For our last day in Tianjin, Helen took us for some "Hot Pot" for lunch. This is a copper pot, kind of like fondue, in which the meat & vegetables are cooked in a boiling water. I have to admit that this was not my favorite meal, but it was okay.
After the kiddos took their nap, we went to the "Culture Street". This was an area that consisted of many different shops containing Chinese cultural merchandise. I never knew how much you could bargain with sales people before until Helen helped us!
We found this light pole, made to look like a Chinese Knot!
After Cackie & Owen burned off some energy there, we headed to a restaurant for some dumplings. Helen says that it is good to have dumplings before heading off on a journey. They were delicious.
When we got back to the hotel, we had to work on finishing packing, as we were headed out to Guangzhou the next day.
When we got to the Tianjin airport, we learned that we could check up to 100 kg. in luggage, but could only have 1 carry-on a piece. This was different than what we were prepared for, as the U.S. rules are that we could only have 1 large bag, not over 44 lbs., a piece, and 2 carry-ons (1 actual carry-on and a personal item, such as a purse). So, we ended up having to check several small bags, like the kids' backpacks! We were also told that we had to check the double stroller beforehand. Before, we had been using it until we got to the gate, and have checked it as we got on the plane. Then, another slight fiasco at the airport, Cackie's last name on her boarding pass was spelled wrong, so we had to wait and have that fixed. Then, onto the security check. This wasn't much different than usual. From all the time we spent with changing Cackie's boarding pass and checking the luggage, we got to the gate just in time and had to board the plane. No time to use the bathroom!
It was so nice to finally make it Guangzhou, Shamian Island. Such a change of scenery! It is much warmer and much prettier! It almost feels like we're in Florida! Our guide is Jocelyn and our hotel, The White Swan, rocks! The hotel lobby is beautiful with a waterfall and fish pond. There are 2 outdoor pools, one with a waterfall. And lots of palm trees! There are also many shops and restaurants on the streets around the hotel as well. The streets are extremely clean and have a very colonial look. There is also a nice park with a jungle gym for the kids to exert their energy. They especially love the slides!
When we got here, we also ran into our friends, Kris, Jim, Austin from Beijing, with their Owen. He is very cute, about the same size as Cackie. He is very rambunctious like Cackie, so they get along great!
After we got here & unpacked, we were looking forward to ordering pizza from Papa John's! Of course, Michael had a little miscommunication with the man when ordering. He had tried to order the cheesesticks, 8 pieces. When our order was brought to the hotel by bike messenger, Michael discovered that he had actually ordered 8 boxes of cheesesticks! We were laughing about this for a long time and still have 2 boxes left over! I don't think we'll need pizza again for a long time. Cackie & Owen sure enjoyed it though!
As we took a walk yesterday, we took Owen for his first trip to Starbucks! We also got to enjoy some Lattes! Afterwards, we ran into a man named Jordon, a salesman at one of the shops here. He stopped to ask about the adoption (this area is FILLED with other families that have adopted. Most of them stay at the White Swan also. Guangzhou is where all families have to complete the American side of the paperwork before leaving.) Jordon asked us what state we were from. When we said Tennessee, he said, "Oh, they have a football team!" Of course, we all said "Yes!" and laughed hysterically. He said that he liked football and that's how he remembered Tennessee! How funny! Even some of the Chinese know about Tennessee football!
The kiddos then took a nap, then we went to try out the pool. There was a small wading pool for little ones. We eased Owen into it and this trip to pool was a bit more successful. He was splashing and walking around on his own. He then enjoyed blowing bubbles, offering it to other children around the pool area.
When we dried off, we went for another walk around the island and settled down for dinner at Lucy's, a western style restaurant. I decided to try the Chicken Quesadillas. Not quite like I was used to at home, but I guess it was better than nothing.
Today, Deanna & Michael took Owen for his medical exam and to fill out paperwork with Jocelyn . I stayed with Cackie...we went to the playroom in the hotel, went for a walk thru town, went to the park, and then came back to the room to cool off and for some water. It is quite hot and humid outside.
Tonight we are going to take a night river cruise with Jocelyn and our friends from our travel group in Beijing. That should be quite relaxing. I'm also looking to finish up some shopping. There is a lot of interesting shops around here.
Until next time...only 3 days left!
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