We walked circles around the University hospital and University campus from the day we arrived in Chengdu.

On our first day, we geeked out in a Chinese pharmacy, confusing the herbalist behind the counter as we eagerly quizzed ourselves by trying to identify all the raw herbs we saw rather than trying to place an order.

We made our way through campus and found a music store which became home to several of the musicians in our group.

Oh, I cannot count how many pipas and erhus made their way back to Austin, TX!

On our walk, we saw some Chinese people in line which led to some yummy, spicy Sichuan french fries which reminded us that we were indeed in Sichuan country, home of the Sichuan pepper, huājiāo, and unfortunately the land of MSG.

Next, we spotted a tuina (Chinese massage) studio that became our favorite place for a massage.  One day, Melsa and I spent our lunch hour getting a foot massage for $6. Heaven.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The short cut through the uni to avoid traffic led us to the statue of Zhang Zhongjjing, the Father of  Chinese Herbal Formulas, at the hospital where we gathered every morning before our hospital rounds.

Then, the neon KTV and Happy Days sign always meant we were almost to the hotel.

Ahhhh.  Chengdu.  Home sweet home.