I can't believe it's over already in some ways and in many others we are ready to go home! It will be fun to introduce the rest of our family to their brother.
It has been a long day. Dave wasn't feeling that great this morning, but he is tough and bounced back and hung in there all day.
We had our Oath ceremony this afternoon. We met our guide and the other family at the White Swan to take a bus with many other families to the US Embassy. It was about a 30 minute drive, arrive at the Embassy and we registered very quickly, then waited about 10 minutes and we had our Oath - all as a group - and off we went.
The Consulate Officialy delivering the Oath was very nice and personable. He pointed out that Kentucky had the most families represented with 4!! Then he also recognized the kids with Birthday's this Month. Of course that was Aric. He was melting during most of the swearing and we had a hard time hearing (as did others around us) another family gave him crackers and that helped. The fact that we didn't get a nap in before hand probably didn't help.
The boys are crashed now and we are up early tomorrow to get ready eat and be ready to leave the hotel at 8:15. Preparing for the long travels ahead. We take a plane from Guangzhou to Beijing, then Beijing to Newark, and Newark to Nashville. Hoping the weather is ok!!! I called the kids after looking online to let them know they had a Snow Day today!! That was fun. :) Thanks Ashley for answering your phone so early. Love you guys!! Please keep us in your prayers once again for safe travels. After these next 3 planes - I really, really cannot think of any reason why I will get back on one again for awhile!!!
Bye for now! I will let you guys know when we get home safely and will add some pictures. The room here is dial up and I don't have the patience.
I had planned to go to the Starbucks but never made it there. It looks very nice!
Bye again!!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Safari Park
Today we started at 9:30 and off to the Safari Park Zoo - it was about a 30 minute drive over. The other family with our agency went too.
The first part we did on a small train and you ride through with the animals walking across the road - well the deer and the Non-Predatory animals. The others were not as accessibile. For that we were thankful.
The other part on foot, was fun! There were lots of really cool animals. There were 10 Pandas - one of which was 31 years old. There were a lot of White Tigers and we got to get our picture made with one. It was a baby and Dave took the picture, Aric did not want to be in it. He was very afraid of this animal. As I am holding the little tiger he starts growling. And even as small as he was the growl was intimidating.
Later we fed the Giraffes and some Squirrel Monkeys. We saw Koala Bears (although since they are nocturnal they were asleep.) They have twin Koala's which is rather unique!! I think Alex's favorite may have been the baby chimp and organtan. They were dressed in baby clothes and in a little glass enclosure. They were really cute. Aric still likes the Pandas. These Pandas were more lively than at the CQ zoo. Guess we caught them at a good time.
Alex was playing and running and fell down on his face!! He didn't get badly hurt but he scraped up his nose and knees. I will post pictures of our day and his poor little face.
The first part we did on a small train and you ride through with the animals walking across the road - well the deer and the Non-Predatory animals. The others were not as accessibile. For that we were thankful.
The other part on foot, was fun! There were lots of really cool animals. There were 10 Pandas - one of which was 31 years old. There were a lot of White Tigers and we got to get our picture made with one. It was a baby and Dave took the picture, Aric did not want to be in it. He was very afraid of this animal. As I am holding the little tiger he starts growling. And even as small as he was the growl was intimidating.
Later we fed the Giraffes and some Squirrel Monkeys. We saw Koala Bears (although since they are nocturnal they were asleep.) They have twin Koala's which is rather unique!! I think Alex's favorite may have been the baby chimp and organtan. They were dressed in baby clothes and in a little glass enclosure. They were really cute. Aric still likes the Pandas. These Pandas were more lively than at the CQ zoo. Guess we caught them at a good time.
Alex was playing and running and fell down on his face!! He didn't get badly hurt but he scraped up his nose and knees. I will post pictures of our day and his poor little face.
Sunday
Not too much - ha!
Actually we went shopping. We used Ann from Red Thread and went to a couple of the markets. She will do the negotiating for you. It was fun, but tiring!!
We went to one building that 5 levels of shoe shops, I like shoes but NOT that much. :)
It was fun and we went to Lucy's for dinner.
The boys got new shoes and Aric loved them - Red Crocs with Mickey Mouse - $7 USD Alex was asleep when we got those and when he woke up wanted some too. Now they have matching shoes.
Actually we went shopping. We used Ann from Red Thread and went to a couple of the markets. She will do the negotiating for you. It was fun, but tiring!!
We went to one building that 5 levels of shoe shops, I like shoes but NOT that much. :)
It was fun and we went to Lucy's for dinner.
The boys got new shoes and Aric loved them - Red Crocs with Mickey Mouse - $7 USD Alex was asleep when we got those and when he woke up wanted some too. Now they have matching shoes.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
First Full Day in Guangzhou
We love Shamian Island!!
The weather here is great, the buildings are beautiful and of course the people are very nice. Not as much staring here!
We completed all of the paperwork and did the Medical visit was a breeze. Weight,Height and a cursory glance and you are done.... We did realize that we don't have Aric's vaccination record and I would definitely like to have that.
We were given a lot of information from throughout his earlier years with pictures. That is awesome and we will have to have this translated.
We ate at a traditional Cantonese Chinese restaurant a few doors down from the hotel. This was an experience. When you walk in there are several tanks with Lobster, fist, Conch, Snail and at the far end there were 2 snakes in a tank and they were fighting and biting each other.
They seem to use every part of an animal - nothing goes to waste. I am an almost vegetarian as it is. If I think about what it is while/before I eat I can't eat it. Well small pigeons full size on the plate cooked. The whole pig - face and all. Duck whole..... We did try some different items, not to far out there.
Oh and they charge for tea for everyone at the table wether you drink tea or not. They also charge for napkins,which is a wet one indivually wrapped. And they served us a pickled vegetable dish and you get charged for this. Just an FYI for those traveling soon.
Lots of stores to shop at and we did a bit today. They are very nice, I don't like the haggling poriton of this. I was told by another Adoptive parent that if you go over the bridge into Guandong that the prices are cheaper than here. We have a free day tomorrow so we are going over the bridge!
We finished the day with a late dinner at Cow and Bridge - the menu is extensive! I was really enjoying my Spring Roll until I saw an unidentified piece of meat - I know I am a weirdo about it, but I didn't and don't know what it was. Oh well....
Off to bed soon, gotta get the boys down.
Sorry I couldn't post what I got - they are Christmas presents - right kids?? :)
The weather here is great, the buildings are beautiful and of course the people are very nice. Not as much staring here!
We completed all of the paperwork and did the Medical visit was a breeze. Weight,Height and a cursory glance and you are done.... We did realize that we don't have Aric's vaccination record and I would definitely like to have that.
We were given a lot of information from throughout his earlier years with pictures. That is awesome and we will have to have this translated.
We ate at a traditional Cantonese Chinese restaurant a few doors down from the hotel. This was an experience. When you walk in there are several tanks with Lobster, fist, Conch, Snail and at the far end there were 2 snakes in a tank and they were fighting and biting each other.
They seem to use every part of an animal - nothing goes to waste. I am an almost vegetarian as it is. If I think about what it is while/before I eat I can't eat it. Well small pigeons full size on the plate cooked. The whole pig - face and all. Duck whole..... We did try some different items, not to far out there.
Oh and they charge for tea for everyone at the table wether you drink tea or not. They also charge for napkins,which is a wet one indivually wrapped. And they served us a pickled vegetable dish and you get charged for this. Just an FYI for those traveling soon.
Lots of stores to shop at and we did a bit today. They are very nice, I don't like the haggling poriton of this. I was told by another Adoptive parent that if you go over the bridge into Guandong that the prices are cheaper than here. We have a free day tomorrow so we are going over the bridge!
We finished the day with a late dinner at Cow and Bridge - the menu is extensive! I was really enjoying my Spring Roll until I saw an unidentified piece of meat - I know I am a weirdo about it, but I didn't and don't know what it was. Oh well....
Off to bed soon, gotta get the boys down.
Sorry I couldn't post what I got - they are Christmas presents - right kids?? :)
Friday, December 12, 2008
Guangzhou travel day
Well another Ground Hog day here in Chongqing. Breakfast went better than it has. Aric actually will cry out if you don't get him his food fast enough and he will eat off other's plates - those two things had improved by the end today. Yea!
We got his passport and a picture album from CAB. Had to make a quick run to the grocery store for some more "jellies" a candy that they both love and we are hoping to bring some back for the other kiddos.
We had a quick bite to eat after going thru security. (thomas the tank always requires a second run thru security) We ate at a place called Flavor Tang. We had to point at the pictures cause of course we can't read Chinese and they don't speak English that well. We both chose well!!
The flight was a little turbulent but really not bad. We met our new guide and off to Shamian Island and the Victory. We love this area - it is so beautiful and also love the room. It is big. :)
We walked to Lucy's and ate dinner outside - it was wonderful.
Getting ready to go to meet for the Medical Checkup and Visa.
We got his passport and a picture album from CAB. Had to make a quick run to the grocery store for some more "jellies" a candy that they both love and we are hoping to bring some back for the other kiddos.
We had a quick bite to eat after going thru security. (thomas the tank always requires a second run thru security) We ate at a place called Flavor Tang. We had to point at the pictures cause of course we can't read Chinese and they don't speak English that well. We both chose well!!
The flight was a little turbulent but really not bad. We met our new guide and off to Shamian Island and the Victory. We love this area - it is so beautiful and also love the room. It is big. :)
We walked to Lucy's and ate dinner outside - it was wonderful.
Getting ready to go to meet for the Medical Checkup and Visa.
Chongqing Zoo
Today we went to the zoo. The boys really like this adventure!
Our guide asked Aric if he had ever been before and he said no.
Aric's favorite is the Panda - we learned that thru the guide. I'll have to say the language barrier is difficult. I really wish we could understand all his excited ramblings. It was nice when there was someone to translate for us.
Alex's favorite was the giraffes. It was a unique set up where there was glass and the could go inside and out but you could really see them close up. There was also Hippo's a Mom and baby. Boy those are big animals.
We tried to get the kids back so we can get them on a "schedule" of sorts. Then after they napped we went out and about. It is interesting just to walk around here.
The driving is crazy, traffic signals are next to non-existant, and people just walk in between the moving cars and there is a lot of beeping of horns.
Our room was hot most of the time and this is not even the hot season. We are staying at the Marriott and it is a very nice hotel, but NO air conditioning. UGH! So we opened the window and outside our window they are doing construction and this one machine that is very annoying goes on alllll daaay long and alll night long. Literally it didn't stop until after midnight. There is a lot of smog in this city of 30 million people. This city is the size of Beijing and Shanghai combined. LOTS of people.
So with the window open I had terrible allergies and there is lots of cigarette smoke everywhere. Wah!! I miss clean air for sure.
Looking forward to going to Guangzhou with it's wonderful temperatures and sunshine.
Oh yeah - very little in the way of sunshine here. It is grey.
Our guide asked Aric if he had ever been before and he said no.
Aric's favorite is the Panda - we learned that thru the guide. I'll have to say the language barrier is difficult. I really wish we could understand all his excited ramblings. It was nice when there was someone to translate for us.
Alex's favorite was the giraffes. It was a unique set up where there was glass and the could go inside and out but you could really see them close up. There was also Hippo's a Mom and baby. Boy those are big animals.
We tried to get the kids back so we can get them on a "schedule" of sorts. Then after they napped we went out and about. It is interesting just to walk around here.
The driving is crazy, traffic signals are next to non-existant, and people just walk in between the moving cars and there is a lot of beeping of horns.
Our room was hot most of the time and this is not even the hot season. We are staying at the Marriott and it is a very nice hotel, but NO air conditioning. UGH! So we opened the window and outside our window they are doing construction and this one machine that is very annoying goes on alllll daaay long and alll night long. Literally it didn't stop until after midnight. There is a lot of smog in this city of 30 million people. This city is the size of Beijing and Shanghai combined. LOTS of people.
So with the window open I had terrible allergies and there is lots of cigarette smoke everywhere. Wah!! I miss clean air for sure.
Looking forward to going to Guangzhou with it's wonderful temperatures and sunshine.
Oh yeah - very little in the way of sunshine here. It is grey.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
About the pics
The one picture is just of a guy we saw -which you see a lot of here - carrying something in that manner.
I would have loved to have gotten pictures of the little kids, about 1 - 2 years old with their split pants. They are being potty trained and go potty at the trees and grates. Yeah...
They say that Chongqing has the nickname "Foggy City" it starts gray and ends gray. LOL
The one of the boys in the car.
Then us on the Rope Bridge - if you look closely it has braiding on the sides like a rope. While we were on the bridge our guide tell us the bridge is 300 years old. :)
Also at the park, we didn't get pictures of this, but we heard music and asked about it. There were people singing Karaoke under a shelter in the park. They were playing music with a keyboardist and It wasn't exactly American style Karaoke. There were people dancing while she sang. According to our guide it is really big here!!
I would have loved to have gotten pictures of the little kids, about 1 - 2 years old with their split pants. They are being potty trained and go potty at the trees and grates. Yeah...
They say that Chongqing has the nickname "Foggy City" it starts gray and ends gray. LOL
The one of the boys in the car.
Then us on the Rope Bridge - if you look closely it has braiding on the sides like a rope. While we were on the bridge our guide tell us the bridge is 300 years old. :)
Also at the park, we didn't get pictures of this, but we heard music and asked about it. There were people singing Karaoke under a shelter in the park. They were playing music with a keyboardist and It wasn't exactly American style Karaoke. There were people dancing while she sang. According to our guide it is really big here!!
Elgin Park
Hi all,
Sorry it's been awhile. These 2 guys are a lot to keep up with. :)
Yesterday we went to Elgin Park and I believe it is the highest point in the city. It was fun, there were little cars that the boys could drive and they had a blast. We had some people walk up to us (they stare quite a bit!!!) because our guide was with us. They were very nice and told us how lucky we were to have 2 boys.
We also went to a Tea House and participated in a tea ceremony. We weren't sure how the boys would do but they did well. The lady conducting the Tea Ceremony was very nice and funny and interacted with the boys well. He Jin was really into the Chocolate tea biscuits they served, he grabbed all of those in his hand right away. Everyone there was very nice and just kept serving him more.
We went to McDonalds and I ordered a Chicken Sandwich - it was way too hot to eat. The fries and coke were the same. I ordered Diet but oh well. Aric ate one bite of fry and spit that back out. He didn't like those. Or anything else - of course I think he was full of tea biscuits.
Later we went swimming and Alex and Aric had a blast.
We are off to breakfast soon, it feels a bit like GroundHog Day. While it's nice in some respects we are really tired of being in a hotel room.
Off to post pictures.
Sorry it's been awhile. These 2 guys are a lot to keep up with. :)
Yesterday we went to Elgin Park and I believe it is the highest point in the city. It was fun, there were little cars that the boys could drive and they had a blast. We had some people walk up to us (they stare quite a bit!!!) because our guide was with us. They were very nice and told us how lucky we were to have 2 boys.
We also went to a Tea House and participated in a tea ceremony. We weren't sure how the boys would do but they did well. The lady conducting the Tea Ceremony was very nice and funny and interacted with the boys well. He Jin was really into the Chocolate tea biscuits they served, he grabbed all of those in his hand right away. Everyone there was very nice and just kept serving him more.
We went to McDonalds and I ordered a Chicken Sandwich - it was way too hot to eat. The fries and coke were the same. I ordered Diet but oh well. Aric ate one bite of fry and spit that back out. He didn't like those. Or anything else - of course I think he was full of tea biscuits.
Later we went swimming and Alex and Aric had a blast.
We are off to breakfast soon, it feels a bit like GroundHog Day. While it's nice in some respects we are really tired of being in a hotel room.
Off to post pictures.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Civil Affairs Bureau
Today was spent taking care of the necessary paperwork and going to the CAB to complete our adoption and take our oath.
Dave and our guide went to the bank to exchange money and while they were I called the kids via iChat back home. I knew they wanted to see Aric more. Well he and Alex put on a show for them and it was a lot of sibling rivalry. Not sure what the other kids thought about that!!
Then on to the CAB, it was a 20 minute ride. I don't think Dave and I will stop being amazed at the traffic and how there are not lots more accidents! It would cause serious road rage back home. They don't get upset here, or don't seem too. And you wouldn't want to drive without your horn. Our guide is an excellent driver and I think he takes it easy with us in the car. :)
When we arrived at the CAB, it is a new office and very modern. There was another couple ahead of us. It went fairly quickly, thankfully so cause with no naps the boys were not great "waiters." They did excellent though. Alex had a couple of melt downs cause Aric wanted to sit in my lap. After he noticed it made Di Di cry, he was laughing. He is mischevious.
The Assistant Director from the Orphanage came as part of the process. Aric looked very confused, but not too upset. She wanted to take a picture with him and he was reluctant about that part.
We took a family picture, then we processed the paper work, then another picture of us taking the oath. Aric loved the attention and Baba holding him. We had to do fingerprints and he liked that part a lot too.
We will get his passport on Friday before we leave along with the pictures.
We have some pictures and I will be uploading them soon. :)
Dave and our guide went to the bank to exchange money and while they were I called the kids via iChat back home. I knew they wanted to see Aric more. Well he and Alex put on a show for them and it was a lot of sibling rivalry. Not sure what the other kids thought about that!!
Then on to the CAB, it was a 20 minute ride. I don't think Dave and I will stop being amazed at the traffic and how there are not lots more accidents! It would cause serious road rage back home. They don't get upset here, or don't seem too. And you wouldn't want to drive without your horn. Our guide is an excellent driver and I think he takes it easy with us in the car. :)
When we arrived at the CAB, it is a new office and very modern. There was another couple ahead of us. It went fairly quickly, thankfully so cause with no naps the boys were not great "waiters." They did excellent though. Alex had a couple of melt downs cause Aric wanted to sit in my lap. After he noticed it made Di Di cry, he was laughing. He is mischevious.
The Assistant Director from the Orphanage came as part of the process. Aric looked very confused, but not too upset. She wanted to take a picture with him and he was reluctant about that part.
We took a family picture, then we processed the paper work, then another picture of us taking the oath. Aric loved the attention and Baba holding him. We had to do fingerprints and he liked that part a lot too.
We will get his passport on Friday before we leave along with the pictures.
We have some pictures and I will be uploading them soon. :)
Monday, December 8, 2008
Aric (He Jin) is with us!! :)
Sorry again on not posting pictures I will try again tonight.
We went to the SWI (orphanage) to pick up Aric, It was about a 40 minute drive and we got to see lots of the city which was nice. Alex fell asleep on the way over - he has jet lag and he is not the only one.
The SWI is a large place and very clean. We waited with Michael (our guide) until the Assistant Director came to accompany us inside. She is young and very nice. We went in the door of the building, up one flight of stairs and standing right outside the door with both of his Nannies was Aric. He was not looking very happy either.
We were very surprised to see how big he is! I think a lot had to do with the clothing he had on. Which we really didn't understand until later. His Nannies were talking to him and he had his Photo Book with all of our pictures in it. We knew this wasn't going to be easy. After a bit of cajoling by the nannies to look at us or talk to us - he would have nothing to do with us. And yesterday it seems he fell out of his bed and hurt his arm. :( It seems he likes to crawl out of his bed.
There were lots of other kiddos walking around. And Alex decided to share his Smarties candy with everyone - he was very popular. LOL He made himself right at home and started riding one of the little car toys they had.
We moved into Aric's room right across the hall and his bed was easy to spot because it had the red pillow we sent him.
We gave our gifts and also had brought some snacks for the kids. One of the Nannies got Aric and Alex a bag. That didn't quite soothe Aric either. We had already tried suckers, toys and everything else in his backpack.
When it was time to leave, our poor little (big) boy was grieving and didn't want to go. He cried and said no. The nannies walked us out and put him in the car with us and I got the brunt of his anger and confusion.
He was completely silent on the trip back to the hotel, our guide told him we were going to hotel and play and he calmed down. He fought going to sleep on the way back. And he was guarded once we got here.
But soon after getting back, he took out his book and showed us Baba and pointed to Dave and then Mama and pointed to me.
He LOVES to eat and we have had to put away all the food - every time he sees something he wants to eat or have it. This is to be expected I guess. We are learning. :)
He is in a great mood, he and Alex are starting to play together. He Jin (said Ho Jin) shares and now is into everything. We are going to decrease the sugar. I REALLY wish we could understand what he was saying he talks a lot now. He told me the numbers on the clock, which he got correct!! He seems very smart.
WE are going to have noodles in the room tonight and try to upload some pictures.
We went to the SWI (orphanage) to pick up Aric, It was about a 40 minute drive and we got to see lots of the city which was nice. Alex fell asleep on the way over - he has jet lag and he is not the only one.
The SWI is a large place and very clean. We waited with Michael (our guide) until the Assistant Director came to accompany us inside. She is young and very nice. We went in the door of the building, up one flight of stairs and standing right outside the door with both of his Nannies was Aric. He was not looking very happy either.
We were very surprised to see how big he is! I think a lot had to do with the clothing he had on. Which we really didn't understand until later. His Nannies were talking to him and he had his Photo Book with all of our pictures in it. We knew this wasn't going to be easy. After a bit of cajoling by the nannies to look at us or talk to us - he would have nothing to do with us. And yesterday it seems he fell out of his bed and hurt his arm. :( It seems he likes to crawl out of his bed.
There were lots of other kiddos walking around. And Alex decided to share his Smarties candy with everyone - he was very popular. LOL He made himself right at home and started riding one of the little car toys they had.
We moved into Aric's room right across the hall and his bed was easy to spot because it had the red pillow we sent him.
We gave our gifts and also had brought some snacks for the kids. One of the Nannies got Aric and Alex a bag. That didn't quite soothe Aric either. We had already tried suckers, toys and everything else in his backpack.
When it was time to leave, our poor little (big) boy was grieving and didn't want to go. He cried and said no. The nannies walked us out and put him in the car with us and I got the brunt of his anger and confusion.
He was completely silent on the trip back to the hotel, our guide told him we were going to hotel and play and he calmed down. He fought going to sleep on the way back. And he was guarded once we got here.
But soon after getting back, he took out his book and showed us Baba and pointed to Dave and then Mama and pointed to me.
He LOVES to eat and we have had to put away all the food - every time he sees something he wants to eat or have it. This is to be expected I guess. We are learning. :)
He is in a great mood, he and Alex are starting to play together. He Jin (said Ho Jin) shares and now is into everything. We are going to decrease the sugar. I REALLY wish we could understand what he was saying he talks a lot now. He told me the numbers on the clock, which he got correct!! He seems very smart.
WE are going to have noodles in the room tonight and try to upload some pictures.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
One more thing
I was surprised to find out that we will be getting Aric (Jin Jin) at the orphanage today!!
After talking with other CQ families we thought it was standard to go to the Civil Affairs Bureau, but Michael says that we will go there today.
That is different than I was thinking.
Rolling with it!
We are meeting in the hotel lobby at 9:00 to leave for pick up and he said that it would take 40 minutes to an hour because of traffic. Oh yeah - traffic laws and driving is so very different. I try just to close my eyes. Alex is enjoying his freedom out of his car seat. Lots of Audi's, VW's here.
Till later
After talking with other CQ families we thought it was standard to go to the Civil Affairs Bureau, but Michael says that we will go there today.
That is different than I was thinking.
Rolling with it!
We are meeting in the hotel lobby at 9:00 to leave for pick up and he said that it would take 40 minutes to an hour because of traffic. Oh yeah - traffic laws and driving is so very different. I try just to close my eyes. Alex is enjoying his freedom out of his car seat. Lots of Audi's, VW's here.
Till later
Hi from Chongqing!
We are Here!! And today is the day!!! How could we sleep anyway?
Sorry about the delay in posting, just got the internet figured out.
Hoping to get the adapter/converter (called a transformer by our hotel staff) figured out.
It is 6:20 or so here and we woke up, actually Alex woke up, at around 5:00 am. And once awake we couldn't seem to go back to sleep. :( Of course this is an improvement from last night's sleep, Alex woke up twice, the first time he went back to sleep and the second at around 3:00 we were just up.
The flights here were interesting! The first flight from Newark to Nashville was on a smaller than I like plane. Mostly everyone on it was surprised as there was hardly anywhere to put your bags the overhead compartments were very limited. The descent was really hard on Alex, I tried gum and drinking but he was not really having it. He gave me back the gum as though it made it worse.
He continued to flick his ear and I suspect an ear infection. :( Since he already has runny nose and cough.
The big plane ride was great. It wasn't as bad as I thought. I really like the bigger planes a lot better. We didn't do as much sleeping as we would all have liked, Alex was awesome and fell asleep for about 2 - 3 hours.
Thank you all so much for praying for our safe journey!! We couldn't have asked for better.
Beijing was great - the Rosedale Hotel was very nice! I hope to post pictures soon. It was beautifully decorated for Christmas and everyone there was so nice.
We saw the newer terminal 3 that was just built in Beijing and that was really nice and new. The weight on domestic flights - somehow I missed this is a total of all bags. You are allowed 20 kilos per person - so ours for 3 people was well under weight.
When we got to Chongqing (that flight was 2hours 15 minutes was uneventful!) Michael was there waiting for us and has been great! Chongqing is a beautiful city and looking out of our 28th story hotel window looks a lot like staying in Times Square. They do turn off all the lights at some point - not that I was up to see when. The lights on some of the buildings change colors too. It is a really fascinating city - there is a green interspersed in the city still -that was surprising. Hoping to be able to upload pictures to show you soon.
We went to the grocery store which was truly an experience. I remember reading on someone's blog about how there are so many people that work at the grocery stores and are there to help you. They are literally at the end of every aisle if not more.
Customer service is big here!! We ate dinner after we took a nap. (I think passed out was more like it, at least for Al & I!!)
We ate here in the hotel at a Japanese restaraunt - the food was great.
Going to get ready for the BIG day!!
Joy :)
Sorry about the delay in posting, just got the internet figured out.
Hoping to get the adapter/converter (called a transformer by our hotel staff) figured out.
It is 6:20 or so here and we woke up, actually Alex woke up, at around 5:00 am. And once awake we couldn't seem to go back to sleep. :( Of course this is an improvement from last night's sleep, Alex woke up twice, the first time he went back to sleep and the second at around 3:00 we were just up.
The flights here were interesting! The first flight from Newark to Nashville was on a smaller than I like plane. Mostly everyone on it was surprised as there was hardly anywhere to put your bags the overhead compartments were very limited. The descent was really hard on Alex, I tried gum and drinking but he was not really having it. He gave me back the gum as though it made it worse.
He continued to flick his ear and I suspect an ear infection. :( Since he already has runny nose and cough.
The big plane ride was great. It wasn't as bad as I thought. I really like the bigger planes a lot better. We didn't do as much sleeping as we would all have liked, Alex was awesome and fell asleep for about 2 - 3 hours.
Thank you all so much for praying for our safe journey!! We couldn't have asked for better.
Beijing was great - the Rosedale Hotel was very nice! I hope to post pictures soon. It was beautifully decorated for Christmas and everyone there was so nice.
We saw the newer terminal 3 that was just built in Beijing and that was really nice and new. The weight on domestic flights - somehow I missed this is a total of all bags. You are allowed 20 kilos per person - so ours for 3 people was well under weight.
When we got to Chongqing (that flight was 2hours 15 minutes was uneventful!) Michael was there waiting for us and has been great! Chongqing is a beautiful city and looking out of our 28th story hotel window looks a lot like staying in Times Square. They do turn off all the lights at some point - not that I was up to see when. The lights on some of the buildings change colors too. It is a really fascinating city - there is a green interspersed in the city still -that was surprising. Hoping to be able to upload pictures to show you soon.
We went to the grocery store which was truly an experience. I remember reading on someone's blog about how there are so many people that work at the grocery stores and are there to help you. They are literally at the end of every aisle if not more.
Customer service is big here!! We ate dinner after we took a nap. (I think passed out was more like it, at least for Al & I!!)
We ate here in the hotel at a Japanese restaraunt - the food was great.
Going to get ready for the BIG day!!
Joy :)
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Safe Arrival!!
Mom, Dave, and Alex made it safely to China!!!
They had no problems with the flight and had very good travels!
Posting pics of Aric's mural on the walls in his room!
They had no problems with the flight and had very good travels!
Posting pics of Aric's mural on the walls in his room!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Prayer Request
I would like to ask for your prayers for safe and uneventful travel. :)
Not a good flyer - not that I am rude to the airline staff - I get motion sickness and have quite a fear of flying!
In my Daily devotional book I skipped ahead to our travel date to look and see what the verse was for that day and guess what the verse is?! "Do Not Be Afraid. I am the First and the Last." (Revelation 1:17) That truly instilled me with so much peace!! But then I read about another Mom (not to China) her awful flight and well.....
Rereading this verse now really helps and makes me feel stronger. Fear is an irrational emotion and I have heard all of the statistics about how much safer flying is. I am weak and only human. My goal is to give it up and give it over to God - this is what it's all about.
Lord, help me to keep on trusting you and your word daily. (prayer from devotional book!)
We would still wish for your prayers!!
Thank you so much!!
Joy :)
Not a good flyer - not that I am rude to the airline staff - I get motion sickness and have quite a fear of flying!
In my Daily devotional book I skipped ahead to our travel date to look and see what the verse was for that day and guess what the verse is?! "Do Not Be Afraid. I am the First and the Last." (Revelation 1:17) That truly instilled me with so much peace!! But then I read about another Mom (not to China) her awful flight and well.....
Rereading this verse now really helps and makes me feel stronger. Fear is an irrational emotion and I have heard all of the statistics about how much safer flying is. I am weak and only human. My goal is to give it up and give it over to God - this is what it's all about.
Lord, help me to keep on trusting you and your word daily. (prayer from devotional book!)
We would still wish for your prayers!!
Thank you so much!!
Joy :)
Time to Go!!
We are finishing up last minute details and as much planning as we did early on, we are still running around like mad people.
Aric's room is being painted right now - and we are having a mural painted. Our wonderful friends' VERY talented Mother is doing the mural. Alex and Aric share a room and on Alex's side there is a mural previously painted of Guatemala. Now Aric's is of China. I haven't looked in a bit, but she painted Panda Bears with bamboo, a village in Chongqing, and the Great Wall. Austin just told me she saw it and Barb has put a Happy Chinese (New Year) Dragon on the wall too. I can't wait to run up there and see it. Maybe I can convince one of the kids to put a picture of it on the blog.
Well I guess this is my last post before China.
We will be leaving soon to spend the night in Nashville so we can easily catch that 6:45am flight out to Newark.
Please pray for our safe travels and Aric's transistion as he is leaving everything he has ever known.
If you are following, please post comments so I know you are here!!! :)
Aric's room is being painted right now - and we are having a mural painted. Our wonderful friends' VERY talented Mother is doing the mural. Alex and Aric share a room and on Alex's side there is a mural previously painted of Guatemala. Now Aric's is of China. I haven't looked in a bit, but she painted Panda Bears with bamboo, a village in Chongqing, and the Great Wall. Austin just told me she saw it and Barb has put a Happy Chinese (New Year) Dragon on the wall too. I can't wait to run up there and see it. Maybe I can convince one of the kids to put a picture of it on the blog.
Well I guess this is my last post before China.
We will be leaving soon to spend the night in Nashville so we can easily catch that 6:45am flight out to Newark.
Please pray for our safe travels and Aric's transistion as he is leaving everything he has ever known.
If you are following, please post comments so I know you are here!!! :)
Thursday, November 27, 2008
China Itinerary
Well....
The flight arrangements have been made. We leave Friday 12/5 from Nashville at 6:45am (on one of the smaller planes I REALLY don't like!!) 2 hours to Newark and then we leave at 11:15 direct to Beijing, China!! We are spending the night there and leaving the next morning to go straight to Chongqing - at 11:25 arriving in at 2:00. (Beijing will probably be on the cooler side and Chongqing is in the 50's)
Once in Chongqing we are staying at the Marriot and you should google it, quite a tall and nice looking hotel. I guess we will get our selves settled, get our Nanny gifts ready, eat, play in the pool and sleep!
Monday afternoon we get to meet Aric!! Right now I am thinking that between Saturday when we arrive in Beijing and ESPECIALLY once we are in HIS city and so very close, it will drive me nuts to not actually have him with us. We meet him at the Civil Affairs Building and this is not open on Sunday.
Tuesday we do some paperwork. Hoping that doesn't take all day!! Then we will have some free time to play with boys and get to know Aric. Hopefully he will allow me to kiss those cheeks.
Wednesday we are going to two different parks in Chongqing - hoping that the weather is good for that day. As it rains a lot in Chongqing. Even though right now is the LEAST precipitation time of the year. It still rains quite a bit.
Thursday we will visit the local zoo (they have Pandas!)
Friday visit Old Town Chongqing and then fly to Guangzhou, China at around 5:00pm arriving at around 7:15. GZ sounds nice the weather there is supposed to be fairly warm and sunny. Woo Hoo!!
Saturday we will take Aric to have his Visa photo taken and his Medical Check up.
Sunday - Church at 10:30 and the Safari Park in the afternoon
Monday - Guide goes to US consulate to take our paperwork
Tuesday we go to US Consulate to take our Oath!
Wednesday - leave GZ to Beijing - Newark and then HOME!!
The flight arrangements have been made. We leave Friday 12/5 from Nashville at 6:45am (on one of the smaller planes I REALLY don't like!!) 2 hours to Newark and then we leave at 11:15 direct to Beijing, China!! We are spending the night there and leaving the next morning to go straight to Chongqing - at 11:25 arriving in at 2:00. (Beijing will probably be on the cooler side and Chongqing is in the 50's)
Once in Chongqing we are staying at the Marriot and you should google it, quite a tall and nice looking hotel. I guess we will get our selves settled, get our Nanny gifts ready, eat, play in the pool and sleep!
Monday afternoon we get to meet Aric!! Right now I am thinking that between Saturday when we arrive in Beijing and ESPECIALLY once we are in HIS city and so very close, it will drive me nuts to not actually have him with us. We meet him at the Civil Affairs Building and this is not open on Sunday.
Tuesday we do some paperwork. Hoping that doesn't take all day!! Then we will have some free time to play with boys and get to know Aric. Hopefully he will allow me to kiss those cheeks.
Wednesday we are going to two different parks in Chongqing - hoping that the weather is good for that day. As it rains a lot in Chongqing. Even though right now is the LEAST precipitation time of the year. It still rains quite a bit.
Thursday we will visit the local zoo (they have Pandas!)
Friday visit Old Town Chongqing and then fly to Guangzhou, China at around 5:00pm arriving at around 7:15. GZ sounds nice the weather there is supposed to be fairly warm and sunny. Woo Hoo!!
Saturday we will take Aric to have his Visa photo taken and his Medical Check up.
Sunday - Church at 10:30 and the Safari Park in the afternoon
Monday - Guide goes to US consulate to take our paperwork
Tuesday we go to US Consulate to take our Oath!
Wednesday - leave GZ to Beijing - Newark and then HOME!!
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