| Today we went to the zoo. It was so much fun! It was in the upper 70's Fahrenheit and funny thing is that everyone was wearing long sleeves and some wore jackets! We were very hot. We started PJ out with a jacket on because everyone one else was wearing them and the kids are used to being bundled up warm all the time. Eventually we took the jacket off because PJ was getting hot. |
| Yesterday while I was blogging I took this picture of Greg and PJ. It was so fun to hear PJ laugh! Greg was lying on the be throwing a squeaky rubber ducky he got from one of the shops here and when he caught the ducky, he made it squeak. PJ of course thought that was hilarious and really laughed loud! Later that evening the guys went for their foot massage (something adoptive families do while in Guangzhou). Ladies went the next night (as I write this we just got back from ours). LOVE those foot massages! With all the walking we did at the zoo today, it was a really good day for a massage. Also on this post is a picture of our breakfast buffet area at our hotel. |
| Today we took a cab ride to go shopping off island. The Cormiers were looking to find an instrument that is called an "R-WHO" (I don't know how to spell it but that is how it sounds.) Becky plays the violin so she was able to pick it up pretty well. After that shop we walked down the street for a while. There sure were a lot of people out! It was like a swarm! PJ didn't like the crowds and really wanted to get away from it all! As soon as we were in a cab to go back to the hotel, he was perfectly quiet. I think I mentioned David's frostbite on an earlier post. He was examined by a doctor in Taiyuan and they said there was no threat of losing any toes. They said he still had circulation and to keep them warm, dry, and give them room. We were happy to hear that. David is from a northern city in Shanxi and they had a very bad winter this year. Hope you all enjoy your Saturday as ours is almost over. ~Judy |
| There is a lot of construction on Shamian Island because they are getting ready for the Asian Games I was told. This mound is just down the street from our hotel door. |
| Something we need in US apartment buildings is what is in every apartment building here in China is a way to hang up clothes outside the window or back porch. People here don't own or use a clothes dryer. |
| I will say that I am very happy to be on Shamian Island! Everything feels so much like home with the buildings and going to Lucy's to eat. My stomach wasn't handling the food in Taiyuan very good but the food at Lucy's is very American. While we were there some people in the area were playing hacky sac. They were of all ages and were very good at it. Both PJ and David sat on Al's lap while we were waiting to order and were having a good time. It was really fun to see them smiling and laughing together. |
| Since the kids in our travel group are over 2 years old, they are required to do a TB test. Our guide, Bill, was the "bad guy" and held the kids for it. This is the part PJ didn't like. |
| Today was mostly a travel day. We had breakfast at 8 AM. PJ's favorite thing for breakfast has been watermelon. After breakfast they played together tossing a ball. They are still working on their throwing skills but they sure had fun. There were smiles and laughter! Both boys seem to have worked through a major portion of their greif. Then we went and bought PJ one more pair of shoes for about the equivalent of $6 US dollars. We had a quick lunch and then off to the airport to go to Guangzhou (US consulate is in Guangzhou and that is where we get PJ's visa). PJ is using the toilet somewhat. He will go when I set him on it but he hasn't "asked" yet. That is a picture of me walking back to our gate after bringing him to the bathroom. Then there is the picture of our guide, Bill, holding him. And a picture of Becky and David Cormier. For dinner we went to Lucy's Bar and Grill on Shamian Island in Guangzhou..... oh thank-you! I had a grilled cheese sandwhich and my stomach handled that very well. I can't remember if I mentioned anything about the beds here or not, but the one in Taiyuan was like a slab of cement! I think I have bruises from it!! The bed here in Guangzhou is much softer. Well it is very late on Friday night and I need to get some sleep. ~Judy |
| We saw some amusing road signs on the highway today. This one says "Rear end collision, need space". We figure they probably meant "no tailgating". There was another sign that said, "blockspot" which we interpreted as "Blind spot". |
| Have I talked about the traffic here in China yet? It is rather chaotic they way they drive here. It seems as if street signs are more of a suggestion than the law. I have seen people drive (a short distance) on the wrong side of the road, you honk your horn just to warn people you are there (the driver honked every vehicle we passed on the highway), and if you want to turn left at an intersection without traffic lights, you just start driving and force people to stop for you. So when I saw this truck with people riding in the back, I wasn't at all surprised. |
| Once we got to LvLiang City we stopped an asked several people how to get where we needed to go. After asking several people, we finally found our way. We were only there for 5 minutes, if that, and then we left. |
| We stopped at KFC to pick up some quick lunch on our way out of Taiyuan. Before we left, Greg bought some snacks and a beer at a local snack shop across the street. Turns out that passengers in a car can drink beer in the car. And isn't that little face just so cute!!! ~Judy |
| Today was adoption day. We did the paperwork in the same room as Gotcha Day, even the notary public was there. (For Alicia's adoption the notary public was a separate building from the civil affairs office.) While we were doing the adoption they threw another wrench into the works.... we have to drive to LvLiang city to get PJ's passport which is a 2 1/2 hour drive away in one direction. There goes any wishes of touring the ancient city we heard about. I guess we'll have to come back when the kids are older for a heritage tour. |
| Yesterday while eating breakfast a man approached our table (white man, not chinese) and said something about the bears. (Greg had on a Bears pullover.) The man used to live in Chicago but is now living in Atlanta. He asked to take our picture and he then took our email addresses so he could email the pictures to us. He is here on business. It took a bit longer to get PJ to calm down last night but I think he fell asleep by 9:30 PM, It is currently going on 5:30 AM Thursday and he is still asleep. ~Judy |
| Today was spent mostly at the hotel. I got out for about an hour when we went across the street to the mall. I bought an outfit for PJ, shoes, crocs, socks, and another smock. This is a smock he is wearing in this picture, it is the Chinese version of a bib. Our guide is not back from Datong with Al Cormier yet. What an interesting day trying to order lunch with nobody that speaks English. We decided to go to the restaurant in the hotel. We pointed to a couple of things, that was easy. However we also wanted to get steamed egg which we know they have but we couldn't find a picture of it on the menu. We had maybe 6 or 7 ladies standing around our table all wanting to help but both they and we were frustrated. Becky then said she had a English-Chinese dictionary in her room. She went to get it and when she came back, it was a little easier. I am still not sick, but I do tend to get a little upset stomach when I eat the local food. I am looking forward to going to Guangzhou where we can eat at Lucy's Bar and Grill for some American food. Tomorrow morning is our adoption day. I think Bill said this was the first time he has ever had a family that had more than a day between Gotcha day and adoption day. Phillip is still grieving for his foster family. It comes and goes. He had a pretty long nap, so that is good. It seems that when we go out in public, he is happier. But maybe he is distracted with everything going on around him. We are praying for the Cormier's, their son has a couple of toes with frost bite. It is going on 10 PM and I am exhausted. Good night. ~Judy |
| I just realized I said Tuesday morning on my last 2 posts, it is WEDNESDAY. Oh well...You all know what I meant. ~Judy |
| The last picture is PJ taking a very short morning nap. That top layer is a smock that kids wear here, it is like a bib. |
| Here we are on Tuesday morning. I couldn't resist taking a picture of PJ fast asleep. After I took a shower look at what I found! He was quietly sitting on his Daddy's lap. Greg said he didn't fuss or anything, just sat up and put his arms out. |
Taiyuan Time
