Friday, January 24, 2014

Friday, January 24th our last day in China

Today is our last day in China.  We spent the day doing some last minute shopping and we took one last trip back to the Island.  Like the Island, China itself has changed so dramaticlly since our first trip here so many years ago.

We'll forever have a connection to this place, this culture, and the people of China.  Of all the many things made in China, we think we have the three most precious of all...our daughters.  I thank the mothers and fathers who served as our angels of mercy and blessed us with three incredible girls.

As we leave and head home, I wish the best for China and its people.  Gone are the days of "inexpensive" living and purchasing goods in China.  There's a change that has taken place here, it's as if the people (especially the youth) have taken hold of "western culture" and may soon forget their own culture and history.  I fear that the "Monster of More" and "Image is Everything" has wiggled its way into this place as an infection that will unfortunately continue to grow.

And we're off....

Our last night in Guangzhou

It's Thursday, January 23rd and it will be our last night in Guangzhou, can't say that we're sad about that.  We can't wait to get home.  Today, we walk around the town and explored our hotel's huge garden. 



 
 
 
For our last night here, we took a river cruise on the Pearl River.  The lights are always so pretty and it's fun.  Here's some pics....
 




 
 
Tomorrow starts the long awaited trip home. HERE WE COME KIDS..YEAH!!!!!!!!!



Thursday, January 23, 2014

Day 11 with Elle - January 22, 2014

Today was a "free day" so we decided to go (along with our other adoption agency family here with us) to the Safari Park.  We did the last trip here and it was well worth a revisit on this trip.  It's an incredible place that gets you up close with all the animals including pandas.  Will is going to be thrilled to know Elle loves animals.  Here's some pics from the great day we had:




















 
 
As you can see, there was something for everyone.  This place is HUGE and we had a great day.  It won't be too much longer before we're on our way home and let me tell you it can't come soon enough.  We've truly enjoyed our time in China but we sure do miss our kids and being home.  Tick..Tick..Tick.  the clock is counting down now.


Day 10 with Elle - January 21, 2014


Today was another big day in Elle's adoption process, it was our appointment date at the US Consulate.  This is the day Elle takes her oath (we do actually) and the last step before getting her visa to enter the US.  No pics are allowed inside but here's a couple before we go in:

 
 
and now east becomes west
 
 
 
 
We spent the balance of the morning and afternoon walking around downtown, seeing some sights and buildings and then enjoying the local Guangzhou Museum:
 
 
The tower in the background is the Canton Tower.  It's the tallest tower in China and the 3rd tallest in the world.  The structure (no including the antennas) is over 250 feet taller than the Sears (Willis) Tower in Chicago.
 
 
 
We went back to the hotel where our friend Judy came by for a few hours to visit.  This was such a great time with her:
 
 

 
After she left, Elle and I did some work and then this happened:
 
 


 
Later in the evening, I went back to the Canton Tower and went up inside to the observation deck which is at 1,600 feet in the air.  At that level, I rode the bubble tram which circles the whole tower at the 1,600 feet above the ground.  I did the "drop ride" at that same level and climb stairs on the outside of the elevator for 4o floors, circling the tower multiple times.  Here's some great pics from my adventure:
 
 
 
 
 

 
All in all, it was a great day.  Only a few more and then we head home...Yeah!


Monday, January 20, 2014

Day 9 with Elle - January 20, 2014

Today was another sight seeing day as we await our Consulate date and Elle's visa to be complete.  We visited another one of the parks here in Guangzhou, did a tea tasting and then visited "the Island" (The island has changed so much from our previous trips).  Here's some pics from today's adventures:













 
 
Tomorrow we're off to Elle's US Consulate appointment (Yeah) then some more sight seeing and spending the afternoon with Judy.