The Children of China
The children of China were darling. Sue had bought a box of 100 Tootsie Pops to give to the children. We had heard from someone who had been there last year that this was a real ice breaker in getting to meet people in China. So, although it weighed a lot she brought the box with her, and every day we set out with about 20 or so in our bags, and passed them out as we went along. We always asked a parent for permission first, as we would like to be asked also, and all but about 2 were happy to receive them.
We also visited a few schools they call Children's Palaces. These are places the children can go after regular school to study music, art and dance. They take these lessons very seriously, and often their parent accompanies them.
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Here is Grandpa with his twins in their twin stroller. Pretty cute, we thought. This was in Xian. |
| This little boy was very serious when I gave him the tootsie pop in Tiananmen Square. |
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Joe was often our ice breaker with his wonderful disappearing quarter magic trick. Even the parents were mistified. |
| Here is Sue with her Tootsie Pop friend on Children's Day in Guilin. I think her friend is fond of Mickey Mouse. |
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Mom and Mom posing with her older twin boys. Most of these children knew some English, and said could say Hello and Thank you. |
| Sue poses with the Grandma, baby and Mama. A very nice family. |
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That is Fran handing out Tootsie Pops to the music students at the Children's Palace. She was a very cute little girl, and as we entered the room blew us kisses, and said Hello, hello. |
This little boy knew exactly what the Tootsie Pops were for.
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Two music students at the Children's Palace. Large instruments for such little girls. They both played them very well, and were obviously well taught. |  |
