YuYuan Garden and Tourit Market ………Pearls!!!!!!!

Walked to Yuyuan Gardens and tourist market. About 15 minutes and early yesterday morning to avoid the throngs. On the way, I saw the cutest little guy toddling along the Bund with his Mom and Grandmama. I asked if I could take his picture. Mom was quite pleased and spoke English - yeah!

On my way into the gardens and market, a young Asian couple stopped me and asked me to take their picture- all in English. ( this is what happens when I venture into the tourist areas-  I NEVER encounter English speakers in my neighbourhood) - they were happy with the results, asked me where I was from - and then- AND THEN- asked me how long I had been living in Shanghai!!!!!
I was so stunned that I did not ask them how they knew! They insisted I go through my repertoire of Mandarin and clapped and smiled. Made my day.

Found a sweet young couple with whom I negotiated over pearls. They were so nice. I sure hope they are real, but I am pleased nonetheless with how pretty they are. Got earrings for myself- and pearls for the girls in my family