Pandas, pandas, pandas

Today Andie is still not feeling well. Temperature but no other symptoms. Luckily chewable Tylenol really does the trick.
It rained last night so our guide, Lily, says that bodes well for us as the pandas are likel y to be more active when it is cooler (cooler being a relative thing, methinks.)
As we arrive at the panda research center outside Chengdu, we are trying to walk fast to beat the crowds. We pass chairs and signs where obviously something special is going onj. Apparently the president of Spain is coming today and there will be a ceremony as Spain is donating to help with panda research. We are so excited to finally see the pandas. A highlight of the trip, for sure, especially for the kids. We pass the adult panda areas, heading straight for the toddler panda area. We get there and there is one big group ahead of us but there is plenty to room to view the pandas. And they are out and about and active. I am so excited. As are the kids. We had given Andie a disposable camera and I think she took all the pictures in 20 minutes
There were two toddler pandas wresting, a few were fed while we were there and one was obviously napping. . Because pandas are naturally carnivores but only eat bamboo (And little rats called bamboo rats) there digestive system have to work very hard to absorb the little bit of nutrients they can absorb. They eat about 40 lbs of bamboo a day and only are able to digest 2%. So they have to rest and sleep lots to save their energy.
Although it is very expensive, we decided that we would pay for a very special (and memorable treat for the kids) The three big kids each went and stood, arm around a toddler panda (born last August) In fact the panda was Jing Jing, the panda one of the 2008 Olympic mascots is modeled after. Then we went to the baby section and Andie put on a special little gown (like at the doctor’s office) and sat next to a baby panda. She says (and I quote) “The panda put his arm around me but the lady gave him some bamboo so he moved his arm. And he dropped bamboo on my leg (giggling) .” And when we went out of the building she came up to me and said “Mom, the panda smelled like cherries” hmmm……. We also saw the adult pandas and the red pandas (Actally part of the raccoon family.) A very satisfactory visit. Woo hoo.
We headed out for another fabulous lunch after which our family, now very tired, decided to head back to the hotel. Claire stayed with the other families. They went onto a local park and teahouse where the highlights were feeding koi with a baby bottle on a string (really!) and a lady who made them candy shaped like fireflies, butterflies…
That night we had some take out pizza hut and headed to the town square
It was late for any activities like dancing but we just walked around marveling at the families and of course the kids in split pants . There is a very large statue of Mao there too. We enjoyed ice cream from McDonald’s (mine was mocha, Claire’s, grape and Rogan’s was raspberry.)

Pictures downloading timed out and it's late and I am days and days behind with this so I bid you good night. Pictures later!

Moya