Monday, a nice steady breeze kept diners cool while the ate dinner.

On tap today

As our journey to China draws to a close, plans today call for a trip to an historic Buddhist temple and an afternoon buffet at the White Swan.
Pam, Camryn and I likely will begin to pack our things tonight because we’ll check out the hotel on Wednesday before we head to the U.S. consulate to get the baby’s visa.
From there, a representative with Lotus Travel will take us to the train station - where we’ll catch a train for Hong Kong.
Luckily, our hotel in Hong Kong is directly across the street from the train station. Maybe we’ll arrive early enough for Pam and me to watch the tape-delayed “American Idol.”
Raymond Joe, my good friend of 25 years (has it been that long?), left Pam and me some suggestions for shopping and eating for our one-day stay Thursday in Hong Kong.
Then Friday it’s off to Mississippi. I’ll re-post plane arrival times later in case anyone wants to meet us at the Jackson-Evers International Airport.

Photos and text copyright 2006 by Terry R. Cassreino.