Footloose in Fuzhou, but I scored some great sandals

{Yes, I know the formatting is abnormal, but because of the VPN, bandwidth, computer illiteracy and kismet I don't know how to fix it.]
So. This afternoon the conference excursion was the planned event.  Even though the first bus didn't
leave until after three PM we all suspected that it was crazy blisteringly hot to wander in downtown
Fuzhou no matter how enchanting the sights are.  Nevertheless, the organizers dealt out hats and fans
and water to the hatless, fanless and waterless (don't people plan ahead?) and off we went under the
guidance of a very hard working guide who was not chosen for her dulcet toned voice.  After about 10
minutes I would have put that screeching cat out of it's misery.  Poor thing!  She has no idea how ear
cringingly dreadful she is. So, teeth firmly gritted, we trooped along after her-- and only one of us got
sent home with heat stroke.

We went to see a restructured historical area called "Three Lanes and Seven Alleys" which has been
reconstructed not so long ago to look authentic- but for the modern shops after the facades. Still, it is
worth a look...

Since I am not in  an optimal photo sharing position, here is a linky to some images:
http://www.google.com/search?complete=0&bav=on.2,or.&bvm=bv.50310824,d.cGE,pv.xjs.
s.en_US.I9e44VIvEiw.O&biw=1024&bih=405&um=1&ie=UTF-&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=218CUqahJOO
JjALUyICoBA&q=Sanfang%20Qixiang%20%22Three%20Lanes%
20and%20Seven%20Alleys%22

Himself and I are usually not big group follow the leader folks, but this weather really saps any desire
to stroll along back alleys and quiet neighborhoods  on our own.

This was actually our travelers' nightmare. Huge group, strident guide, off the charts heat and humidity- and
nothing really exraordinary if you have been in China before.  It was the children's first Chinese history moment; but I think the heat made it less wonderful than it could have been.

It was a blessing to go play tourist shopping the last hour. Many of the shops are air conditioned.

My flip-flops (which I had gone all over Holland to find) were falling apart.

 Sweetpea had developed the dreaded enormous heel blisters and had been wearing them non-stop since we got here- I think that constant readjusting ( we do not have anywhere near the same feet) and cheap construction combined- so there I was digging my toes into the sole to keep the dang sandals on--
further aggravating my great toe- which toe hates the compression socks- which I must wear to offset elephant legs- which are brought on by heat and humidity- so I need sandals.

While cooing and oohing over very expensive backpacks and bags with panda, shark and cute as all get out
designs, I spied with my little gotta go see every shoe store on earth eye, a small section of sandles
at the back of the store...12 euros later I have a fine pair of well fitting good looking flappers.
I love a good shoe bargain.

We staggered back on the bus to return to the venue- where we drip dried during yet another hit-or-miss
recipe collection buffet for dinner.  As we walked out the dining hall door, Himself was informed he was
expected for an unexpected meeting. We had talked about me getting a pedicure and a foot massage after
dinner and were sort of heading that way.

So we collected Lady Professor Xi'an for translation and information help and swanned off to the spa.
Himself went on to his meeting from there while we ladies skinnied up the narrowest circular stairs I
have ever seen to go up to the massage and body care area ( where even your ears can be cleaned for a
fee.)

Once everything was in order, I bid a grateful farewell to lady professor and with watermelon juice in hand,
settled in for my treatment.  The pedicure took nearly an hour- and that was with no fussy polish. He used only a sharp instrument to cut nail, dry skin and callouses away. It was amazing to see him work.  Then he went on to give a from the knees down full out therapeutic foot massage lasting about an hour as well.
And all of this attention for less that 50 euros. These folk really work hard for so little.

By the time I got back to the room, Himself came back from his meeting- and then we sorted laundry for
pickup tomorrow. Who knew that laundry was going to be a major line item? I do not remember paying
through the nose before- but you gotta have clean undies.

Himself decided a dip in the pool would be a great way to end the day and remove a layer of the day's
sweat- alas- 10 PM is closing time- so showers must suffice--tomorrow is another day to swim.

But swim in sweat or swimming pool is the question.