Culture shock shopping trip

After Alex woke up from his nap, we all took a taxi downtown to pick up some formula and other goodies. After narrowly avoiding being flattened by a cavalcade of mopeds, we wandered a bit looking for the grocery store we'd been promised. Our first several attempts to find either it or a person who spoke English had us discouraged, but just as we were about to admit defeat, we spotted an enormous structure which, unlike everything else in downtown Zhengzhou, actually had some English printed on it, including the word "youth". We headed in and after pointing at Alex's stocking-clad feet, were directed to the 5th floor. We bought a child carrier, shoes, and received a great deal of staring and curiosity. Not a lot of Westerners around here, especially children. Everyone was very nice and patient, but we have this far encountered no one outside the hotel who speaks English. Got the boys a snack at McDonalds (welcome to American parenting, Alex!) and picked up some bananas and formula from the basement grocery store. Caught a taxi back to the hotel and swore never to leave it again. Throughout the whole thing, the boys were troopers. Alex giggled a lot and merrily tossed his stacking cups at strangers, and Owen rode on Dad's shoulders and fielded stares with a chipper "Nihao!". Owen has made friends with a just-adopted little girl a couple doors down named Maia and the boys chased each other up and down the hallway with some technical assistance from Mom and Dad. Alex put up a 1-minute bedtime protest and then fell asleep clutching a plastic water bottle. We'll do some laundry in the sink tonight and then hopefully turn in early.