Tuesday, October 31, 2006
October 31
Today we arrived in Guangzhou. We are so tired! We are staying at The Victory Hotel and it is so beautiful. As we left Chongqing, we picked up Natalie's Chinese passport. We also, for the first time, flew in First Class. Man, that's a good way to feel spoiled. Other than that, not much happened.
October 30
Today was relaxing. Karen, Karen K., Christine & Brig, and Ally went shopping and everyone but Brig and I had foot massages. I stayed back, relaxed and hung out with three beautiful girls (Rachel (7), her sister Katey Bing, and of course Natalie).
After everyone else returned and got "their wind," we all went to a restaraunt and tried a local favorite, "Hot Pot." "Hot Pot" is much like fondue, except everyone at your table would cook their food in the boiling soup or the hot (spicey) soup. There were several selections ranging from beef, chicken, shrimp and vegetables to things I didn't know what they were. It was quite tasty and the spicey was HOT. There was also "Vegas-styled" entertainment going on while we were eating. We all swear we heard the theme song to the old "Bonanza" show going on in the back ground.
After dinner, we returned to our rooms and packed for our next leg of our trip (Guangzhou). When we arrive in Guangzhou, we will be there until Saturday morning and then we will return home.
After everyone else returned and got "their wind," we all went to a restaraunt and tried a local favorite, "Hot Pot." "Hot Pot" is much like fondue, except everyone at your table would cook their food in the boiling soup or the hot (spicey) soup. There were several selections ranging from beef, chicken, shrimp and vegetables to things I didn't know what they were. It was quite tasty and the spicey was HOT. There was also "Vegas-styled" entertainment going on while we were eating. We all swear we heard the theme song to the old "Bonanza" show going on in the back ground.
After dinner, we returned to our rooms and packed for our next leg of our trip (Guangzhou). When we arrive in Guangzhou, we will be there until Saturday morning and then we will return home.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Sunday, October 29, 2006
October 29
Today was another good day. Natalie wasn't quite as fussy today (as long as she was with Karen). She did have trouble sleeping.
In the morning, we went shopping. We went out looking for extra luggage for the flight home and some more clothes, bottles and such for Natalie. It seems she won't eat out of an American baby bottle. Because once we switched her over to a Chinese baby bottle she drank like crazy.
I think it's because the Chinese add rice cereal to their formula and gets to thick or doesn't totally dissolve. Then it doesn't flow through the nipples of the American bottle nipples. One of the bottles we bought, which she loves, has a small filter between the lid and the bottle. The filter is plastic and looks quite a bit like the old metal filters in the older coffee pots or percalators in the states. OK, having bored everyone with the intricicies of Chinese baby bottles, on to the fun stuff.
In the evening, we went and watched the Chongqing Opera. It was very fascinating. It was outoors, with a second-story stage, tables set up to drink tea and watch. The audience area was set up around the stage like an old Shakespearean stage.
They had a couple of skits, some amazing dancing, beautiful costumes, a contortionest that did this really amazing things with a burning candle-type lamp on his head and they did this dance were the main dancers did this amazing mask-changing act that was hard to fathom how quickly they changed their masks.
In the morning, we went shopping. We went out looking for extra luggage for the flight home and some more clothes, bottles and such for Natalie. It seems she won't eat out of an American baby bottle. Because once we switched her over to a Chinese baby bottle she drank like crazy.
I think it's because the Chinese add rice cereal to their formula and gets to thick or doesn't totally dissolve. Then it doesn't flow through the nipples of the American bottle nipples. One of the bottles we bought, which she loves, has a small filter between the lid and the bottle. The filter is plastic and looks quite a bit like the old metal filters in the older coffee pots or percalators in the states. OK, having bored everyone with the intricicies of Chinese baby bottles, on to the fun stuff.
In the evening, we went and watched the Chongqing Opera. It was very fascinating. It was outoors, with a second-story stage, tables set up to drink tea and watch. The audience area was set up around the stage like an old Shakespearean stage.
They had a couple of skits, some amazing dancing, beautiful costumes, a contortionest that did this really amazing things with a burning candle-type lamp on his head and they did this dance were the main dancers did this amazing mask-changing act that was hard to fathom how quickly they changed their masks.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
October 28
Today, we toured the General Stillwell museum. This museum is also known as the Flying Tiger museum. The Flying Tigers were a group of American and Chinese fighter pilots that fought together against the Japanese during WWII. The museum had an exhibit of WWII military furnishings, several photos and quite a bit of information on signs along the walls. Because of the history involved, it was quite fascinating.
Then, we toured Chongqing's "Old Town." "Old Town" is an area of Chongqing that was much like Beijing's hutong area. It was made up of narrow streets that you were only able to get along on by foot. It was made up of older one-story buildings and quite a few little shops that you could buy almost anything and eat almost anything. It was very crowded. This was unnerving for me because I'm uncomfortable in crowds. But it was fun and Karen did bargain some good deals on clothes for Natalie. We all drew quite a bit of attention with our new babies from the local people in the "Old Town" area.
For lunch, we sampled more of the local cuisine and for dinner we enjoyed an American styled steak dinner in one of our hotel's restaraunts. Natalie also was very fussy and grumpy at times. But, hey what baby or toddler never is. She was also very cute most of the time.
Then, we toured Chongqing's "Old Town." "Old Town" is an area of Chongqing that was much like Beijing's hutong area. It was made up of narrow streets that you were only able to get along on by foot. It was made up of older one-story buildings and quite a few little shops that you could buy almost anything and eat almost anything. It was very crowded. This was unnerving for me because I'm uncomfortable in crowds. But it was fun and Karen did bargain some good deals on clothes for Natalie. We all drew quite a bit of attention with our new babies from the local people in the "Old Town" area.
For lunch, we sampled more of the local cuisine and for dinner we enjoyed an American styled steak dinner in one of our hotel's restaraunts. Natalie also was very fussy and grumpy at times. But, hey what baby or toddler never is. She was also very cute most of the time.
Friday, October 27, 2006
October 27
Today was much more eventful than yesterday. We (our travel group) left out at 9:00 in the morning to tour Eling Park and The Chongqing Zoo. Afterwards, we went out to eat lunch and then went to the local Super WalMart to get bottled water, snacks and various other things for our babies.
Eling Park was beautiful. It had quite a few beautiful flowers and trees. There were wonderful views looking down into the city as well. Karen, also, bought two beautiful paintings that were painted on leaves of the Banyon Tree. This tree is a local tree that is grown for decoration and to relax under. It provides wonderful shade.
At the zoo, we toured the Panda exhibit and saw Red Pandas and of course, the Giant Pandas. Living in Chongqing's zoo, is the oldest living Panda in the world.
We closed out the day by all of us going out for pizza at Pizza Hut. We had the American Special (pepperoni and cheese). We have been experiencing several different local dishes that were very tasty. But, it did feel good to eat something a bit more American. I think we are all starting to get a little homesick.
Eling Park was beautiful. It had quite a few beautiful flowers and trees. There were wonderful views looking down into the city as well. Karen, also, bought two beautiful paintings that were painted on leaves of the Banyon Tree. This tree is a local tree that is grown for decoration and to relax under. It provides wonderful shade.
At the zoo, we toured the Panda exhibit and saw Red Pandas and of course, the Giant Pandas. Living in Chongqing's zoo, is the oldest living Panda in the world.
We closed out the day by all of us going out for pizza at Pizza Hut. We had the American Special (pepperoni and cheese). We have been experiencing several different local dishes that were very tasty. But, it did feel good to eat something a bit more American. I think we are all starting to get a little homesick.
October 26
Today, we didn't have much going on. We and the other families in our group kept close to the hotel, and pretty much in each of our own rooms. We are all still getting along with each other well. We all did this to quietly take the time to bond with our daughters.
In the evening, Karen, Natalie and I took our guide, Michael out to dinner. And... we didn't spare any expense. We went to the local McDonald's and had burgers and fries. Natalie even had her first "Happy Meal."
At McDonald's, we met and enjoyed an interesting conversation with Jamie , who is a free-lance writer from England. So, pretty much, it was a quiet, relaxing day.
In the evening, Karen, Natalie and I took our guide, Michael out to dinner. And... we didn't spare any expense. We went to the local McDonald's and had burgers and fries. Natalie even had her first "Happy Meal."
At McDonald's, we met and enjoyed an interesting conversation with Jamie , who is a free-lance writer from England. So, pretty much, it was a quiet, relaxing day.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
October 25 "Gotcha! Day"
We are so excited. Today at 2:30 PM China Time, we finally held Natalie in our arms. She is so beautiful! She is also walking and has already called us both Mama and Baba. Along with our happiness, it was so joyous to see the other families in our group holding their beautiful new daughters.
We also got to meet two of her aunties (this is what the Chinese call their nannies or caregivers). The two of them seemed sad to see her leave, but at the same time happy for her and us. We also found out she has a really pretty nickname, "Lei Lei." We have been calling her that.
This was also fun to see the hotel staff's reactions to all of the beautiful daughters we came back with. Naturally, we feel like Natalie is the prettiest or as Karen has just said, "She is very petite and perfectly beautiful." Although, she is 15 months old, she is wearing the size of a 9 month old child. Of course the other familes feel the same way about their new daughters.
For dinner, we became adventurous and took her downstairs to the hotel restaraunt. She picked and played with her food for awhile, but seemed to like most of what she did eat.
Then, we brought her upstairs, changed her, and sang her lullabies until she fell asleep. Then, of course, we called our families and bragged as much as we could. This has been such an incredible day.
We also got to meet two of her aunties (this is what the Chinese call their nannies or caregivers). The two of them seemed sad to see her leave, but at the same time happy for her and us. We also found out she has a really pretty nickname, "Lei Lei." We have been calling her that.
This was also fun to see the hotel staff's reactions to all of the beautiful daughters we came back with. Naturally, we feel like Natalie is the prettiest or as Karen has just said, "She is very petite and perfectly beautiful." Although, she is 15 months old, she is wearing the size of a 9 month old child. Of course the other familes feel the same way about their new daughters.
For dinner, we became adventurous and took her downstairs to the hotel restaraunt. She picked and played with her food for awhile, but seemed to like most of what she did eat.
Then, we brought her upstairs, changed her, and sang her lullabies until she fell asleep. Then, of course, we called our families and bragged as much as we could. This has been such an incredible day.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
October 24 or "Why We'll Miss Beijing"
Today, we left Beijing for Chongqing. We will miss Beijing because it is a beautiful, vibrant city that seems more like a living being instead of a city. We will also miss Li Bing. But, tomorrow we will finally get Natalie.
Monday, October 23, 2006
October 23
Wow. We are tired this evening. The Digby Family arrived today, after having to stay overnight in Tokyo. Today, we toured a jade cutting factory, the Great Wall of China, a Closienne factory, and The Summer Palace. We saw so many beautiful things. Tomorrow, we check-out of our hotel and leave for Chongqing. We getting very close to getting Natalie.
At the Great Wall, we seemed to be part of the tourist attraction as well. We had two Chinese ladies so fascinated with us that they wanted to have their pictures taken with us. We were awestruck at the enormity and beauty of the Great Wall.
The two factories were also interesting and made for some fun shopping.
It amazed us at how big the Summer Palace was because it was built all for one person and it had elaborate gardens. We also viewed a wonderful sunset at the Summer Palace and watched an elderly man writing calligraphy using water instead of ink in the dust of the sidewalk. It was beautiful to see.
Then we finished the evening with a Peking duck dinner, celebrated Sharry's and Christine's birthdays and said farewell to our guide, Bing. Karen and I will miss her because she became a new friend as well.
At the Great Wall, we seemed to be part of the tourist attraction as well. We had two Chinese ladies so fascinated with us that they wanted to have their pictures taken with us. We were awestruck at the enormity and beauty of the Great Wall.
The two factories were also interesting and made for some fun shopping.
It amazed us at how big the Summer Palace was because it was built all for one person and it had elaborate gardens. We also viewed a wonderful sunset at the Summer Palace and watched an elderly man writing calligraphy using water instead of ink in the dust of the sidewalk. It was beautiful to see.
Then we finished the evening with a Peking duck dinner, celebrated Sharry's and Christine's birthdays and said farewell to our guide, Bing. Karen and I will miss her because she became a new friend as well.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
October 22
Man, where do I start today? Today was an extremely busy day of sightseeing. We started out by sharpening our haggling skills at the "Dirt Market." The Dirt Market is basically a massive sized flea market. You can find anything from posters of Chairman Mao, jewelry, knock offs of expensive watches, souveniers, or even "day-old" antiquities as our guide, Bing would call them. The biggest thing to remember is to haggle, for three reasons: The first would be because the Chinese vendors expect it and even get insulted if you don't. The second is because the vendors see Americans and ask for way more than the object is worth. And...the third is if the price is too high for you, there is several other vendors that may have the same thing and want to sell it worse than the first vendor would. Also, it's just plain fun even if you don't normally like to shop.
From there we went to explore the Temple of Heaven. The Temple of Heaven was a really beautiful Buddhist Temple. From there, we went to eat lunch at wonderful, local noodle restaurant. We sampled everything from fried eggplant to sizzling beef.
After lunch, we were off to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Man, between the two of these places there was quite a bit of walking. The overwhelming hugeness of these two places was incredible. Tiananmen Square still had a few decorations up from a recent holiday and there was a miltary ceremony commemorating the passing of the torch for the Asian Games going on as well. With all of the tourists that were there, Karen and Christine compared it to Epcott Center in Florida.
The Forbidden City was also quite large with several steps to walk and some very ornate temples that were used for past emperors. While we were there, Bing told of us of an emperor that had 3000 concubines and that at one point, it had over 9,000 rooms.
After touring the Forbidden City, we went to a local tea shop and learned some of the etiquette for properly making and drinking tea, then went to dinner at a very beautiful restaurant.
After dinner we went and watched an acrobatic show that was too incredible to put into words. Unfortunately, we were unable to take pictures at this show. Because some of the things that these kids did were beyond words. Then we returned to the hotel and went our separate ways for the night.
From there we went to explore the Temple of Heaven. The Temple of Heaven was a really beautiful Buddhist Temple. From there, we went to eat lunch at wonderful, local noodle restaurant. We sampled everything from fried eggplant to sizzling beef.
After lunch, we were off to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Man, between the two of these places there was quite a bit of walking. The overwhelming hugeness of these two places was incredible. Tiananmen Square still had a few decorations up from a recent holiday and there was a miltary ceremony commemorating the passing of the torch for the Asian Games going on as well. With all of the tourists that were there, Karen and Christine compared it to Epcott Center in Florida.
The Forbidden City was also quite large with several steps to walk and some very ornate temples that were used for past emperors. While we were there, Bing told of us of an emperor that had 3000 concubines and that at one point, it had over 9,000 rooms.
After touring the Forbidden City, we went to a local tea shop and learned some of the etiquette for properly making and drinking tea, then went to dinner at a very beautiful restaurant.
After dinner we went and watched an acrobatic show that was too incredible to put into words. Unfortunately, we were unable to take pictures at this show. Because some of the things that these kids did were beyond words. Then we returned to the hotel and went our separate ways for the night.
Saturday, October 21, 2006
October 21
It was another busy day and tomorrow looks even busier. We met part of our travel group today. They seem to be wonderful people. The other family had not arrived due to missing a connection in Tokyo the night before.
Then, we spent the morning in a cultural orientation seminar, had lunch, went on a rickshaw tour of a hutong with Bing and our travel group and spent the evening with our group. It was a nice day. The weather was cooler than it had been but still comfortable.
The word hutong means narrow streets, but now refers to older Beijing neighborhoods made up of one-story homes that surround a courtyard. These neighborhoods are kept this way to help the people remember how Beijing used to be (much like our own historically preserved neighborhoods). The homes in these neighborhoods are passed down through many generations. During this tour, a local family graciously allowed foreign travelers to enter their home and tell a little about every-day life in the hutong.
The rickshaws resemble the old rickshaws except that they are now mounted to three-wheeled cycles. The young men driving them move very quickly with quick reflexes throughout the narrow streets of the hutong.
Then, we spent the morning in a cultural orientation seminar, had lunch, went on a rickshaw tour of a hutong with Bing and our travel group and spent the evening with our group. It was a nice day. The weather was cooler than it had been but still comfortable.
The word hutong means narrow streets, but now refers to older Beijing neighborhoods made up of one-story homes that surround a courtyard. These neighborhoods are kept this way to help the people remember how Beijing used to be (much like our own historically preserved neighborhoods). The homes in these neighborhoods are passed down through many generations. During this tour, a local family graciously allowed foreign travelers to enter their home and tell a little about every-day life in the hutong.
The rickshaws resemble the old rickshaws except that they are now mounted to three-wheeled cycles. The young men driving them move very quickly with quick reflexes throughout the narrow streets of the hutong.
Friday, October 20, 2006
October 20
Today started out much better. To my great happiness, I did not break another chair and we managed to not start up another international incidence.
Today, we got adventurous and went out exploring on our own. We got a card written out with our destination and our return address written on it. Then we took out for the Beijing Zoo. It was an OK zoo, but it was very beautiful as a park. We enjoyed this. Then, although wondering if we'd make it back, we returned to our hotel.
From there we went back to Pizza Hut to eat. At Pizza Hut, we met some of our travel group who had just arrived. This meeting was funny. Because, at first, I heard someone call me out by name and then Karen. This threw us off at first. Because we were wondering who in China would possibly know us. We enjoyed chit-chatting with them and returned to our hotel and relaxed the remainder of the evening.
We also fell in love with Chinese schoolchildren. Yesterday at the museum and today at the Zoo, every group of them stopped us to say hello. It was really cute.
Today, we got adventurous and went out exploring on our own. We got a card written out with our destination and our return address written on it. Then we took out for the Beijing Zoo. It was an OK zoo, but it was very beautiful as a park. We enjoyed this. Then, although wondering if we'd make it back, we returned to our hotel.
From there we went back to Pizza Hut to eat. At Pizza Hut, we met some of our travel group who had just arrived. This meeting was funny. Because, at first, I heard someone call me out by name and then Karen. This threw us off at first. Because we were wondering who in China would possibly know us. We enjoyed chit-chatting with them and returned to our hotel and relaxed the remainder of the evening.
We also fell in love with Chinese schoolchildren. Yesterday at the museum and today at the Zoo, every group of them stopped us to say hello. It was really cute.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
October 19
Today started out as a rough day. Neither one of us slept well and I was downright cranky. But, after a laugh during breakfast at my expense, things got better. At breakfast, I was scooting up to the table and I heard a loud crack that sounded like a branch snapping. Come to find out later, I had broken a leg off of the chair. This was resolved with almost humorous efficiency. Apparently, an assistant chef and the hotel manager knew the poor chair's leg was broken before I did. When I stood up to leave the table, the assistant chef caught the chair, whisked it away, replaced it and the manager just grinned and nodded his head.
Things did get better, we met in the lobby with Bing (Our Guide) and our driver, Mr. Lao. Bing is wonderful and patient and Mr. Lao drives through the Beijing traffic like Fred Astaire gliding across a dance floor. If he hadn't been driving, I would have had my eyes clamped shut and holding onto the seat with a death grip. They took us to a really nice museum and on a tour of one of the local temples.
Also, between the two tours we had lunch at a fabulous local resteraunt, with the local people, Bing, and Mr. Lao. And guess what, Karen tried a couple of small bites of Chinese food and liked it. This was also an experience, because we all would share and eat off of each other's plates.
Bing was also helpful at the hotel. We had a problem with our room being too hot and she talked with the manager. This almost felt embarrassing due to the fact, we ended up with the two of us and Bing, a cleaning lady, a maintenance worker, the manager and the general manager all crammed into our room. But, it all worked out in the end and we really enjoyed the memories of our day.
Things did get better, we met in the lobby with Bing (Our Guide) and our driver, Mr. Lao. Bing is wonderful and patient and Mr. Lao drives through the Beijing traffic like Fred Astaire gliding across a dance floor. If he hadn't been driving, I would have had my eyes clamped shut and holding onto the seat with a death grip. They took us to a really nice museum and on a tour of one of the local temples.
Also, between the two tours we had lunch at a fabulous local resteraunt, with the local people, Bing, and Mr. Lao. And guess what, Karen tried a couple of small bites of Chinese food and liked it. This was also an experience, because we all would share and eat off of each other's plates.
Bing was also helpful at the hotel. We had a problem with our room being too hot and she talked with the manager. This almost felt embarrassing due to the fact, we ended up with the two of us and Bing, a cleaning lady, a maintenance worker, the manager and the general manager all crammed into our room. But, it all worked out in the end and we really enjoyed the memories of our day.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
October 18
Today, was our first official day as American Tourists in China. We started out the day with a nice breakfast and met up with Ross and Michael from our agency. From there, Michael Li, took us to a Western-style supermarket to get some extra things we might need in Beijing. After lunch, we met up with another guide, Bing, who took us to the Pearl Market and the Toy Market. This was an interesting experiece. Beijing seems to run at an amazing pace. The traffic is wild. Then we ended up our day with "The American Style" pizza at Pizza Hut. Yes, we travelled all the way to China and ended up eating at Pizza Hut.....
October 16 & October 17
This day has finally come and we are on our way. We started out in South Bend and ended up, hours and hours later in Beijing. Man, it was a long flight!
In South Bend, Mom and Dad (Karen's parents) hung out with us until we left for our next leg to Detroit. So far, the hardest time we had was at "security." The people working security in South Bend, were very patient and helpful. It's just that we had to pratically unpack and repack our carry-ons. It was a true art form to get everything packed in the first place.
We had a wonderful time in Detroit's airport during our first layover. Detroit's airport looked more like a Disney themepark, than an airport. It was even equipped with an elevated tram that kept running on a regular schedule. In Detroit, we managed to get in a final, good old-fashioned American cheeseburger and fries. Then it was off to Tokyo and finally Beijing. This was such a long flight. But it went wonderfully.
Finally, Tuesday at 9:25 PM Beijing Time, we arrived and went to our hotel and crashed out to get some rest.
In South Bend, Mom and Dad (Karen's parents) hung out with us until we left for our next leg to Detroit. So far, the hardest time we had was at "security." The people working security in South Bend, were very patient and helpful. It's just that we had to pratically unpack and repack our carry-ons. It was a true art form to get everything packed in the first place.
We had a wonderful time in Detroit's airport during our first layover. Detroit's airport looked more like a Disney themepark, than an airport. It was even equipped with an elevated tram that kept running on a regular schedule. In Detroit, we managed to get in a final, good old-fashioned American cheeseburger and fries. Then it was off to Tokyo and finally Beijing. This was such a long flight. But it went wonderfully.
Finally, Tuesday at 9:25 PM Beijing Time, we arrived and went to our hotel and crashed out to get some rest.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Sunday, October 01, 2006
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