June 28, 2007
Today we are heading home. We all have had a great time here and wish to come back again but we are ready to head home. We are all pretty worn out and anxious to get these babies home, sleep in our own beds and get some laundry done LOL!!! Ali is back to her normal self; giggling,smiling,squirming,exploring and very active. We will miss this place. This has truly been a life changing trip in more than one way. We have learned so much and gained a lot of perspective about the world we live in. We are so blessed at home. We'd like to say thank-you to our guide Ma Rui (Mary) for showing us such a great time and helping us get everything done we needed. We'd like to thank the Chinese people for being such gracious hosts. Thank-you China for trusting us with your most precious resource and providing us with the greatest gift of all..our Ali. We will love her forever and cherish her always and we won't forget you when were gone....thanks everyone for following along on our trip and we'll see you all soon. Can't wait to be able to read your comments when we get home. I hope to keep posting now and again as we watch Ali grow up. Bye for now.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Too much excitement!
June 27, 2007
This morning we went on a HuTong tour. HuTong is a very old and traditional area of Beijing. We travelled through by Rickshaw. Two to a cart with our drivers pulling us along by bicycle. They had great skill weaving through the streets and narrow alleys without even looking back. We were mobbed by street vendors everywhere. Being able to say "I have no money" in chinese was a big help as they left us alone quickly but some of our group didn't get off that lucky. We got to go through a school and it was their last day and the children put on some little shows for us. The school was amazing. It looked far better than any of the gradeschools we have at home. We took lots of pictures. We were then invited into the home of one of the residents. He told us about many of the ancient traditions they still follow today. How the height and direction the homes were facing and the # of rooms all meant something. He served us tea and let us take pictures of his home. He told us about a day in their lives. He even showed us his fighting grasshoppers. He was a retired steel worker and his wife was a seamstress. He was very gracious and told us to come back and vist in October and drink some beers with him as he was a very good drinker but to leave the children with a sitter. It was the best place we've been so far we thought. It taught us about the real China for a lot of people...Tonight we went for final group pictures and we went out with the entire group for the traditional Peking duck dinner celebration for the last night here at a restaurant down the street.Everything was going great until about half way through. Ali spit up a bit and started choking. A nurse from our group took over quickly and she is just fine but she put quite a scare in us for a few moments. After that we decided to just head back to the hotel. The doctor checked her over just to make sure and she was just fine and back to herself at the hotel. Pheeewwww!!!. We are exhausted and drained. Jayna helped pack everything up and we are on our way home tommorrow. No more appointments or stops. Ali is tired as she missed her nap today because the cleaning staff got here late in the afternoon. Can't wait to get her home.
This morning we went on a HuTong tour. HuTong is a very old and traditional area of Beijing. We travelled through by Rickshaw. Two to a cart with our drivers pulling us along by bicycle. They had great skill weaving through the streets and narrow alleys without even looking back. We were mobbed by street vendors everywhere. Being able to say "I have no money" in chinese was a big help as they left us alone quickly but some of our group didn't get off that lucky. We got to go through a school and it was their last day and the children put on some little shows for us. The school was amazing. It looked far better than any of the gradeschools we have at home. We took lots of pictures. We were then invited into the home of one of the residents. He told us about many of the ancient traditions they still follow today. How the height and direction the homes were facing and the # of rooms all meant something. He served us tea and let us take pictures of his home. He told us about a day in their lives. He even showed us his fighting grasshoppers. He was a retired steel worker and his wife was a seamstress. He was very gracious and told us to come back and vist in October and drink some beers with him as he was a very good drinker but to leave the children with a sitter. It was the best place we've been so far we thought. It taught us about the real China for a lot of people...Tonight we went for final group pictures and we went out with the entire group for the traditional Peking duck dinner celebration for the last night here at a restaurant down the street.Everything was going great until about half way through. Ali spit up a bit and started choking. A nurse from our group took over quickly and she is just fine but she put quite a scare in us for a few moments. After that we decided to just head back to the hotel. The doctor checked her over just to make sure and she was just fine and back to herself at the hotel. Pheeewwww!!!. We are exhausted and drained. Jayna helped pack everything up and we are on our way home tommorrow. No more appointments or stops. Ali is tired as she missed her nap today because the cleaning staff got here late in the afternoon. Can't wait to get her home.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
More sight seeing
June 26, 2007
Another busy day today. This morning we visited tianamen square and the forbidden city. Our guide taught us more about chinese history. The square is appx 77 hectares. It was a lot bigger than we thought. There were people selling stuff everywhere. Some of the dads bought chairman Mao watches. Allan Chong even tried to sell his back to a different vendor. It was fun. We then cruised across to the forbidden city. It was quite something although it was being renovated for the olympics. It was getting very hot out by this time and Jen and Jayna didn't like the heat that much so we just quickly toured through. It will be a must see when we return and have more time. We went back to the hotel for a rest and then off to the pearl market in the afternoon. We once again made many good purchases as Jen and Jayna are becoming very adept at bartering. The temperature here in Beijing is starting to really get up there. Today it hovered around 40* C. most of the day as it has been for the last few days. We have been fairly lucky most days here. It rained the 2 days on the bus rides in Chongqing and now overnight the last few days but has been pretty good otherwise.. The rain doesn't cool things off though like back home. Last night we went down to Pizza Hut for supper and it was really good. Most say better than back home as it wasn't as greasy. Right now we are busy packing up and getting organized for our trip home. We bought 1 extra big suitcase and hopefully that will be enough. There is a bit of time for shopping tomorrow though so we'll see. LOL!! Ali still has a bit of a cold but is still doing great. She looks like she is cutting a few teeth as well but it hasn't slowed her down at all. Look out grandparents; she is quite a busy little handful.... but great fun.
Another busy day today. This morning we visited tianamen square and the forbidden city. Our guide taught us more about chinese history. The square is appx 77 hectares. It was a lot bigger than we thought. There were people selling stuff everywhere. Some of the dads bought chairman Mao watches. Allan Chong even tried to sell his back to a different vendor. It was fun. We then cruised across to the forbidden city. It was quite something although it was being renovated for the olympics. It was getting very hot out by this time and Jen and Jayna didn't like the heat that much so we just quickly toured through. It will be a must see when we return and have more time. We went back to the hotel for a rest and then off to the pearl market in the afternoon. We once again made many good purchases as Jen and Jayna are becoming very adept at bartering. The temperature here in Beijing is starting to really get up there. Today it hovered around 40* C. most of the day as it has been for the last few days. We have been fairly lucky most days here. It rained the 2 days on the bus rides in Chongqing and now overnight the last few days but has been pretty good otherwise.. The rain doesn't cool things off though like back home. Last night we went down to Pizza Hut for supper and it was really good. Most say better than back home as it wasn't as greasy. Right now we are busy packing up and getting organized for our trip home. We bought 1 extra big suitcase and hopefully that will be enough. There is a bit of time for shopping tomorrow though so we'll see. LOL!! Ali still has a bit of a cold but is still doing great. She looks like she is cutting a few teeth as well but it hasn't slowed her down at all. Look out grandparents; she is quite a busy little handful.... but great fun.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
The wall, jade factory and doctor.
June 25, 2007
We have just crossed our last hurdle to bring Ali home. This morning she had a doctors appointment to get clearance for the Canadian gov't. She did just great. She is 71 cm long and weighs 8.29 kg's. She has a cold still and gets a rash on her face that comes and goes but the doctor says that it is just a symptom of the cold.She is eating good and has no trouble unloading a poop. She is the envy of many of the other babies in that department. She is very alert and happy with lots and lots of energy. She has no ear infections or other problems and is right in the norm's for development. Everything looks good and we just have to wait for the paperwork at the embassy to be processed....Yesterday we went to the Jade factory and learned a bit about it and how it's carved and of course picked up a few things. One of the dads in our group is of Chinese heritage and explained to us which items would be good family heirlooms for the babies to have. After the Jade factory we went to the Great Wall. It was quite an experience and an amazing thing to see. We learned a bit about its history and walked along it as families. We were then allowed to tackle it on our own. I (Dave) climbed a path right to the top of one of the high points. The view and feeling from the top is indescribable. There weren't many people who made it to the top so I am quite proud of myself for that as I took a little angel on my shoulder up there with me.The climb down was no picnic either but exhillerating. As I reached the bottom Jen yelled at me loudly for a while but it was all worth it. LOL!! I was the first up and down from our group and she was worried I was holding up the others on the bus who didn't make the trip but not to worry there were a couple others behind me. Ali hung out with mom and played on the grass and watched the people which she loves to do. While we were there we purchased a lock and locked it to a chain on the wall and threw away the key. This is a chinese ritual sympolizing that we are now all bound together as a family forever.We had a nice traditional chinese meal and the waitresses tried to take the babies and just loved them. They made the new moms a little jumpy. We all made out well with the chopsticks. Back to the room to fall into the bed. Glad this afternoon is an off day. Dad and Ali will hang in the room and rest while mom and auntie and some of the other ladies are heading out shopping again.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Back in Beijing
June 23,2007
We are now safely back in Beijing. Ali is doing just great. Over the last few days she has endured a 7 hour bus ride, 3 different hotel rooms in 3 different towns and a 2 1/2 hour plane ride including a few victory laps at the airport before landing with a training pilot making her first landing. All of this while breaking in a new set of fumbling parents and she still complains little and babbles alot and has many smiles and giggles for us.This morning we did the paperwork for the Canadian gov't to bring her home. She got her picture for her visa. Also this morning our guide MaRui (Mary) arranged to have the tailor come to the hotel to size the babies up to make them traditional silk outfits. We are having 2 made for her as well as a matching outfit for Jen and a tie for Dave. Some of the dads are also having custom suits made. All right here from the hotel and the should be ready in a few days. This afternoon is free time and daddy and Ali had a 2 hour nap after a long day yesterday while Mom, Aunt Jayna and some of the new friends went out hunting supplies and treasures.They came back with McDonlalds and it's just like home. We've all just been eating room service since the babies have come the last few days. Burgers and fries imported from Australia and they have been awesome and huge. One family even tried a pizza although they didn't get tuna or any strange things on it that were offered on the menu. It's been a nice relaxing day allowing us to rest up as the next couple look to be pretty busy although it is just optional stuff ; we'd like to experience it all. Ali is eating more now as we discover what she likes and can tolerate. We also think she is teething as she drools alot. She still loves to play in the tub and we've discovered how to steal giggles from her. She's ticklish on her neck and belly and laughs out loud. Mommy has also fondly nicknamed her "Nosey Parker". She does not want to miss a thing. She wants to see and touch everything wherever we go and contorts herself in some weird ways to do so although she now makes sure we are never too far away. If she hears something she has to investigate. She doesn't like to sit still. There is a 2 foot marble ledge in front of the window here at the hotel and Ali can sit there and look out for hours and watch the action below with amazement. In a lot of ways she reminds us of her sister Abby. Same chubby features,fair hair and inquisitive nature. Somewhere in heaven she is looking down on her little sister with pride and a smile.
We are now safely back in Beijing. Ali is doing just great. Over the last few days she has endured a 7 hour bus ride, 3 different hotel rooms in 3 different towns and a 2 1/2 hour plane ride including a few victory laps at the airport before landing with a training pilot making her first landing. All of this while breaking in a new set of fumbling parents and she still complains little and babbles alot and has many smiles and giggles for us.This morning we did the paperwork for the Canadian gov't to bring her home. She got her picture for her visa. Also this morning our guide MaRui (Mary) arranged to have the tailor come to the hotel to size the babies up to make them traditional silk outfits. We are having 2 made for her as well as a matching outfit for Jen and a tie for Dave. Some of the dads are also having custom suits made. All right here from the hotel and the should be ready in a few days. This afternoon is free time and daddy and Ali had a 2 hour nap after a long day yesterday while Mom, Aunt Jayna and some of the new friends went out hunting supplies and treasures.They came back with McDonlalds and it's just like home. We've all just been eating room service since the babies have come the last few days. Burgers and fries imported from Australia and they have been awesome and huge. One family even tried a pizza although they didn't get tuna or any strange things on it that were offered on the menu. It's been a nice relaxing day allowing us to rest up as the next couple look to be pretty busy although it is just optional stuff ; we'd like to experience it all. Ali is eating more now as we discover what she likes and can tolerate. We also think she is teething as she drools alot. She still loves to play in the tub and we've discovered how to steal giggles from her. She's ticklish on her neck and belly and laughs out loud. Mommy has also fondly nicknamed her "Nosey Parker". She does not want to miss a thing. She wants to see and touch everything wherever we go and contorts herself in some weird ways to do so although she now makes sure we are never too far away. If she hears something she has to investigate. She doesn't like to sit still. There is a 2 foot marble ledge in front of the window here at the hotel and Ali can sit there and look out for hours and watch the action below with amazement. In a lot of ways she reminds us of her sister Abby. Same chubby features,fair hair and inquisitive nature. Somewhere in heaven she is looking down on her little sister with pride and a smile.
Aunt Jayna to the rescue..
Aunt Jayna has become a very valuable member of our little travel family, not only for us but for our whole group. We are all very thankful that she made the trip. She has been the group photographer and videography as well as the extra pair of hands for us all. She has helped out on the shopping for those who needed it and with the babies when we had a couple of little emergencies with a few dads and also the voice of experience for the new parents. We can't thank her enough. Ali also really loves her. She now has a big running head start on favourite aunt.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Goodbye Chongqing, we'll miss you
June 21,2007
We leave Chongqing today and fly back to Beijing to complete our paperwork for the canadian government at the embassy. What a wonderful city and experience. We loved our time here. Our hotel is right next to the Yangtze; the 3rd largest river in the world after the amazon and the nile.Yesterday we went to the panda zoo and saw the oldest momma in the world. There was also an art gallery and training center on the grounds and we got a lecture about the training and history of the arts and to see some of the local artists and of course purchased a few things for our homes. We've seen many of the sites and sounds and experienced the culture here from the big city to the small villages. One of the interesting things we all noticed is the little boys peeing in the streets. If they have to go they just pull their pants down to their ankles and go; wherever! One little boy even did #2 once right on the street corner. The ladies all stared at him from the bus with amazement. We've come to Chongqinq on the 10th ann. of it's promotion from city in Sichuan to an independant municipality with it's own central gov't. There has been fireworks and celebrations going on all week. When we arrived here there was a red carpet and flowers and a lot of media coverage waiting at the dock for the plane. We thought this was really something, however....when the plane stopped the dignitaries were allowed to leave out the front door of the plane and we were scurried out the back and on to a shuttle and away to the depot. It wasn't for us!! LOL!! Chongqinq, including the main city where we are and all of the little towns and villages that are included is now roughly the size of Austria. Since we have the babies and as we travel the city we now feel as though WE are the celebrities and have been treated as such. We'll miss this place although there is a Ford plant just down the road from here and if things keep going the way they are back home we could be back sooner than we think. Ali is doing great and we are growing closer every day.
We leave Chongqing today and fly back to Beijing to complete our paperwork for the canadian government at the embassy. What a wonderful city and experience. We loved our time here. Our hotel is right next to the Yangtze; the 3rd largest river in the world after the amazon and the nile.Yesterday we went to the panda zoo and saw the oldest momma in the world. There was also an art gallery and training center on the grounds and we got a lecture about the training and history of the arts and to see some of the local artists and of course purchased a few things for our homes. We've seen many of the sites and sounds and experienced the culture here from the big city to the small villages. One of the interesting things we all noticed is the little boys peeing in the streets. If they have to go they just pull their pants down to their ankles and go; wherever! One little boy even did #2 once right on the street corner. The ladies all stared at him from the bus with amazement. We've come to Chongqinq on the 10th ann. of it's promotion from city in Sichuan to an independant municipality with it's own central gov't. There has been fireworks and celebrations going on all week. When we arrived here there was a red carpet and flowers and a lot of media coverage waiting at the dock for the plane. We thought this was really something, however....when the plane stopped the dignitaries were allowed to leave out the front door of the plane and we were scurried out the back and on to a shuttle and away to the depot. It wasn't for us!! LOL!! Chongqinq, including the main city where we are and all of the little towns and villages that are included is now roughly the size of Austria. Since we have the babies and as we travel the city we now feel as though WE are the celebrities and have been treated as such. We'll miss this place although there is a Ford plant just down the road from here and if things keep going the way they are back home we could be back sooner than we think. Ali is doing great and we are growing closer every day.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
The tough part is done
June 19,2007
Well, don't know were to start. We've been on the run for the last 3 days. No time to journal or post. We just fell into bed each night. The trip up the mountain to the orphanage was a bit ahhhh... scary but well worth it. The 7 hour trip through the country mountain roads was very interesting. Over bridges and through tunnels and finding roads were none really exist. There were landslide debris and rocks on the road and occasionally the water flowed down the mountain side and right over the road and we drove right through it all. Nothing stopped or slowed down "Trevor" our driver. We bounced around pretty good but we all made it in one piece. There was an accident about 1/4 mile from the orphanage so we got out and walked up the hill. We managed to get some great pics of the surrounding areas. Inside was very exciting and chaotic. All the babies were with caretakers just inside the door and everyone started to scurry to find theirs.We recognized her right away. We had to wait 'til we were called 4th in the line. Jen was just shaking and crying. It was so emotional. Ali took it all in stride and laughed and smiled the whole time. She has been so amazing breaking in her new mommy and daddy. She is just beautiful and laughs and smiles and jabbers alot. She is eating good and sleeping well and seems to be taking to us more all the time. She looks for us now in the crowds and chaos.She is very,very active and gets bored sitting for a second so we've done many miles with her in the rooms and halls but she is more than we could've ever dreamt. We spent the night in Qianjiang and then had the exciting ride back here to Chongqing. The babies all have colds but are managing quite well. The bus ride didn't faze them at all. This morning we went to the adoption office and completed our paperwork. This afternoon we went to the bank and completed the finances. It was suppose to take an hour but ended up a little over 4. We then went to the store and got some supplies and are all just relaxing comfortably. Our little travel group has gelled quite nicely. We are getting many things accomplished on our own. Only 1 dad went down sick today.Too much fruit we think. We really like it here in China and time is flying by but we are looking forward to going home. We definitely would love to come back though with-out schedules and chaos because it is truly an amazing country.The views alone are great and the people have been great to the dopey Canadians. So friendly and helpful wherever we go or even just walking the streets although the moms get a little nervous as they love the babies and they come right up and want to take them and touch them and hold them and are very forward about it. They also love to try their english when they can. I am also getting to try my limited chinese out and have been able to help the group find a few things and get around a bit. The people are very patient with me. All is well. The tough part is over.
Well, don't know were to start. We've been on the run for the last 3 days. No time to journal or post. We just fell into bed each night. The trip up the mountain to the orphanage was a bit ahhhh... scary but well worth it. The 7 hour trip through the country mountain roads was very interesting. Over bridges and through tunnels and finding roads were none really exist. There were landslide debris and rocks on the road and occasionally the water flowed down the mountain side and right over the road and we drove right through it all. Nothing stopped or slowed down "Trevor" our driver. We bounced around pretty good but we all made it in one piece. There was an accident about 1/4 mile from the orphanage so we got out and walked up the hill. We managed to get some great pics of the surrounding areas. Inside was very exciting and chaotic. All the babies were with caretakers just inside the door and everyone started to scurry to find theirs.We recognized her right away. We had to wait 'til we were called 4th in the line. Jen was just shaking and crying. It was so emotional. Ali took it all in stride and laughed and smiled the whole time. She has been so amazing breaking in her new mommy and daddy. She is just beautiful and laughs and smiles and jabbers alot. She is eating good and sleeping well and seems to be taking to us more all the time. She looks for us now in the crowds and chaos.She is very,very active and gets bored sitting for a second so we've done many miles with her in the rooms and halls but she is more than we could've ever dreamt. We spent the night in Qianjiang and then had the exciting ride back here to Chongqing. The babies all have colds but are managing quite well. The bus ride didn't faze them at all. This morning we went to the adoption office and completed our paperwork. This afternoon we went to the bank and completed the finances. It was suppose to take an hour but ended up a little over 4. We then went to the store and got some supplies and are all just relaxing comfortably. Our little travel group has gelled quite nicely. We are getting many things accomplished on our own. Only 1 dad went down sick today.Too much fruit we think. We really like it here in China and time is flying by but we are looking forward to going home. We definitely would love to come back though with-out schedules and chaos because it is truly an amazing country.The views alone are great and the people have been great to the dopey Canadians. So friendly and helpful wherever we go or even just walking the streets although the moms get a little nervous as they love the babies and they come right up and want to take them and touch them and hold them and are very forward about it. They also love to try their english when they can. I am also getting to try my limited chinese out and have been able to help the group find a few things and get around a bit. The people are very patient with me. All is well. The tough part is over.
It's Official!!!
We finished our "donations" and received our family document today. Ali has been great through it all. She sure has helped us get through everything and always with a big smile and a cute little giggle. Even for our official family photo. We are so lucky and blessed to have her.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Sunday, June 17, 2007
only 1 more sleep
June 16,2007
Today was not quite as busy as the past few. After breakfast we checked out and took a quick trip to the silk factory were we saw how silk was made right from the gestation of the worm all the way through to the finished product.The tour leader was very funny. The ladies from the group also did some power shopping and vowed to return as we only had an hour. We then took a short 2 hr. plane trip to Chongqing. It is quite a beautiful place. It looks like a huge metropolis built in the Tenessee mountains. The vistas are amazing.We are in awe everywhere we look. The hotel is unbelievable. We have a crib,stroller,baby bath tub,free internet and much,much more all in the room for us. We were able to complete some of our paperwork here as well. All we have to do tomorrow is make the long 7hr. bus trip to Ali's city of Qianjiang and bring our passports and finally GOTCHA!!!! We got to see a newer picture of her with our paperwork but had to turn it back in. It was taken about 1 month ago and she looks so grown up from the ones we had. Just amazing!!! Chongqing is all lit up at night. We have lots of pictures (over 100 so far) and will post more on the site when we get home. We can't see our posts so we are just hoping the text gets in but we will do our best to post our new family pics with Ali in a few days. No internet connections for us in her city and we stay there overnight tomorrow and return here the next day..Stay tuned..The best is soon to come...We are soooo excited it's hard to sleep but we've got to try tonight. Long couple of days coming up..
Today was not quite as busy as the past few. After breakfast we checked out and took a quick trip to the silk factory were we saw how silk was made right from the gestation of the worm all the way through to the finished product.The tour leader was very funny. The ladies from the group also did some power shopping and vowed to return as we only had an hour. We then took a short 2 hr. plane trip to Chongqing. It is quite a beautiful place. It looks like a huge metropolis built in the Tenessee mountains. The vistas are amazing.We are in awe everywhere we look. The hotel is unbelievable. We have a crib,stroller,baby bath tub,free internet and much,much more all in the room for us. We were able to complete some of our paperwork here as well. All we have to do tomorrow is make the long 7hr. bus trip to Ali's city of Qianjiang and bring our passports and finally GOTCHA!!!! We got to see a newer picture of her with our paperwork but had to turn it back in. It was taken about 1 month ago and she looks so grown up from the ones we had. Just amazing!!! Chongqing is all lit up at night. We have lots of pictures (over 100 so far) and will post more on the site when we get home. We can't see our posts so we are just hoping the text gets in but we will do our best to post our new family pics with Ali in a few days. No internet connections for us in her city and we stay there overnight tomorrow and return here the next day..Stay tuned..The best is soon to come...We are soooo excited it's hard to sleep but we've got to try tonight. Long couple of days coming up..
Saturday, June 16, 2007
another great day in Beijing
June 15,2007
We had another great day today. It was very,very busy.In the morning we took a bus trip to the summer palace. It was incredibly beautiful there. We only spent 3 hours there so we tried to see as much as we could but you really need about 3 days to truly experience the place. In the afternoon we went to the silk market for some shopping. It really wasn't my(Dave) thing. I don't like shopping anywhere and don't do well in a mall.I wouldn't know what is or isn't a bargain in any country or form of money. Jennifer and Jayna did really well. Once they got over the shock and frustration of people tugging and pulling at you everywhere they were really good at bargaining themselves some good deals. I bought one small thing and got had so at least I experienced it so I'll just leave all the shopping to them. I was however able to speak a bit of chinese to people in the mall and was understood and talked to without buying anything so that was kinda cool for me. In the evening we went to see an amazing acrobatic show. Words can't describe it. We have a video so hopefully it will be O.K. otherwise you'll just have to come here and see it for yourself. We just love it here but Jen is starting to stress about the big day coming up. Tomorrow we fly to Chongqing and do our paper work at the hotel there and then rest up for the trip to the orphanage to get Ali the next day. Only 2 more sleeps 'til gotcha Day!!!!
We had another great day today. It was very,very busy.In the morning we took a bus trip to the summer palace. It was incredibly beautiful there. We only spent 3 hours there so we tried to see as much as we could but you really need about 3 days to truly experience the place. In the afternoon we went to the silk market for some shopping. It really wasn't my(Dave) thing. I don't like shopping anywhere and don't do well in a mall.I wouldn't know what is or isn't a bargain in any country or form of money. Jennifer and Jayna did really well. Once they got over the shock and frustration of people tugging and pulling at you everywhere they were really good at bargaining themselves some good deals. I bought one small thing and got had so at least I experienced it so I'll just leave all the shopping to them. I was however able to speak a bit of chinese to people in the mall and was understood and talked to without buying anything so that was kinda cool for me. In the evening we went to see an amazing acrobatic show. Words can't describe it. We have a video so hopefully it will be O.K. otherwise you'll just have to come here and see it for yourself. We just love it here but Jen is starting to stress about the big day coming up. Tomorrow we fly to Chongqing and do our paper work at the hotel there and then rest up for the trip to the orphanage to get Ali the next day. Only 2 more sleeps 'til gotcha Day!!!!
Friday, June 15, 2007
Day 2
June 15,2007
Our first full day in Beijing. What a great day. We started with the breakfast buffet from our hotel. We joined a few other couples from our group. It was just great. The food was really good with a large variety. After that we all just ventured out for a walk to check out a bit of the city. We were all amazed at how clean everything is. No cigarette butts or grafitti anywhere. The people were also very warm and friendly although the cars take a bit or getting use to. People don't have the right away!! Something we all tend to forget but we made it O.k. also, there doesn't seem to be any rules on the road. Lights and lanes mean nothing. People, cars,bikes anything thing that moves all just intertwine. No helmuts or safety equipment at all and amazingly there were no accidents or mishaps at all. Nobody really seems to move too fast.We all felt very comfortable and safe touring arround. We then made our way down to the temple of heaven. It was an amazing place. We took lots of pictures. Some new friends from our group have a cousin who lives here.He served as a guide for us.Jayna,Jennifer and I managed to take a cab to there and back and I got to try out my chinese. That was fun!! This afternoon we walked down to the market a short ways away from the hotel. We just looked around and sat down for a beer and people watched. We saw scorpion-on-a-stick at one of the food vendors and it was still moving. At 7:00 we met 3 other couples for dinner at a restaurant our guide recommended. It was pretty good and we are all still standing. After dinner we walked down to the grocery store for some water and a few things. Beijing is just as beautiful and friendly at night. We got back about 9:30 and after an extraordinary and full day we are ready to hit the sack. So far everything has been awesome. Gotta be down tomorrow for breakfast at 8 a.m. for another full day.
Our first full day in Beijing. What a great day. We started with the breakfast buffet from our hotel. We joined a few other couples from our group. It was just great. The food was really good with a large variety. After that we all just ventured out for a walk to check out a bit of the city. We were all amazed at how clean everything is. No cigarette butts or grafitti anywhere. The people were also very warm and friendly although the cars take a bit or getting use to. People don't have the right away!! Something we all tend to forget but we made it O.k. also, there doesn't seem to be any rules on the road. Lights and lanes mean nothing. People, cars,bikes anything thing that moves all just intertwine. No helmuts or safety equipment at all and amazingly there were no accidents or mishaps at all. Nobody really seems to move too fast.We all felt very comfortable and safe touring arround. We then made our way down to the temple of heaven. It was an amazing place. We took lots of pictures. Some new friends from our group have a cousin who lives here.He served as a guide for us.Jayna,Jennifer and I managed to take a cab to there and back and I got to try out my chinese. That was fun!! This afternoon we walked down to the market a short ways away from the hotel. We just looked around and sat down for a beer and people watched. We saw scorpion-on-a-stick at one of the food vendors and it was still moving. At 7:00 we met 3 other couples for dinner at a restaurant our guide recommended. It was pretty good and we are all still standing. After dinner we walked down to the grocery store for some water and a few things. Beijing is just as beautiful and friendly at night. We got back about 9:30 and after an extraordinary and full day we are ready to hit the sack. So far everything has been awesome. Gotta be down tomorrow for breakfast at 8 a.m. for another full day.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Less Than 12 hours To Go …….
Are we excited?.. you bet!……. Are we nervous?.. you bet!….. Will we sleep tonight?…don’t think so?!….Will it be well worth it in the end?…. No doubt about it!!!!!!!!
We did finally get our paperwork.. Finally! We just wanted to thank everyone for being there for us. We have really appreciated it. Please stay tuned ……..
Thought we would post a last picture before we go; so here is a picture of Jennifer and Jayna.
We did finally get our paperwork.. Finally! We just wanted to thank everyone for being there for us. We have really appreciated it. Please stay tuned ……..
Thought we would post a last picture before we go; so here is a picture of Jennifer and Jayna.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
We're Packed....We Think......
Everything is packed except for our paper work. Still don’t have it!!!!! In fact the most important document ( The Notice of Coming) we need will be coming with another family since our agency as of Friday still didn’t have it. Purolator was suppose to delivery some of it to my (Jennifer) work on Friday but needless to say it didn’t come. In case you didn’t know, I am all done work. for at least 8 months; maybe more if my lottery numbers come up.
We got some exciting news on Friday. We will be going to the SWI in Qianjiang to get Ali . Apparently the Civil Affairs office in Chongqing is closed on June 18th and 19th so they wanted to push our date back but Children’s Bridge instead made arrangements for us to go and get Ali at the SWI in Qianjiang . So, we get to take a 4-6 hour mountainous bus ride. But it will be well worth it.
Dave will edit our itinerary before we go.....In 2 days.
We got some exciting news on Friday. We will be going to the SWI in Qianjiang to get Ali . Apparently the Civil Affairs office in Chongqing is closed on June 18th and 19th so they wanted to push our date back but Children’s Bridge instead made arrangements for us to go and get Ali at the SWI in Qianjiang . So, we get to take a 4-6 hour mountainous bus ride. But it will be well worth it.
Dave will edit our itinerary before we go.....In 2 days.
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