Trip to China
Itinerary  |  October 27  |  October 28  |  October 29  |  Gotcha Day!  |  October 31  |  November 1  |  November 2  |  November 3  |  November 4  |  November 5  |  November 6  |  November 7

Sunday, November 5, 2006 Today was another great day! David went to a paperwork appointment this a.m. and we had a group dinner this evening (at a traditional CANTONESE restaurant), but other than that we had the day free to explore the island! Our day started off at the White Swan breakfast buffet. I had heard about this before, but it way beyond my expectations. Very, very good food. As has become habit, DJ and Carrigan filled up like it might be their last opportunity to eat for the day. Today, however it was not – we went to an American-style restaurant for lunch (Lucy’s Café) where they were able to get cheeseburgers and chicken tenders. Shamian Island (the part of Guangzhou where our hotel is located) is gorgeous!! It is very tropical. Palm trees are everywhere and there is a warm breeze (sorry folks back home!!!) The hotel itself is great, too. I will try to remember to post more pictures of the interior of the hotel tomorrow. It has a very Hawaiian feel too it. The island caters to the adoptive families (the American Consulate was located here up until a few months ago – the consulate moved 40 minutes away, but people still stay here because it is so nice). Everywhere you go (seriously – EVERYWHERE) there is a shop where you can find traditional Chinese clothes for the girls, jade pieces, porcelain, pearls, etc. (pretty much the stuff we already purchased after our “factory tours”). We did, however, purchase Miyah a traditional Chinese dress for her to wear tomorrow for the “Red Couch Photo”. This is another tradition among folks adopting Chinese children and staying at the White Swan. All of the girls will be placed on one of the red couches in the lobby for a photo. There will be the obligatory screaming children (of which I’m sure we’ll be a part) and major chaos. But its tradition and everyone does it – so I cannot wait to become a part of this custom! Another thing that is available here and not at home (at least not that I’ve seen) is Squeaky shoes. These are adorable!!! They squeak when the babies walk (similar to the ones we have at home that light up). Of course, we bought a few pair in various sizes and colors. Today Miyah also received her “Going Home” Barbie. Mattel provides this Barbie to each of the adoptive families staying at the White Swan. It is a typical blond Barbie with a Chinese baby. Miyah seemed pretty ticked off that I wouldn’t open it for her to play with – but the only way to get this Barbie is to adopt from the White Swan – so it will be placed alongside Carrigan’s Holiday Barbie collection from Aunt Cindy. At the end of the day, David arranged for a surprise cake for my birthday at the group dinner. I cannot believe what a great day I had. With the exception of having our extended families with me, I wouldn’t change a thing! Meg P.S. – Thanks so much, everyone, for all of your guestbook comments wishing me a Happy B-day!!

Look! I can stand now!!! White Swan Playroom Lunch At Lucy's American Style Cafe Looking at the Flowers

Once again, DJ got a little carried away

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