People's Park

We arrived this afternoon in Chengdu and are having a great time. The people here are so genuine and friendly, and it's warmer here than it was in Beijing and Xi'an so there are leaves on trees and the city feels very pleasant.

The young people who run the hotel are very sweet and helpful -- and they speak great English, which has been great for us. If you google Wen Jun Mansion hotel I think you can find photos. Unlike other places we've stayed, this is an older place with more charm.

For lunch, we went across the street and had Ma Po Dofu -- a Thoren family favorite that I always like to try. But it's never as good as mom's! Today's was no exception. It was good, sure, but very spicy. Although when we asked our pretty waitress about the spiciness she told it that it was pretty mild as far as she was concerned. We also had a traditional Sichuan dish that turned out to be Kung Pao Chicken. That was super delicious. I don't think I've ever had Sichuan pepper before and I enjoyed how it numbed my tongue.

Afterwards, we walked to People's Park and enjoyed watching people sing, dance, exercise, and play music. It's lovely how they enjoy themselves outdoors. Then we had tea at a tea house next to a pond. Two elderly men were sitting in front of us and one turned around so he could watch us. We've had a fair bit of staring here in Chengdu. This city doesn't get as many tourists. Which is great, because the economy doesn't rely on tourism so people are just normal and act very genuine and friendly to us. They're not after anything. ...Except for the guys who want to clean out your ears at the teahouse, while giving you a massage and shining your shoes. They were a bit annoying.

Walking back we bought some bananas, canned coffee (one of my favorite Asia drinks, oddly), pastries, and a couple baozis (rolls filled with meat). It was such a nice afternoon. I felt "at home" again for the first time this trip.

Gotta run. We're going to an "opera" which I'm sure will just be a tourist show. But it'll be nice to get out and do something.