Guangzhou and Shenzhen, China!

Visiting Guangzhou and Shenzhen has been one of the highlights of my 2008. When i look back, I find it really amazing that this bonding trip with my mom even pushed through. Imagine, we got our Chinese visa and Plane tickets 2 days before flying to China! haha We saw a really really good deal at ebay that we just couldn't resist and it doesn't hurt that we have a family friend in Guangzhou who welcomed us in their oh-so-lovely (and big!) home, not to mention that they also treated my Mom and I on a night cruise, a Shenzhen Windows of the World trip and dinner at the Banana Leaf and Curry Resto. We were even driven by their family driver on all our destinations (including shopping trips) while we were there! Grabe talaga!!! We have the Concejeros to thank for our very very wonderful and uber hassle-free stay in China . =) First day - Shopping at Beijing Lu

We spent one whole day shopping and trying Chinese food in Beijing Lu (Beijing Road), the fashion district in Guangzhou. You'll be surprised on how they mark up the prices of their goods when they knew you were a foreigner. My advice is to bargain for 1/3 of the price then work on your negotiation from there. It was really unbelievable that most of the times, they are able to sell the stuff to me by my desired prices! It was just kind of frustrating though that communication was really a big problem on us as a lot of them did not know how to speak or even understand English. I was so thankful that I was able to review my notes in Mandarin Class in college (haha nerd) before the trip so I was still able to understand bits and pieces of the things that the sellers were saying and vice versa. I am finally putting Sir Sidney Bata's lessons into use after all these years. Thanks sir! hahaha

Shopping and eating Lunch at Beijing Lu

First Night

Dinner at Banana Leaf And Curry

I did not expect much from the resto since there already are quite a few branches here in Manila that I've been before. Surprisingly, the BLC is quite a hit in Guangzhou. Reservations are required when eating there if you don't want to spend at least an hour waiting for your turn (which reminds of the Serendra Branch of Contis. haha). The place was also really huge which has, I think, at least a 500 seating capacity. There's also no denying that the food there was very good and delicious. Waaah. "Stop it now, Charm". *Sigh* Too late! I am now craving for their curry and baked seafoods! Haynaku. =)

With my mom and the twins

With Tito Ariel, Tita Sweepea, Alec, Andy, Mom and I

It was so comforting that there were Filipino singers and dancers in the resto. They were very entertaining and they're so much fun! I hope to see you guys again. =)

Nice one, Mom!=)

Pearl River Cruise

You know how much of a sucker I am for cruises, so it was really a delight for me to know that the Pearl River Cruise was included in our itinerary! The experience was simply...wow. =) I was truly captivated by the beauty of the Pearl River during this two-hour evening cruise.

Inside the cruise ship

Cocktails buffet

Passing through the bridge...nice =)

*Sigh*

Second day - Shenzhen Trip

In Shenzhen, we went to the Windows of the World, a miniature world amusement park. It is a fantastic replica park in the heart of Shenzhen, China. It's like touring around the world in one day. =) Enjoy the pictures. You're gonna love 'em as much as I loved touring from one wonder to another!haha

Taj Mahal Pyramids of Egypt Ancient Wall

Nice fountain,eh? Greece!!! Hahaha Ooooh Paris!!! :)

Third Day -Baiyun Mountain and Shopping at Ida Lu

Baiyun Mountain (White Cloud Mountain)

This is a famous scenic spot in Guangzhou. You can view the whole city proper from the height of the mountain. It was very relaxing to breathe fresh air while you're there. Just don't make the mistake of attempting to climb the mountain by your feet. haha Take a tram and enjoy the easy breezy wind until you reach the highest spot in the mountain. Then take a cable car going down to enjoy the scenery of the place better. Believe me, you'll love it. =)

Tram going up, up, up =)

with the dragons.hehe Cable car going down the mountain

Before going to the airport for our flight to Manila, we went first to Ida Lu to shop for souvenirs and pasalubongs.

*Sigh* I wish we could have extended our stay there but Cebu Pac only flies Fridays and Mondays. Again, Thank you thank you to the Concejeros for adopting me and my mom!haha We promise to make it up to you when you get back here in Manila in December! :)

Thank you and bye bye my Wii masters!!!