Day 4 Beijing/Taiyuan

As I write this entry (and the one prior), I am travelling in an express train to Taiyuan, where I will finally meet up with Hadley!!  We weren’t scheduled to meet our guide until 1PM, so we grabbed a taxi to the Pearl Market again – but this time we were armed with a knack for bargaining and a list!!  We hit the upper floors where the higher quality pearls are sold.  I made some purchases (those requested) including a gift for Hadley when she’s older.  The pearls are freshwater pearls, but we learned a little about the differences in quality, and stayed away from the lower quality stuff that we can buy cheap anywhere.  While not cultured sea pearls, the pearls I selected were quite nice with even shape and color.   They string the pearls right in front of you and you select a clasp.  They were VERY nice, and since it was still early, we had a very relaxing experience.

After purchasing our pearls we headed downstairs to the accessories – bags and shoes!!!  I’m not even going to disclose the damage we did there.  Again, what fun!!  Everything was SO cheap!!!   It was a good thing we had limited time to spend (and limited funds!!).   As it is, our bags are so heavy!!!  

We met our guide at the appointed time and headed off to Beijing West Railway Station, where we boarded a train to Taiyuan.  Did I mention that we are the only Caucasians on the train???  It doesn’t seem to matter … not to them or to us.  I truly adore the Chinese people.   They are never impatient with us, always polite, and appreciative of our desire to absorb and learn more about their culture.

Our provincial guide, Anna, met us at the Railway Station and took us to the 5-Star World Trade Hotel, where we checked into our room already equipped with a crib!! 

 

Tomorrow, we change money in the morning and meet Hadley in the afternoon ... so, my next post should go something like:  "The moment you've all been waiting for."  

Day 3 Beijing 

Today, I learned to appreciate how much the Chinese respect their government.   We met our guide at 9AM and drove directly to Forbidden City where we met up with what seemed to be everyone else in China!!  Since it was Saturday, there were many tours and many people visiting the “Palace Museum” as it is also known.  Despite the crowds, I was really impressed with the size of the Forbidden City and its entrance, Tianamen Square.  You can appreciate the size of the crowd when you realize our portrait photos rarely contain just us.  There’s always about 5 or  6 people lining up to take photos, and there are times you just need to push your way.  With so many people to deal with, the Chinese do not stand on ceremony, but simply move on instead – not that they are rude, they’re just accustomed to crowds. 

After the Forbidden City, we lunched on Peking Duck at a famous Beijing restaurant, QuanJude, where they roast the duck in wood fired ovens.  It was … delicious!!  So far, we have yet to be dissatisfied with a meal here – but we’re still in Beijing!!! 

We toured a local Hutong after lunch.  The Hutong was located right behind a lakeside area called Hao Hai Park, where there are many restaurants and pubs with waterfront seating along the lake.  Again, the lakeside area was huge compared to the Nautical Mile!!   I was especially surprised with the number of pubs and bars, many with “Budweiser” in their names.  By the way, the beer here is great!! 

The Hutong tour was interesting, but I guess I misunderstood what a Hutong was!!  I really thought it was a type of ghetto, but it was quite nice!!  It was clean and newly renovated and there were many cars parked along the alley (some BMW’s even!!).    I learned that Hutong is really just a name for a configuration of small roads or alleyways that encompass many enclosed courtyards around which the Chinese make their homes – almost like courtyard apartments (aka Melrose Place), but instead of strangers, the connecting apartments are occupied by families that are all related.  So, you may enter a courtyard through a single entrance and then enter a courtyard off which there are several apartments.  I was disappointed not to be able to see the inside of any courtyard as the entryways all begin with a hallway first. 

Sheri and I would have lingered at the Hao Hai Park area and relaxed with a cold beverage for some people watching, but just as we arrived back at the minibus to retrieve our bags it started to storm.  We were happy then for the lift back to our hotel!! 

By the time we reached the hotel, the rain had stopped but it left behind uncommonly clear skies, and the view from our Hotel Room showed itself. 

We dropped our bags off in our room, freshened up a bit, and took a walk along nearby WangfuJing Street, which is a pedestrian street with many shops – some upscale and some souvenir shops.  We tasted tea and had some Jasmine Tea softserve ice cream.  We found a little back alleyway off WangfuJing that opened up to a local market place with food vendors and souvinir hawkers, where we got accosted by many of the vendors, but had a blast haggling for all sorts of trinkets … so much to buy so little time!!  

We really wanted to eat Hot Pot, but by the time we found the restaurant recommended by our Hotel, it was closed at 9PM.  So, we stumbled upon a brightly lit cafeteria style restaurant selling Steamed Buns – yummy!!  We pointed, we paid and we ate!!  And, yes, everyone stared at us because we were one of the very few Caucasians in the restaurant.   In the end, we were happy to have missed the Chinese Hot pot meal we had originally set out for.   Overall, it was a jam-packed day, and our last full day in Beijing.   

Beijing Day 2

Today, we started with a trip to the Jade Factory, where we learned the different qualities of Jade, how to tell real from fake (marble or glass) and, of course, made some purchases - how could you not after learning about the healing qualities of Jade (or Jade-ite, the higher quality Jade).  I always thought Jade was pretty inexpensive.  I learned all about how expensive Jade-ite is and how it has increasedin price over the past year.  

After the Jade Factory, we conquered the Great Wall.  Words just cannot describe the beauty of it, so why not just enjoy the photos:  

Since the SiMaTai section is closed, we went to the MuTianYu section, which is a little bit less crowded, but still a "tourist spot".  We took the chair lift from the base to the wall.  This is where I learned of Sheri's fear of heights!!!  LOL  But, she did great!!   The chair lift (like a ski lift) took us to Tower 5 and you have the option of going to the right to Tower 1 or to the left to Tower 23; or you can take a Cable Car that takes you to Tower 14.

I don't really know exactly what Tower I arrived at after climbing this flight of stairs (see photos below -- I really DID!!), but there's a sign that does not permit you to go further.

I'll say, the view from the top was pretty damn impressive!!! 

The climb was treacherous, but worth every step!!  The entire way down, I couldn't help humming ...  "I am strong, strong.  I am invincible, invincible.  I am Woman!!"  What an incredible experience.

First Day in Beijing!

Was exhausting and exhilarating!  Beijing is awesome.  What a great city.  The people are wonderful, and many speak English!  I'm so glad I learned a little Chinese -- they love it!  Our guide Li is really nice, and is teaching us tons about Chinese Culture, History, the Language and mannerisms.  Our first day was quite full!!  OK, I'm lying!  It was packed with new experiences and, of course, some shopping!

We started our day with breakfast, and had an hour to kill so we went for a quick walk up to the pedestrian street, WuFangJing, looking for a little market to get some juice and water for the room.  We ran into some students outside our Hotel who were really interesting to talk to.  They were directing us to a market, but heeding our guide's warning not to follow anyone, we disengaged after a while and walked back. They were so nice though!!  But, you never really know.  So, we played it safe.  We found a little market on the way back to the Hotel, so we were probably wise to leave them.

We met up with guide and started our day with a History lesson spanning many dynasties and emperors on our way to the Summer Palace.  It was really beautiful ...

At the Summer Palace, our guide treated us to an ear of steamed, sticky corn on the cob.  I can still feel the stickiness of it!!!  It was neither sweet, nor crisp, like our corn on the cob, but still pretty good.  After the Summer Palace, we went to lunch at a university restaurant nearby.  Yes, it's all about food!!!  We had ... you guessed it!!  Chinese food very similar to what we get here.  It was delicious.  By the way, the Chinese eat sharing plates!!  You just dip your chopstix into the plate and eat right off it!!  (Jen, you would probably starve!! LOL)  At the University, I had my first squatty potty experience!!  Thanks for all the RQ Blog Posts about it, I can honestly say I mastered it!  I'll even confess that it was easier than hovering!!  OK -- TMI, I know.

After lunch we went to the Silk Factory, where they showed us how silk cocoons are transformed into beautiful quilts, comforters and clothing.  No, we did not leave without buying anything!!!  (OK, I bought TWO silk comforters!  But, only because I was so impressed with the way they compress the packaging for travel!!).  I'm only sorry that I did not buy a twin sized one for Hadley when she's older, but I'm sure she'll appreciate the queen sized one eventually.  I know I will!!

I took some video that I'll share with you later, but for now, here's some photos:

After the Silk Factory, our guide was done for the day, but that didn't stop us!! We dropped out packages in the room, and grabbed a taxi over to the Temple of Heaven.  It was ... divine?   LOL.  Really, it may have been prettier than the Summer Palace, but it was really comparable.  The difference was that it was less crowded because it was later in the day, and without the guide, we felt a little less hindered.  We took our time and had an opportunity to soak in the beauty of the park and its monuments:

Near the Temple of Heaven is the Pearl Market, which is not really a pearl market at all, but it's rather everything they make in China, but really cheap!!!  We had a blast!!  They LOVE to negotiate, and expect it (although it didn't go over well at the Silk Factory!!).  They will chase you down, even!!  We actually RAN away from one vendor.  Still trying to get the hang of the value of money here ... it's difficult to overcome the fact that something is 700CNY, but only a little over $100US.  No photos of the Pearl Market, but I'm sure we'll be back!!  It's only tolerable in small doses.  By the way, I don't think it's really the place to buy pearls!!!  Most of the stuff we saw was probably not even natural pearls at all!!  We'll wait for buying Pearls when we can get some guidance from our guide.

After the Pearl Market, we headed back to the Hotel, and grabbed a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant.  Nothing exciting to report there -- typical Chinese Food in a restaurant just like Chinatown!!  Good food, but LOTs of MSG that put me into a food coma almost immediately.

Today, we're off to the Great Wall.  Unfortunately, the section we wanted to explore SiMaTai, is closed because of construction.  So, we'll be heading to the MuTianYu section instead.  Hopefully, we'll go to the Jade Factory afterwards.  Then we have the rest of the day to explore on our own again.  Don't worry, we'll pack in some more adventure for you to follow!!

We made it to China!!

I have to say, packing was a challenge!!

But, we managed.  Gotta say that after a while, my shoulders were not very happy!!  I would definitely pack a little differently -- not much.  Just a little.  But that's not what you want to hear about!!!

So, this is what Hong Kong looks like from the air:

And, this is the plane that took us there!  15 Hours after we took off from JFK.  Have to say that Cathay Pacific really pampered us ... they just kept feeding us!!  It was a very nice flight ... long, but bearable.  

After grabbing a quick break in Hong Kong airport, we boarded this little number to take us to Beijing:

Funny story -- after 21 hours of travel, we run into a couple from Rockville Centre on our way to baggage claim in Beijing Airport!!  Small world, huh?

Finally we met our guide, Li, after clearing immigration.  It was another 1/2 hour or so before we got to downtown Beijing.  Here's the street going to the hotel:

And, now, 24 and a half hours after take-off, I'm finally calling it a night!!  Tomorrow, we tour Summer Palace and local Beijing.  Stay tuned!!

The Best Baby Shower Ever!!

It was perfect!!  Thanks Mom!  And, thanks to everyone who helped out!!  The room was decorated so pretty -- thanks Carol, Sheri, & Sue!!  The Cake was Delish! Thanks Mary!!  And, Thanks Again Mary for being a fabulous Master of Ceremonies -- the games really kept everyone entertained, not to mention the free flowing spirits!!  Of course, you can have the best food, the prettiest place, the most balloons, and the tastiest favors, but it's not a real party without Guests!!!  So, I want to dedicate this post to my Guests.  You came from near and far both in time and geography.  Some of you I see all the time, and some of you I haven't seen in years!!   I don't get to see any of you enough, so having all my favorite people in the same place at the same time was very special to me.   Thank you for coming.  I had an awesome time, and I hope you did too.  I enjoyed every one of the very generous gifts your brought -- they were thoughtful and wonderful, and I truly appreciate them all.   Now where will I put them???

So, as I mentioned after opening all my gorgeous gifts I had a speech prepared, but it got so long, I wouldn't dare ... besides, every time I played it out, I started to cry, so ... well, that just wouldn't do.  So, here's my not so brief speech:

Mom:   You always say how much like my father I am – I can hear you say it now:  “Like Father, Like Daughter”.  You’ve even said how we seem to share a special bond.  Maybe we do – when it comes to home improvements and shopping!!

But when it comes to parenting there are several lessons that I could only have learned from you.  They are life lessons that have carried me through this world safely and securely. 

Because of you: 

I have always learned from my mistakes (and the mistakes of others);

I always try to treat others how I want to be treated;

I don’t lie, because it’s always easier to tell the truth; and

I NEVER run with scissors. 

These simple life lessons reflect a fundamental parenting style that I hope to mirror as I raise Hadley.   Thank you for these valuable lessons … I love you (I know I don't say that often enough). 

To my Sisters … how much more different can three sisters be???  Very!!  Which is precisely why I need to address each of you separately. 

Carol, we’re closest in age and miles apart.  Despite the distance, we’ve managed to maintain a very close and very special friendship.  How does that happen??  Must be “sister-magic”.  When we were growing up together, we fought like the worst enemies, and next thing you know, we were traipsing through the mall together.   I guess as the miles separated us, we fought just as hard to maintain that friendship.  Thank you for keeping the fight alive!!  I’m looking forward to continuing to carry on the same traditions we’ve enjoyed over the years – except with one more little girl. 

Sue, growing up you were so much older.  When you're 6 and your sister is 14, well, that's a huge divide -- almost a generation!  You were such an enigma to me.  I was a little baby when you were already out chasing boys!!  I was just a “tween” (although we didn’t call them that then) when you had your first baby, Sheri.  Sometimes, I feel distant from you, but what ties us together is the product of precisely those circumstances – a little girl named Sheri, through whom we will always stay connected.  And, for that connection I am grateful.   

Mary – our generosity of the heart has been such great support to me.  How fortunate I am to live right across the street from my first cousin!!  When I moved into my new home almost nine years ago, I never thought we would share so many of the same interests, and form such a close bond so quickly.  I love the time we spend together, whether comparing garden plans, shopping!!, or just meeting up after work – always spur of the moment, and always fun.  I can’t wait to drag Hadley along on our weekend jaunts!! 

My "Girls" …  you all know who you are.   Our friendships go back as far as junior high school, and run as deep as the ocean – through thick and thin as they say.  You are each, in your own individual way, so special to me.  Every one of you a rock that I've leaned on in tough times.  I want to thank you for supporting me in this journey.   It’s been a long five years, during which you never once doubted me, always supported me and celebrated every moment with me.  Life is about to change dramatically for me.  While I may not have as much time and flexibility as I’ve had in the past, I hope you’ll understand and still love me despite the fact that I’ll be toting a toddler about.  

Sheri – my travel slave.   You’re like a little sister to me, and I am so proud of all your achievements.  You have grown into a beautiful, caring, gentle, kindhearted, respectful, dependable, smart, curious, adventurous … the list goes on for miles.   Suffice it to say, I’m a huge fan!!  I chose my travel companion carefully for these qualities.  I cannot thank you enough for agreeing to accompany me on this journey, and for never wavering in your decision.  Never – even for one minute – think that I don’t appreciate the sacrifice you are making to accompany me on this journey.   I hope that our trip to China enriches your life. 

My China Moms – If it were not for this journey, I would never have met any of you!!!   To think that one little personal message on Rumor Queen could trigger a circle of friendship that continues to grow.  Thank you for sharing so much of your China experiences with me.  You have no idea what a comfort it is for me to know that I have such a wonderful support network in all of you.    

I’ve mentioned only a handful of those most special to me.  Of course, every one of my Guests were invited because I think of them as part of my own special “Family”.   So, with that said, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank all of the Hadley Girls, for lending Hadley such a meaningful name … I can’t think of a better way to start my daughter’s new life than with a name that, to me, means lifelong family friendship.  I can only hope she enjoys the warmth and security that her name bestows upon her in meaning. 

Thank you all for coming!!  

Now What?

So, you might ask, what happens now?  Now, I do what I've learned to do best over the past five years ... I wait!!  I'm currently waiting on Travel Authorization (TA).  After referral, adoptive parents are asked to mail back a Letter of Acceptance (LOA).  The agency provides a brief period within which to obtain a translation of the medical and developmental reports included with the referral documents (all in Chinese!) and have the file reviewed by an International Adoption (IA) Specialist.  After receiving the "green light" from my AI Specialist sent my LOA in on April 14, 2011.  Since I am an I-600  applicant (I'll explain in another post), the average wait reported on Rumor Queen from LOA to TA is currently 25 days ...
 
... maybe May 9th? 

Upon receipt of TA my agency will make a Consulate Appointment (CA), which occurs at the end of my trip to China.  All of the travel arrangements are based on the CA.  Typically, it's about two to four weeks between receiving TA and actually leaving for China.  I can't wait to finally book my flights to China!!