The Zoo, Wal-Mart and food

[Daniel]

Transformation
We went to the zoo today in Nanning.  It was hot and the babies were hot also so we only stayed a few hours.  It was an interesting place.  On the drive to the zoo the neighborhoods were a mixture of what I would consider old and run-down to new modern apartment complexes.  It's not that there was a neighborhood with newer buildings and then one with older -- many of the neighborhoods were being transformed.  Like you could almost see the new apartment buildings standing 10-20 (maybe more) stories ready to consume the adjacent 1-3 level buildings.

The zoo was the same.  There were sections with structures being torn down... Many of them just had a single rope keeping the visitors out.  Some of the demolition seems to have been halted -- no workers, no tools; like they just stopped one day.  An amusement and water parks were activity be built next to the zoo.  The track for some of the roller coasters were up, excavating equipment and workers where busy.  We saw a lion show and a seal and dolphin show...much like any you may see in the US.  The aged show arenas were packed with people and everyone seemed to enjoy.  With the transformation underway I would expect those arenas to be replaced in a few years.

Wal-Mart
There is a Wal Mart a few blocks from our hotel.  It's in the basement of a shopping mall.  One of the first things I wanted to do was read the labels for ... "Made in...".  I don't know why I though I'd be able to read the labels.  :)  It has a look and feel of a Wal Mart... many busy shoppers, same colors, smiley face.  A few differences...

- All four wheels of the shopping cars caster.  If you are meeting someone... No need to pick the back of the cart up; just push it to the side.

- Many people to assist and providing product demonstrations.  In some sections there are Wal Mart employees just standing watching and waiting to help.  Standing relaxed but straight, not leaning on anything with arms at side or hands cupped in front.

- Food.  Eggs not refrigerated.  Bulk rice.  Large selection of sea food -- displayed to be appealing but has the opposite effect on me.

- Benches in the book section like in Borders and people using them.  Benches in front of the wall of TVs for sale and people watching TV.


Food
I've enjoyed the food.  I've tried items I would never had the opportunity otherwise.  But I miss American food.  We've ordered room service a few times as they have western items.  Ordered cheese burger, got a dry triple bread grilled cheese.  Ordered a club sandwich, got a club with turkey, heavily spiced meat.  Debbie ordered just a plain hamburger, the texture just wasn't right... stringy??  The hotel has a western cafe and breakfast is included in our room.  It's just a few hours until breakfast.  I'll get my usual.  Fried noddles, rice with eggs, bread and OJ.  There is much more but breakfast is not the time for adventure for me.  I don't like floppy bacon, half cooked eggs/omelets, an anemic sausage labeled "bowel".

The point of this trip is not dinning enjoyment.  I got my Pizza Hut card yesterday... So, I'm going to rack up the points now so I can get some free bread stix when we're back home.