Hired driver Lee again and he showed up right on time at 9 at the hostel. He took us in the traffic to Hongqoia (sp?) market, the Pearl Market. I was amazed I remember where Sandy's place was on the 4th floor. She wasn't there (has had a new baby boy) but the girls took good care of us. I was there to buy a couple of pair of pearl earrings, but all 4 of us ended up buying several things. I first heard about Sandy on my way to China the first time from a stewardess who gave me her name and location. She would buy pearls and take them home and sell them for huge profits. On the Datong trip, I spoke with Derrick who worked at the American Embassy in Beijing for a couple of months. His mom was a stewardess and he said many of them would do it. They don't have to go through customs. So it's hugely profitable, they frequently make more money selling pearls than in their regular job.
Lee then was waiting for us as we came out. No time for lunch, but we gave thanks quickly at the Temple of Heaven for our wonderful trip so far and headed to the airport. No luck trying to change our tickets to all be on the same flight. So Joyce and Marilynn headed off together on the first flight and were waiting for us at the baggage area when we arrived. Non eventful flight, weren't sure if we were looking at pieces of the Great Wall from the air but it was a pretty clear flight, so maybe.
Great sweet and sour chicken for dinner at the hostel with a draft Tsingtao! Walked around, got cash at ATM to pay for Terracotta Warriors trip today. Good night's sleep!
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