Breakfast by the Falls

 

Shopping

I had the day free today as Gina needed to be in the room in case our guide had questions while she went to get paperwork processed.  Uncle Fred, Aunt Bonnie and I went back to the walking street market in a cab.  I found that sitting in the middle back seat is comforting because I cant see what is in front of me except for a mini TV.  I was so busy shopping that I didn't take any pictures.  How will I remember this day?  Will it be the pile of items that may put me over my 44 lb checked luggage limit or the fact that I missed out on today's group lunch.  I feel like I haven't heard "what is it?" enough today.  We missed getting a taste of baby pigeon. Gina didn't try it.  Think childhood memories of the pet pigeon kept her from it.  I came back late this afternoon to find Gina and Alice in the hotel pool.  Both looked very relaxed and happy although Alice's shivers and slight purple lips hinted that she might be uncomfortable.  2 night of sleep here then one in Beijing then back to the US. 

 

Tomorrow is a big day.  Alice becomes a US Citizen!

 

I a posting a few pictures I took recently. - Auntie Lynne (aka - Mule)

Day 11

Yesterday was the Buddist blessing. The grounds were beautiful and the pagoda in the center was built in the 8th century, if I heard Candy right. We went in, took our shoes off and there were three massive Budda statues in the room with several offerings at the base on some tables. The monk semi-sang a chant while we kneeled with our children. We then walked the grounds and headed for another "what-is-it" lunch. It was spicy this round, but, I never leave these meals hungry. Alice is quite the little chef, continuously mixing her meals in different bowls. We headed back and Alice again tried to sleep off this cold. In the meantime, Jim did a FANTASTIC job along with my folks help getting some final paperwork to me in China. With that, Candy goes to the US Consulate for us to drop off and review all our papers in prep for Thursday when Alice becomes a U.S. citizen. Today we hit the zoo. They had quite a few critters and Alice seemed to enjoy it through her Triaminc (sp?) haze. We went back and she again crashed. She had a rough night of coughing and needed to catch up. Finally, this evening, she seems back to herself again. Lynne and I had Papa John's and stayed in. I heard rumors that there was peanut butter down at the deli. I ran down and grabbed the last jar. Yay for Skippy! I have this yummy bread from a local bakery (thanks, Fliss!) and the peanut butter was a perfect touch.

Enjoy the pictures! Our journey is winding down, and I'm missing home, but still enjoying absorbing Alice's home.

Bigger than outer space, Seth!

Day 10? Is it?

Here's a round of photos. In summary, we had our medical check here in Guangzhou. Alice did have a little fever and she seemed "off" a bit. She slept for many hours all afternoon and it was nice to sort of hole up in the room for the day. After a dose of Tylenol and some sleep, she's better, but still recovering a bit. We went to some trippy park. Gorgeous, lush landscaping with these tall character figurines. I felt like I stepped into a scene from Roger Rabbit. We ate, which was pretty darn good, then went back to the hotel via our bus guy. Alice napped, but I woke her up for the group shot. It's turned into a tradition to take a picture on one of the various red couches throughout the White Swan lobby. Alice is the cranky one that would not put on her traditional out fit. I don't blame her - wake me up and I'd get cranky too. It's soooo much less humid here. Lynne and I ventured out for a little shopping and some dinner at Lucy's. It was a really, really nice evening. We stopped for some ice cream at the 7/11, headed home and crashed. I had hoped that Alice would go to bed early since her nap was interupted, but, nahhh. The first night she put herself to bed in her crib. She's now preferring to sleep with me, which is good for bonding, but bad for me trying to sleep. She's a snuggly, yet squirmy thing, sort of like a certain Seth I know. I think Seth and Alice are going to have a blast this summer. It'll be nice to be home and have a big brother to help Jimbo and I chase her down and round her up. (The pic with the pretty woman is Candy our guide. It's been helpful to have her here to talk to Alice. She's bonding to us, but it's a good break for Alice's brain, I bet, to hear her language instead of our funny chatter.)

That's all for now. We're heading out to go to a Buddist temple for a blessing.

White Swan & Guangzhou Day 1

A few more pictures and off to bed I go.  - Auntie Lynne

Today we were Tired

We are now in Guangzhou at the famous White Swan hotel.  We arrived late last night after a short flight from Nanning, the city of motorcycles.  This is quite a change.  No motorbikes, they are outlawed here due to their use during thefts.  Our view is very nice, as we overlook the Pearl river from the 10th floor. 

Today, the group walked a couple blocks for a photo of the kids followed by their physical checkup and TB test (results in 2 days) for the US visas.  We found out that Alice had a low fever.  Candy (Fan), our guide, explained to the physicians that it was not really a fever, just that she was hot from the weather, so that went fine.  We walked back to the hotel, stopping at a 7-11 for a few items then met the group for lunch for another game of "what is it" at a restaurant across the street.  Gina gave Alice a bit of medicine for her fever.  I went out to check out the area while Alice fell asleep.  She slept until 6,  She is just not herself.  After another dose, she enjoyed the evening with a very short playtime in the hall with a couple other girls and just an easy night with me and Gina. 

Today I was in the room so enjoy overhearing a bit of a Skype session Gina had with Seth and Jim (their Friday eve).  Apparently Seth had a great time doing an Egg drop during the day.  I didn't hear if his egg survived, but I heard in his voice how much he enjoyed it.  So nice to hear the voices we know, especially when they are so happy.  Seth and Alice just look at each other while Gina does discusses things.  Occasionally Alice has something to say, or pushes a button that cuts them out, but it is great that they get to know each other while we have this long wait to return.  I'll post a few pics.  Thinking about you all, and missing Nanning already. - Auntie Lynne

 

 

 

Cuteness Alert! Squeek! Squeek!