Night Out on the Town!

Tonight was our last in Chengdu, but we still had one important little trip to take. One of our local guides, Susie, helped us take a taxi to the part of Chengdu where Leila was found in February of 2006. We knew it was in a park, but were unsure how to get there. Once we did get to the right area of town, we realized that it was quite different from anything we had seen in Chengdu to date. We made our way through a very run-down alley, and began asking the local people where the actual park was where Leila was found. We soon learned that over the past two years, the park had been developed into apartments and the actual park was no longer there. Although the area was obviously very low income and run down, it appeared that with the new development, it was transitioning into a more economically stable neighborhood. We were able to at least picture Leila's early beginnings, and take a photograph of the area. It was important for Jason and I to see this, and to have it recorded for her for later in life.

After this side trip, we made our way to a little western food joint we like to call Pizza Hut. We introduced Ting Ting to her first "American Special" (pepperoni pizza), which she loved. She was very particular about eating it---she wanted to hold it just like the rest of us. Karen, Jason and I laughed the whole evening, mostly at Leila Grace who we have really just been referring to as Ting Ting these days---it really fits her personality. After dinner, Karen and Jason treated themselves to Starbucks, and we took a little walk in this very nice part of Chengdu. One thing we've learned is that when Leila gets tired, she gets so silly---and clutzy. She was laughing like crazy, running around, speaking her version of Chinese which we have now dubbed 'Tinglish.' This picture is one of my favorites so far---it absolutely captures her personality and her zest for every new adventure. She's my Spicy Sichuan Sweetheart!!
See you tomorrow---from Guangzhou!

Quick edit (from Alissa's brother): We've also got this little video of Leila!


Love,
Alissa