Seven Star Crags was calm and quiet and almost completely deserted. It consisted of lakes and tall peaky hills and caves covered with ancient Chinese writing. I could understand the appeal this serene place would have for overcrowded city people, but it seemed a little too tame for my tastes.

We all walked around for a while. A couple of the more energetic men climbed up one of the craggy peaks. But the rest of us were content to stroll around and take photos. The walk took longer than most of us would have liked. I could see the signs of restlessness in other faces, and I knew I'd rather be back on the road to Yangchun. On the way back to the bus, rather unluckily, my mother fell down while climbing over a short cut and hurt her good knee. (the one she hadn't already hurt climbing out of the Hong Kong subway)

We piled back into the bus and were driven a short distance to a restaurant. The only customers, we were taken upstairs and seated at a large round table. Tracey and Mr. Gu negotiated with the proprietors and ordered us a banquet luncheon. We were asked to pay a reasonable amount per person for the luncheon. (I think about $5)

I was hungry, and when the food started to appear, dug right in with enthusiasm. Although I didn't recognize most of what we were offered, it tasted absolutely wonderful. However, a couple of people were looking decidedly greenish and one woman left the table crying. Many people say that the very best food in China is Cantonese food, and I felt lucky to have the chance to enjoy such a great meal. I did wish that everyone else had been able to enjoy it as well.

After lunch, the route turned onto a very rough unpaved road, and our progress slowed. The scenery was very pretty, but we weren't allowed to stop and take any photographs. All along the way, we saw huge road construction machinery, but the road we traveled on was hard dirt full of potholes. The best we could do was shoot video out the bus window and holler whenever we saw a water buffalo or rice paddy.

By the time we arrived at the Golden Roc Hotel, it was around 5:30 in the evening and we were totally exhausted. We met in the 2nd floor Dining Room for instructions. Mr. Gu told us that our babies would be brought to the hotel later that evening, and he gave us instructions about money and what would happen.

Mr. Gu clearly expected us to stay in the restaurant after his talk and have supper, but most of the group stood up and left as soon as he did. Those of us that stayed ordered a few simple familiar dishes, and tried to remain cheerful, but I think we were all completely worn out from the jet lag, the long trip, and the stress of getting our babies. The food was absolutely superb, but we were too tired to really enjoy it.