Rock Star Pandas … and More

When it comes to Rock Stars, it doesn’t matter who you are or what you do, if you are in Chengdu, you will always be second fiddle to the Pandas. These are the true Rock Stars of Chengdu City.

Again, with rain threatening and under overcast skies, we hopped a taxi out to the Panda Research Park. This is located in the northeast section of town and takes around 20 minutes to get there. We managed to convey to our taxi driver to return at 11:00 AM to pick us up since taxis are not as frequent out here. He understands. Mei Wenti.

After buying our ticket and entering, Milly sees a display of photographs of pandas that were lining the sidewalk and at each photo she squeals “Ohhhhh, they are sooooo Cuuuute!” After hearing her say this, oh maybe 10 times, Marty and I decided to have a bet on how many times she would say that during the tour.

Despite the weather being less than desirable for people, it was perfect for the Pandas and they were out in full force.

Our first stop was the Red Panda. The retaining wall was low enough to lean over for some good photos and tall enough to keep them from climbing out. We decided that pandas are good climbers, but must be lousy jumpers since they could have easily climbed some trees and leapt out. The Red Pandas are small fox-raccoon-like critters that were just as curious about us as we were of them. Milly thought they “were sooo cuute” (score 1 for me and Marty).

Next up were the Giant Pandas. Most zoos have two; we saw maybe 20 or more. I should have counted, but didn’t. Lots of Pandas doing what Pandas do best … eat. These big guys are pretty impressive with the dexterity that they can peel the outer skin off the bamboo with their front teeth and then eat the inner “meaty” portion with those strong rear teeth. I’m pretty sure Milly thought they were sooo cuute.

We wandered around to the infant panda section where we saw people standing in line. Not knowing why, we figured we should get in the line and then figure out what was going on. It was the “Have Your Picture taken With a Baby Panda” line. Milly was, um, excited and you may have heard the squeal of excitement from her because she thinks baby pandas are sooo cuute. In fact, based on hearing that squeal and later learning of an earthquake in Indonesia I must assume a correlation between the two. Of course no one was hurt in Indonesia only because Milly’s excitement was nipped right in the bud when we learned you only get your photo after you pay 1000RMB (150 USD). Marty and I bailed on that. Milly pouted. And the Indonesians were saved. (Of course, we figured all this out when were at the very front of the line). It really turned out just fine anyway because the next few viewing areas had some pandas very close to us walking around. Care to guess what Milly thought of their “walking style?”

Panda Tour concluded I think Marty and I tallied approximately 637 “So Cute” statements. Our taxi man was waiting on us right where we had agreed and we headed off to Jin Li Street for some lunch and maybe some shopping. We had a western lunch with pizza (me), macaroni and beef (Marty), and a BLT with a sortof milkshake for Milly at Carol’s Restaurant.

Of course we had to sit outside on the sidewalk so we could watch – and be watched by – everybody. A large group of school students came strolling by and, naturally, they wanted pictures with us. I think I saw one of them point to Milly and say to her friend “She is Soooo Cuuute!”

I guess I should explain briefly how these picture sessions work. Generally, as the kids walk past us, they are staring at us while trying not to look like they are staring. Then as they pass by, the whispering to each other begins. Once they walk past us maybe 10 feet, they suddenly get the courage to turn and shout a “Hello!” then turn away real fast as if they were not the one who shouted. If we don’t respond, then no foul and they are not embarrassed by calling out to a stranger. If we DO respond, then that’s international signal for “everybody run back and swamp the foreigners to talk to them.”

I saw them approaching and saw the whispering begin so I went ahead and started easing my camera out so I would be prepared for the onslaught when Marty answered their call.

Anyway, Milly met more new friends who were out of school on some sort of shopping field trip.

Our next journey was to the Antique Market for some more shopping. Milly bought a few small things and after some initial coaching figured out the whole negotiate-your-price process pretty well and was very excited that when she couldn’t get her price, she simply said no thank you, turned to walk away, and then the vendor chased her down while quickly caving in to her price. So she won! She was pumped. However, we’ll have to work on the not performing the Victory Dance in front of the vanquished. Tends to not go over so well.

I would really love to tell the tale of Marty’s purchase; but I - and you - will wait for him to write that up for posting here. There is no way I can describe that in the manner it deserves. That is a story that can only be told in first-person. So be patient until they return to the States and he can write that in his own words. I’ll publish once I receive it. The wait WILL be worth it. Hysterical.

We capped out the day with a visit to Tianfu Square and then a good Thai dinner near the hotel. I chose this location close to the hotel because the rain had finally arrived and because I thought it might be less spicy for Marty whose head sweats like a water fountain stuck on full blast. Milly does NOT think that is sooooo cuuute.

It is now Wednesday, the rain is still here and they are headed to Beijing. I am headed back to Xiangtan. My part in this journey is now over (sorry, couldn’t resist that little Lord of the Rings reference).

Marty promises to write a guest columnist story for me to post here with their Beijing photos (more Milly and Chinese Teenagers, if I have to guess). I would really love to have Milly write something, but she doesn’t seem too keen on that idea.






So until next time … enjoy.