N O V E
M B E R 1 - 2
Ni Hao!
(Hello) from the 18th floor of the beautiful
White Swan Hotel in Guangzhou, home away from home for
many families adopting from China. The hotel is
wonderful and our room overlooks the Pearl River.
There is a constant flow of boat traffic ranging from
barges and cargo ships to traditional one or two
person fishing boats. It is interesting to see the
mix of industrial growth and progress alongside the
symbols of ancient China.
For those not familiar with adoptions in China, all
families must come through Guangzhou as the US
Consulate is located here. We will obtain a US visa
for Elizabeth and take the US consulate oath. That
will be the last of a very long piece of red tape
prior to returning home with our new daughter.
The hotel is located on ShaMian Island which has a
definite European feeling. It is a stark contrast to
what we have just left.
Today, we walked about 10 minutes to the medical exam
required for Elizabeth before she can leave this
country. She passed with flying colors. So far, she
has been very healthy, with no medical issues and we
are very thankful!
After the exam, we strolled the quaint streets of
Shamian Island and enjoyed watching the daily
activities of the local population as they went about
their day. We saw many school children dressed in
uniforms and all the children seemed so disciplined
and mature beyond their age. We did notice, however,
that the majority of the children were boys. In fact,
in one group of pre-schoolers David counted only about
6 girls among about 15 boys. Some sources are
predicting that, if trends continue, in the not to
distant future, the ratio of boys to girls (of
marrying age) could be as high as 9 or 10 to 1.
In the afternoon, our agency required one parent to
attend a meeting in which they make sure all paperwork
for the US Consulate is correctly filled out. Dave
went, and I took Elizabeth back to the room for her
nap. She is such a good sleeper and deep sleeper.
Whew!!! (Yes Sheila Lane, I'm thinking about you!)
This evening we enjoyed a group dinner at a local Thai
Restaurant called the "Cow and Bridge". It was a nice
time of fellowship with the travel group that has been
with us since day 1. All the babies have really come
out of their shell and it's good to see how each baby
seems to be a perfect match to their new family. We
certainly think ours is!
Some of the families have had a stomach virus and as
we were leaving Hubei, our flight was delayed due to
mechanical trouble. I felt so sorry for the families
that were standing in the hot corridor waiting for the
OK to get on the plane with no seating and sick babies
or sick themselves. So far, we have dodged the nausea
bullet.
Once again our guides have been fantastic. Always
there and willing to help in any way. They are on call
24 hours a day if needed.
I have received several e-mails (I won't name names)
:) that the picture I posted earlier in our trip of
the "squat potty" was not representative enough of the
majority of squat potties in the public places of
China. So..., up to the challenge, we have tried to do
better. Here is our entry for the most 'realistic'
squat potty in Hubei Province. You will have to use
your imagination for the 'odor' part.
~Susan and Dave |
Arriving
at Guangzhou airport, helping Dad
with the luggage. She is a great traveler.
Photo for U.S. visa. You don't have
to work hard for a smile from her.
Panda-monium
Comprehensive Chinese audio evaluation
Two- and three-year olds headed for
preschool. Notice mostly boys.
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