I can't believe we have already been home for 6 days. It seems like we were in China months ago. While we were in China, it seemed like we had been there for a month. I don't understand why time tricks us this way.
China is such a beautiful country. When we flew to Guilin, it was probably some of the most magnificent land to fly over. The hills, rocks, even the way God designed the water to flow... everything was so beautiful, so rich.
Seeing this beauty, it makes me wonder even more, what Heaven is like.
The people of China were so very kind, curious, and always readily available to give a "thumbs up!" Have you ever thought how encouraging it is to get the "thumbs up" several times a day. Where else can you get this but China.
One sweet lady said to me while at McDonalds, "Your baby is so lucky. I know though that you will say, You're the lucky ones." That was for sure. We are the lucky ones. Not because of luck though; but because God supernaturally orchestrated the coming together of this precious little child into our lives.
One thing that made China stand out in such a professional way was their uniforms. Everyone seemed to have a special uniform for their job. They wore them proudly and they did their jobs with excellence. Regardless of the heat or the 95% humidity, they wore their suits or uniforms with class.
Another thing I remember about China is how clean it is. There are more than a billion people there, but when you walk into their cities (we were in Nanning, Guilin, and Guangzhou), they had people in uniforms sweeping, picking up trash, etc. There were people EVERYWHERE working to keep the city beautiful. I wish we would do the same in America. How much we take for granted here in this land of opportunity and freedom.
As we left the airport to drive into the city of Guilin, I marveled at the amazing rockery and design the Chinese put into their walls alongside the road. Everything they did seemed to be by wheelbarrow. No shade, little water, probably not a lot of food, little supplies, heavy labor, no gloves... yet they worked with diligence. I never saw anyone look over another's shoulder. It was as though they worked to build their part of the "wall" or their part of China.
I just had little glimpses into the life of those that live in China. A nation of great beauty. A people of great commitment. A people of great strength.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Her Princess Bed is a Miracle!
My husband and I often look at each other and say, "I can't believe she's ours. She's so beautiful. Such a blessing from the Lord."
Our transition home, since Saturday, has been a challenge during the night, because Gabriella and I are still on China time. Thus, we are often up from 3am until 7am.
Our sleeping arrangements weren't working very well, so Mama and Mei Mei went out and got a princess toddler bed. The first night, that bed was a miracle!
Gabriella slept for 11 hours. I got to sleep for 8 hours. It was a much needed sleep. Sleep hadn't really been a part of my routine since Thursday at 5am.
Now, it's one week later. The princess bed works during the day... let's pray it continues to work during the night as well. Thank you Lord for sweet sleep.
Our transition home, since Saturday, has been a challenge during the night, because Gabriella and I are still on China time. Thus, we are often up from 3am until 7am.
Our sleeping arrangements weren't working very well, so Mama and Mei Mei went out and got a princess toddler bed. The first night, that bed was a miracle!
Gabriella slept for 11 hours. I got to sleep for 8 hours. It was a much needed sleep. Sleep hadn't really been a part of my routine since Thursday at 5am.
Now, it's one week later. The princess bed works during the day... let's pray it continues to work during the night as well. Thank you Lord for sweet sleep.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
The Simple Pleasures in Life!
Tonight we got to see how simple life really needs to be... and, how just a bit of quality time and a hose can bring hysterical laughter and joy for the whole neighborhood to hear.
Gabriella and I watered some of the flowers out in the front yard. Since she is yet to stand or walk (though we are believing we will in time see God's supernatural healing), I decided to put her in her stroller; that way, we could concentrate on looking at each other and holding on to the hose to control the water.
To her great delight, she found that if she put her hand in the water as we sprayed the flowers, it would make both of us wet... really , really wet.
It was a fun way to cool off and help the dogs cool off too. Oh, the simple pleasures in life! There is so much for us to be grateful for!
Gabriella and I watered some of the flowers out in the front yard. Since she is yet to stand or walk (though we are believing we will in time see God's supernatural healing), I decided to put her in her stroller; that way, we could concentrate on looking at each other and holding on to the hose to control the water.
To her great delight, she found that if she put her hand in the water as we sprayed the flowers, it would make both of us wet... really , really wet.
It was a fun way to cool off and help the dogs cool off too. Oh, the simple pleasures in life! There is so much for us to be grateful for!
She's a Faker!
We have an amazingly fun little one. Gabriella has this way with her eyes. She seems incredibly bright and funny. She rolls her eyes and makes funny facial expressions to get a response. Each day we share many, many of these moments with giggles and funny faces.
One of the fun things that she does as she is playing with Baba is pretend to sleep... she will instantly "fall asleep" while interacting with him. She generally stays "asleep" for 3 seconds and then pops her head up and laughs or smiles. We call her our "Little Faker." She is quite a character. I think we will have to try to get this on video in the next couple days.
She has brought so much joy into our lives... and, so quickly. I can't imagine our life without her.
One of the fun things that she does as she is playing with Baba is pretend to sleep... she will instantly "fall asleep" while interacting with him. She generally stays "asleep" for 3 seconds and then pops her head up and laughs or smiles. We call her our "Little Faker." She is quite a character. I think we will have to try to get this on video in the next couple days.
She has brought so much joy into our lives... and, so quickly. I can't imagine our life without her.
She's Repeating English and Understands Everything!
As you may already know, her first word was "shoes". We can't remember what her second word was. We coaxed her into her third word: "Starbucks"... and, her fourth was "Jesus." Okay... so, priorities might be a little mixed up in the word choices.
Today she copied me and said, "So, so pretty." It was in reference to a beautiful dress she wanted to put on.
She repeats English words so willingly. I love her desire to learn.
She understands everything we say in English... though, we know it is only by the grace of God and how we are communicating, because it would otherwise be impossible for her to know.
Today she copied me and said, "So, so pretty." It was in reference to a beautiful dress she wanted to put on.
She repeats English words so willingly. I love her desire to learn.
She understands everything we say in English... though, we know it is only by the grace of God and how we are communicating, because it would otherwise be impossible for her to know.
She's 3.5 and WHAT SIZE?
The photo above is actually taken ONE YEAR home... 6-9 mo. pants, age 4yr. 6mo.
Our little princess has stopped eating like the books said she would... thank God. She was eating more than Jason and I put together. We never could figure out where she was putting it. But, by the first day home, she was eating like a normal 3 year old.
Now, that being said, she came to us at 25 pounds, so what size should she be?
When I shopped for her, I was surprised to find out that she can wear a 6-9 months on her bottom (as long as they are capris). She wears a 4T on top or as a dress. All of her 4T footed jammies are too small, so, she must wear a 5T.
How could this be?
Monday, August 2, 2010
No More... "She Loves Me Nots!"
The first two days with Gabriella were very quiet. She looked at us, she smiled. She went to either one of us equally. But, the third day, she decided that Baba was everything to her.
We loved to hear her squeal at the top of her lungs "Baba!" as she saw him get his food at the breakfast buffet. It's one of those squeals every parent hopes to hear.
As the days went on, we noticed a clear preference to Baba unless he was out of the room. That's when Mei Mei and I would get our own bonding time.
Now, just two days home, she hugs onto both of us, squeals in delight, looks for just another way to be close to us.
Gabriella is such a sweet, sweet girl and has already brought so much joy to our family.
The first few days, there were times that I felt like I was plucking off the petals to a daisy and saying, "She loves me not, She loves me not, She loves me not" But now, I can say, "She loves me, She clearly, clearly loves me."
We loved to hear her squeal at the top of her lungs "Baba!" as she saw him get his food at the breakfast buffet. It's one of those squeals every parent hopes to hear.
As the days went on, we noticed a clear preference to Baba unless he was out of the room. That's when Mei Mei and I would get our own bonding time.
Now, just two days home, she hugs onto both of us, squeals in delight, looks for just another way to be close to us.
Gabriella is such a sweet, sweet girl and has already brought so much joy to our family.
The first few days, there were times that I felt like I was plucking off the petals to a daisy and saying, "She loves me not, She loves me not, She loves me not" But now, I can say, "She loves me, She clearly, clearly loves me."
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Our Consulate Appointment was Today!
Today was our Consulate Appointment (CA). Jason and I showed our passports to the US consulate employee. We sat in a room with about 40 other adopting families. There were several windows. They called each child by their Chinese name and they, and their family, went to the window for Mama or Baba to sign a paper with baby's info. and picture on it.
It's a very fast process. When everyone is done, one of the U.S. Chinese adoption employees shared some fun facts with us. There will be about 3,000 visa's issued this year for adoptions in China. About 57% of those will be children with special needs.
We all stood, held up our right hand, and took an oath that everything we said in our paperwork was true.
The gal congratulated us and then we left. We went "window" shopping today. Which was a real bummer because I found some really cool things; but had no money.
We ate pizza at Pizza Hut with Amy and her son Trevor (17) and daughter Madelyn (6).
We then returned to the hotel by 6pm to pack for our departure home. Oh, how good it is going to be to be finally home.
I am so tired of looking at Chinese food. I know I have shared several times about our food choices, but I am going to share again... duck tongue with ginger, boneless duck feet with ginger, tasty pork trotters, chilled marinated jellyfish with vinegar, roasted crispy pigeon, marinated goose liver with spring onions, double-boiled pork bone with olive and dragon's tongue leaf in soup, steamed loofah with dried whitebait and XO sauce, stewed pork knuckle and sea cucumber with shrimp roe.
Had I stayed away from the plain noodles, fried rice, and steamed buns, I could have lost 20 pounds in the last 14 days.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Funny Faces, Fun Personality
Gabriella's personality is fiesty and spunky. She is a strong-willed princess that wishes for her Baba to serve her, carry her, and give her his undivided attention.
She has a number of facial expressions and can go from happy to mad or sad in the flip of a switch. She can cry on the spot or laugh on the spot.
She puckers her lips and rolls her eyes, she pretends to fake sleep, she laughs and brings us great joy. She's such a funny character.
She still often shakes her head no... though we are learning to shake our head in the other direction.
If she doesn't like something that she's eating, she readily shares it with Baba. If you try to take something of hers to share, she will scream or pout or stick out her lower lip... it's funny (right now). We're whipping her into shape though.
She has a number of facial expressions and can go from happy to mad or sad in the flip of a switch. She can cry on the spot or laugh on the spot.
She puckers her lips and rolls her eyes, she pretends to fake sleep, she laughs and brings us great joy. She's such a funny character.
She still often shakes her head no... though we are learning to shake our head in the other direction.
If she doesn't like something that she's eating, she readily shares it with Baba. If you try to take something of hers to share, she will scream or pout or stick out her lower lip... it's funny (right now). We're whipping her into shape though.
More Shopping, American Food, and Vertigo
We purchased all the clothes we found last night. We also went to another shopping area earlier in the day and found a couple things.
I keep seeing super cute outfits on the people passing me by, but can't seem to find anything in the stores.
Even the things I do find, that I might buy, are just as expensive, or more, than what we would find in America... that's frustrating. I do enjoy the bartering though. But, I will be grateful to get back to Marshalls, Ross, and TJ Max.
We are really tired of eating Chinese, but Jason really doesn't want to eat American fast food either. Argh. We ate at KFC and McDonald's today. He also ordered a couple bowls of noodle soup. Despite what others say, I am an EXTREMELY picky eater even in America. I only eat cow and chicken breast... no other meat, nor anything from the ocean. While we do not eat fast food in America, KFC, McDonald's and Pizza Hut have not only been good, they have often been sought for. Pizza Hut is probably the best in my opinion.
I feel like I am experiencing vertigo since being here. Not sure why, but I am often dizzy (even while resting) and am always tired). I have no idea if it could possibly be related to our protein levels, but they are extremely low... we each eat 2 fried eggs in the morning. Who wants mutton liver, pig snouts, duck wings, back bones, and other yummy food items for their meals?
I keep seeing super cute outfits on the people passing me by, but can't seem to find anything in the stores.
Even the things I do find, that I might buy, are just as expensive, or more, than what we would find in America... that's frustrating. I do enjoy the bartering though. But, I will be grateful to get back to Marshalls, Ross, and TJ Max.
We are really tired of eating Chinese, but Jason really doesn't want to eat American fast food either. Argh. We ate at KFC and McDonald's today. He also ordered a couple bowls of noodle soup. Despite what others say, I am an EXTREMELY picky eater even in America. I only eat cow and chicken breast... no other meat, nor anything from the ocean. While we do not eat fast food in America, KFC, McDonald's and Pizza Hut have not only been good, they have often been sought for. Pizza Hut is probably the best in my opinion.
I feel like I am experiencing vertigo since being here. Not sure why, but I am often dizzy (even while resting) and am always tired). I have no idea if it could possibly be related to our protein levels, but they are extremely low... we each eat 2 fried eggs in the morning. Who wants mutton liver, pig snouts, duck wings, back bones, and other yummy food items for their meals?
Chinese Pictures
We dressed Gabriella up in her pink Chinese outfit and matching shoes. She generally loves getting her photo taken, but wouldn't have anything to do with it.
We also put her in a white and pink Chinese dress from one of our special friends.
Our final attempt was to take Gabriella to Starbucks with her Starbucks Guangzhou t-shirt. We bought a couple cups and grabbed a drink there.
Hopefully pictures will go better next time. She was a little stinker today!
We also put her in a white and pink Chinese dress from one of our special friends.
Our final attempt was to take Gabriella to Starbucks with her Starbucks Guangzhou t-shirt. We bought a couple cups and grabbed a drink there.
Hopefully pictures will go better next time. She was a little stinker today!
24 Hour Shopping
After the Guangzhou Zoo, we came back for another shower... typically, we take 3 showers a day. We rested for a couple hours, checked our email, and then went to dinner and to do some night shopping.
We went to the local shops (not the overpriced mall where just about everything costs $30-$45 each) and chose a number of items. We had each store hold the items for a day... mostly so that we could see what was at each store and not be stuck with items that weren't as cool as something else.
We will purchase them tomorrow evening. We got back to the hotel after 10pm... Mei Mei didn't fall asleep until midnight. That was a bit of a struggle.
Some things that I remember about today were Mei Mei learning that the stroller is a good thing. Baba doesn't have to carry her everywhere or be with her all the time. She loves me dearly now. She even takes naps without crying fits for an hour or more. Yeah! So glad that's happening now. She is a sweet, funny, girl with a huge personality that longs for the attention of others... and, she will get it with her very funny facial expressions with both her mouth and eyes.
We went to the local shops (not the overpriced mall where just about everything costs $30-$45 each) and chose a number of items. We had each store hold the items for a day... mostly so that we could see what was at each store and not be stuck with items that weren't as cool as something else.
We will purchase them tomorrow evening. We got back to the hotel after 10pm... Mei Mei didn't fall asleep until midnight. That was a bit of a struggle.
Some things that I remember about today were Mei Mei learning that the stroller is a good thing. Baba doesn't have to carry her everywhere or be with her all the time. She loves me dearly now. She even takes naps without crying fits for an hour or more. Yeah! So glad that's happening now. She is a sweet, funny, girl with a huge personality that longs for the attention of others... and, she will get it with her very funny facial expressions with both her mouth and eyes.
The Guangzhou Zoo in July 2010
Okay, I really don't want to spoil this for you, but I must document it for Gabriella's sake. If you want to have a new cause in life, go to the Guangzhou Zoo.
It is perhaps the saddest animal experience you might encounter outside of seeing your own pet experiencing a personal tragedy. The lions and tigers weighed not much more than your neighbors dog. Almost without exception, you saw extremely lethargic animals (not just due to heat, humidity, lack of water, or lack of environmental stimuli), but because of a serious neglect of food.
Some animals were fairly prolific (like bunnies)... the little dear and some white birds. Those, honestly, should have been fed to the larger animals. The animals craved the attention of the others next to them... separated by cages with NOTHING inside... no plants, no water, no toys, no food, and often, no friends.
The panda was the highlight... but, he was even quite small.
They had dogs and a miniature horse in a petting zoo that you pay a separate entrance fee for. Even they did not have water in 95 degree weather and 90 degree humidity.
I even felt sorry for the snakes and I am deathly afraid of them. They were in hard plastic containers about 4 feet tall without any shade. Again, no protection, little air, and lack of environmental stimuli.
Take your own food and water, I guarantee you will not want to eat there. Take the little, open air shuttle around once. Plan on about 2 hours. The most fun (at least for the Chinese - the Americans didn't participate) was to go into the kiddie pools (which is another separate entrance fee) and walk in pools of water and catch the fish with a little sieve. It did look like lots of fun. The Chinese were putting the fish in their drinking bottles.
It is perhaps the saddest animal experience you might encounter outside of seeing your own pet experiencing a personal tragedy. The lions and tigers weighed not much more than your neighbors dog. Almost without exception, you saw extremely lethargic animals (not just due to heat, humidity, lack of water, or lack of environmental stimuli), but because of a serious neglect of food.
Some animals were fairly prolific (like bunnies)... the little dear and some white birds. Those, honestly, should have been fed to the larger animals. The animals craved the attention of the others next to them... separated by cages with NOTHING inside... no plants, no water, no toys, no food, and often, no friends.
The panda was the highlight... but, he was even quite small.
They had dogs and a miniature horse in a petting zoo that you pay a separate entrance fee for. Even they did not have water in 95 degree weather and 90 degree humidity.
I even felt sorry for the snakes and I am deathly afraid of them. They were in hard plastic containers about 4 feet tall without any shade. Again, no protection, little air, and lack of environmental stimuli.
Take your own food and water, I guarantee you will not want to eat there. Take the little, open air shuttle around once. Plan on about 2 hours. The most fun (at least for the Chinese - the Americans didn't participate) was to go into the kiddie pools (which is another separate entrance fee) and walk in pools of water and catch the fish with a little sieve. It did look like lots of fun. The Chinese were putting the fish in their drinking bottles.
The Pearl River Cruise
We were told that most people would rate the cruise as a ten and the food as a seven. Honestly, I thought it was a waste of time. I couldn't rate pickled pig intestine, chicken feet, and braised pork bones as a high quality meal. We ended up eating noodles, curry noodles, some plain steamed buns, and about 10 of the mini coconut tarts.
The Chinese raced to the lines... gobbling all the "delicious" livers, bones, skins, and other treats. Not many Americans ran to the buffet table. It's an experience. You can get some good pictures of the chicken heads amongst the chicken though. Eat up fellow friends!
Our dear friend Amy and her son Trevor and daughter Madeline.
That's a chicken foot and Madeline loved it!
The Chinese raced to the lines... gobbling all the "delicious" livers, bones, skins, and other treats. Not many Americans ran to the buffet table. It's an experience. You can get some good pictures of the chicken heads amongst the chicken though. Eat up fellow friends!
Our dear friend Amy and her son Trevor and daughter Madeline.
That's a chicken foot and Madeline loved it!
Monday, July 26, 2010
More Shoes!
We shopped a little on Shamian Island. We still can't figure out why it is called an island. I did notice water at one point though.
We bought 2 pair of Chinese traditional shoes to match her two Chinese outfits and some cute plastic sandals for her to wear by Christmas. I paid 150 yuan for the 3 pair. I think they started at 330 yuan. I knew I shouldn't pay more than $8 each.
We also bought a few more outfits. I think the Burberry jacket and red dress are my favorite. We also bought a Starbucks t-shirt that says Guangzhou on it. Jennifer, the owner, of one of the shops, lives in Lynnwood, WA. Her sister Lily runs the store for her on the island. While we were conversing, she asked me where we were from. When she told me her sister lived in Lynnwood, I had to ask her 3 times what she was saying... not because I didn't understand her, but what Chinese person would know Lynnwood. Lynnwood, is 5 minutes from our home. It was a fun connection.
We bought 2 pair of Chinese traditional shoes to match her two Chinese outfits and some cute plastic sandals for her to wear by Christmas. I paid 150 yuan for the 3 pair. I think they started at 330 yuan. I knew I shouldn't pay more than $8 each.
We also bought a few more outfits. I think the Burberry jacket and red dress are my favorite. We also bought a Starbucks t-shirt that says Guangzhou on it. Jennifer, the owner, of one of the shops, lives in Lynnwood, WA. Her sister Lily runs the store for her on the island. While we were conversing, she asked me where we were from. When she told me her sister lived in Lynnwood, I had to ask her 3 times what she was saying... not because I didn't understand her, but what Chinese person would know Lynnwood. Lynnwood, is 5 minutes from our home. It was a fun connection.
Second Day for Immunizations... 5 in Total Plus TB Test
Monday, July 26, 2010
This morning we went back to Shamian Island for Gabriella to be evaluated for her TB test. She did not have any reaction. We also had to get 3 more shots (5 in total in 3 days… plus the TB test). She cried before they even started. She stopped crying immediately after they handed her two candies... one for each hand.
I wonder what it would cost, or what we can do, to protect our children from having immunizations in foreign countries. How much could I bribe… and who? I want to know so that when we bring our next daughters home, we will be well prepared.
Someone did say, if the child was “too sick” the Chinese doctor would provide a note that would allow the child to come to America without immunizations. I wonder what “too sick” means. I have to admit, that I was surprised they took the time to check her temperature before giving her, her immunizations... but, I wonder what it would have had to be to not get them.
We shopped a little on the island. We bought 2 pair of Chinese traditional shoes to match her two Chinese outfits and some cute plastic sandals for her to wear by Christmas. We also bought a few more outfits. I think the Burberry jacket and dress are my favorite.
This morning we went back to Shamian Island for Gabriella to be evaluated for her TB test. She did not have any reaction. We also had to get 3 more shots (5 in total in 3 days… plus the TB test). She cried before they even started. She stopped crying immediately after they handed her two candies... one for each hand.
I wonder what it would cost, or what we can do, to protect our children from having immunizations in foreign countries. How much could I bribe… and who? I want to know so that when we bring our next daughters home, we will be well prepared.
Someone did say, if the child was “too sick” the Chinese doctor would provide a note that would allow the child to come to America without immunizations. I wonder what “too sick” means. I have to admit, that I was surprised they took the time to check her temperature before giving her, her immunizations... but, I wonder what it would have had to be to not get them.
We shopped a little on the island. We bought 2 pair of Chinese traditional shoes to match her two Chinese outfits and some cute plastic sandals for her to wear by Christmas. We also bought a few more outfits. I think the Burberry jacket and dress are my favorite.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Mama's First Unsolicited, Unbegged for Kiss!
When we got back to the hotel, I took my third shower of the day, Mei Mei took her second. We prepared for bed: got our jammies on, brushed teeth, dried hair, read a book, looked at her China pictures, massaged our feet with lotion, and then tried to go “nigh night.” It took an hour and 20 minutes; however, today I got my first unsolicited kiss. In fact, I got several in a row. The tough love of yesterday paid off… she is a quick learner.
Today was our first okay day since our first 2-day honeymoon. But, when Baba left, today was perfect!
Today was our first okay day since our first 2-day honeymoon. But, when Baba left, today was perfect!
Her First English Word: "Shoes"
Later in the evening, our group went to the local Thai restaurant. The same one we went to last night. It’s the only food I have liked so far in China… minus Pizza Hut and Starbucks. We sat with Amy and her son Trevor (17) and new daughter Madelyn. We enjoyed getting to know one another better after being Facebook friends through our adoption journey.
Both yesterday and today Jason brought me a mocha from Starbucks. Oh, how it tastes so good when you have been without for so long.
After dinner, we went shopping for little Mei Mei to get her a pair of shoes. Her first American word was “shoes.” Jason, being the nice guy, let her choose her own shoes. But, she chose some pink ones with baby Mickey on them… not going to work for Mama. Her clothes are princess clothes… nothing Mickey until we get to Disneyland. So, Mama chose a different pair... pink sandals with a diamond on them. She was so excited.
Both yesterday and today Jason brought me a mocha from Starbucks. Oh, how it tastes so good when you have been without for so long.
After dinner, we went shopping for little Mei Mei to get her a pair of shoes. Her first American word was “shoes.” Jason, being the nice guy, let her choose her own shoes. But, she chose some pink ones with baby Mickey on them… not going to work for Mama. Her clothes are princess clothes… nothing Mickey until we get to Disneyland. So, Mama chose a different pair... pink sandals with a diamond on them. She was so excited.
The Pearl Market
We went shopping at the Pearl Market. I was delighted to find this amazingly huge bracelet with genuine purple stones in it… the thing glistened “money”. It was so gorgeous. It was really all I wanted… but, it wasn’t a pearl item. When I asked how much it was, I gasped when they told me $904 American. It was sold by weight. I was sad to have to leave it behind.
I decided to buy 2 sets of pearl earrings. One for me… one for Mei Mei. I also bought Mei Mei her own pearl necklace that the gal made right in front of me with the pearl strand I chose. It was quite interesting to watch. The girls are very fast at making these necklaces.
Jason and Mei Mei hung out while I bartered. I was able to get each set of pearl earrings for $18 each and the necklace for $45. I am pretty positive I got the most beautiful earrings in the store (in the size I purchased).
We bought a couple items for Tyanna today; but, we didn’t have any luck finding anything for Kai or their cousins Jordan and Corban.
I decided to buy 2 sets of pearl earrings. One for me… one for Mei Mei. I also bought Mei Mei her own pearl necklace that the gal made right in front of me with the pearl strand I chose. It was quite interesting to watch. The girls are very fast at making these necklaces.
Jason and Mei Mei hung out while I bartered. I was able to get each set of pearl earrings for $18 each and the necklace for $45. I am pretty positive I got the most beautiful earrings in the store (in the size I purchased).
We bought a couple items for Tyanna today; but, we didn’t have any luck finding anything for Kai or their cousins Jordan and Corban.
Our Complimentary Breakfast in Our TEN STAR Hotel!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
This morning we again marveled at our complimentary breakfast FULL of items non-Chinese can NOT eat due to our susceptibility of getting sick (all of their yummy fruits, salads, veggies, and non-cooked fresh foods), many more of the items… we wouldn’t eat… braised pig ears, boiled bones, fish stock soup, crunchy soft chicken bones with cashews, etc.
If they didn’t cook my eggs in 2/3 cup (or more) of oil each day, I would have lost 10 pounds by now. We generally only eat twice a day… without snacks too!
Bottled water, our Essentials, and Sprite are the beloved drinks. We are grateful to now be in Guangzhou where they have kindly placed Starbucks right around the corner from our 5 STAR (TEN STAR!) hotel. We are absolutely staying in magnificent luxury. The Garden Hotel is the most luxurious hotel I have ever been in. And, no one seems to say this in their blogs.
This morning we again marveled at our complimentary breakfast FULL of items non-Chinese can NOT eat due to our susceptibility of getting sick (all of their yummy fruits, salads, veggies, and non-cooked fresh foods), many more of the items… we wouldn’t eat… braised pig ears, boiled bones, fish stock soup, crunchy soft chicken bones with cashews, etc.
Bottled water, our Essentials, and Sprite are the beloved drinks. We are grateful to now be in Guangzhou where they have kindly placed Starbucks right around the corner from our 5 STAR (TEN STAR!) hotel. We are absolutely staying in magnificent luxury. The Garden Hotel is the most luxurious hotel I have ever been in. And, no one seems to say this in their blogs.
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