In China
All Days  |  Previous Day  |  Next Day

Tuesday, January 6, 2009 Today our group met at 9:30 for a trip to the Guangzhou Zoo. Andrea and I were looking forward to this trip because the last time each of us had been in China, it was so hot, the animals became the afterthought, the main concern was not melting under the oppressive heat and humidity. On this day the weather was perfect for us, and evidently the animals as well. Many of the animals were out and if not actively doing something noteworthy, at least making it obvious that they were indeed alive. All the animals, on the backdrop of such a lovely zoo, made for a perfect picture taking scenario. But Cole had other ideas. Andrea had predicted that a trip to the zoo would be a great place to let her little whirling dervish get some of his energy out, and she couldn't have been more correct. In fact, Cole spent the entire two hours we were there running as fast and as far ahead as he could. Cole loved the fish most of all, which was the only hands-on exhibit, and the only time he really stopped running. Other than the fish, I don't think he noticed that there were any animals around us. Overall, the morning was quite a success, with the adults enjoying the weather and stunning scenery and the kids enjoying, well, just being kids. After the zoo our group went to a local dumpling restaurant. Lunch was what looked like a quesadilla, but was filled with fruit of some sort, shoestring potatoes, a vegetable that resembled leeks, dumplings (of course), a spicy beef dish and some delicious candied sweet potatoes. Everything was quite good, but the sweet potatoes were the favorite. Cole's favorite was the Sprite he got in his tea cup, who needs food when you can have fizzy, sugary goodness? Considering the morning was spent wearing the kids out, everyone did quite well at the restaurant. But on the bus ride back to the hotel Cole was getting tired. And after witnessing all the running he did at the zoo, we couldn't blame him. We arrived back on the Island and decided to stop by Starbucks for a treat, the first time since we've been here. Not surprisingly, it was delicious, and a much need caffeine jolt for the remainder of the afternoon. Cole went down quickly for his nap, tiger backpack in hand, and Andrea and I got to organizing our things, preparing for an evening of trying to finish up our 'to buy for' lists. Thankfully mine is much shorter than hers! Once Cole woke up we headed out and were quite successful in our search for the perfect gifts for our loved ones back home. Then we happened upon a local shop that was having a sale... never seen that before. In fact, due to the owner going away on holiday, they were selling everything for almost half of what the other shops were asking. I don't think I have to say it, but just in case you don't personally know me and my sister, we were in there for a while. We swung by 7-11 on our nightly walk home and Cole picked out his favorite snacks... one of his favorite things to do. He loves the Mint Tomato flavored Lays, his second favorite are Beef flavored Pringles. Yummy. Our nightly routine has become predictable in just the time we've been here: I work on the pictures and the blog, Andrea bathes Cole and then puts on Cole's favorite DVD, Teletubbies. In Chinese. Then we do our best to get to sleep before we fall over. It's been good. It is with great joy that I have witnessed the relationship between that little man and his new mama. Andrea and Cole are quite a pair. From the beginning he has taken to her, she IS mama. His foster mother must have discussed this with him at length, because it is not just something he has been taught. It is something he understands, deeply. Not to say he is not and will not continue to grieve in his own way for his foster family, but he clearly has a grasp on the fact that his future is with his new family, with his forever family. And he has taken to this new beginning with great enthusiasm. A true answer to prayer.

Website by myadoptionwebsite.com