So that's what they were cooking! And other last day revelations

We are due to fly out this afternoon, but since our bus isn't leaving for a quite a while, we decide a walk around the neighborhood is in order. 

The husband part of our traveling companions is still under the weather and opts for a nap. My throat hurts still, mostly likely from the pollution, so we head to a convenience store. The drugstore beside it holds only herbal medicines, all in Chinese, so I opt to walk next door for some recognizable Halls cough drops. My friend teases me about coming all the way to China and not trying their herbal remedies. 
My throat isn't that bad.
We walk around, snapping photos occasionally and coming up upon a fresh food market with many tubs and trays and cages out front.
Oh! So that's what those small birds were that we'd seen cooked in the market the day before. Pigeons!

While I have not seen any live chickens on this trip, (not that they would be on our tour company's bucket list of things to see) we did see our first live ducks. Do you remember when I wrote about Beijing and the Peking Duck? We had duck breast quite often and I rather liked it, but to meet eye to eye with someone's future supper is unusual. 

 I don't know for sure if I met these tasty morsels in the eye, but it was interesting to see them. As for the eels above, I hear they taste like chicken. 

We also passed this poor overburdened bicycle, a symbol perhaps of the old world this country is leaving in its wake? 

The bus finally comes, and we say our goodbyes to the tour guide. At the airport, going through security, there is a small glitch with my passport. For some reason, my passport information didn't jive with the information they had on me, either with the visa or my ticket. I wait a short time, but get through all right in the end. 
Waiting for our plane is a joy. For there is a Burger King!! Be still my beating heart!

We choose this instead of the variety of Chinese food offered. Then after, we see an unusual sight out at the runway. Beyond the airfield is the mouth of the Yangtze River, and it's not often you see an airplane with a huge container ship in the background.

Our trip is over. The plane is only about 3/4 full and we all get a row to stretch out. We still have a long flight, then a connecting flight and will get home late, but we're looking forward to it. 
Would I return? No. I've seen all I had wanted to see. The price would have to be excellent before I return, as it was this trip.
Would I recommend this trip? Not to everyone. Frankly, some people would not be able to stomach the food, some the crowds, some the pollution, the walking. But if you want to hit all the famous sights, taste all the real Chinese food and can take crowds and walk, I would recommend it. Otherwise, I suggest a shorter trip. Just make sure you take the cruise, as it's the only down time you get. 
I hope you have enjoyed my blog posts on China and please share them with your friends. I've attempted to present to you an honest view of this mysterious culture, and would love for all to read it.
Thank you for stopping by!