Wednesday, June 8th - A day at "fake Seaworld"!

Today, I taught in the morning, and then after grabbing lunch with Gis and Alice, headed out for the afternoon. My goal was to walk the other way along the beach (North), and see the fancy hotel that Morgan (another foreign teacher) had told me about.

It was about a 30 minute walk, and she was right - the hotel was VERY fancy! The lobby was massive and much bigger than you would see anywhere else (pictures below).

I "inquired" about a room (in my sandals/shorts and grubby t-shirt) and was told seaside view was 2100RMB per night (about $300cdn) and that the Presidential Suite could be had for a cool 28,888RMB per night ($4126cdn per night).

Plus, much to my surprise (and because this is the craziest damn place you can imagine) "Sea World" was just down the way from the hotel on the beach. I couldn't resist, and paid the 80RMB ($11.43) admission to see what the heck this was all about.

It was hilarious. They had everything from a "mermaid" show to a dolphin/seal show. There was a cool walk through aquarium and overall I have to say it was pretty darn impressive and GREAT value! I could even have sat (seriously) in the turtle pool and had my picture taken with a turtle on my lap for 20RMB (it killed me not too, but I had my passport with me and have been through the whole wet passport thing before). However, if I have money left over at the end of the trip I am heading back (the picture will cost me the 85 admission plus the 20.....but it will be worth it). Anyway, pictures below!!!!!

It was a really fun afternoon, and these little surprises are the best part! Having said that, I am missing my family and sure wish they were here (I even miss the stuff like arguing with Chad over nothing and the ole Jordyn eye roll/heavy sigh when asked to do something).....but Friday is officially the halfway point of the trip and it is going quickly!