Sunshine!

Hello:

At long last we had some patches of blue sky and sunshine today. It didn't make the headlines of the local English printed paper, The China Daily, but it should have. We have been diligently saving each day's edition of this newspaper for Joey so he can see what China was like when he came to America. We haven't seen much sun since we arrived due to clouds and smog. As we boarded the bus for our final field trip today many in our party donned their shades. I left mine in the hotel thinking I'd jinx the whole thing if I wore them. The lack of sun has contributed to the "Ground Hog Day" condition that was described in the previous entry.

Today's "distraction attraction" was a 20 minute trip to Baiyun Mountain Park. Baiyun means "white cloud". It isn't really a mountain but it is the highest point in Guangzhou and provides an excellent view of the city. Today was the clearest day we've had in 19 days so it was a good day to go (smog was still a limiting factor in visibility though). We took electric cars similar to an extended golf cart holding 12-15 people (12 if American, 15 if Chinese) up the "mountain" to another Buddhist Temple. Then we had to walk about 15 minutes to the top (most of which were steps). I had an additional 26 lbs of flesh strapped to my hip so I'll feel it tonight. MB was right behind with the back pack containing provisions for the excursion. You know such necessities as diapers, wipes, change of clothes in case one of us soils himself, photo equipment and all the makings for a toddler's picnic like juice, hot water for oatmeal, oatmeal, and a bib - don't forget the Cheerios! Remember RULE #1 WHERE JOEY GOES SO GO THE CHEERIOS!

I should mention Joey's limited English vocabulary (don't ask me his Cantonese or Mandarin vocabulary) includes "up" and "down" so we chanted together "up, up, up..." as we ascended the mountain. I think it was his way of encouraging "his old man".

Once we reached the summit, we were rewarded with a bird show. There is an aviary at the top of the climb and Joey sort of liked the birds...he was a little apprehensive though. We congratulated ourselves for completing the endeavor by taking a gondola down the mighty slope. Quite fun, even for those with "height fright" like me! We were then served a traditional Chinese meal. (Is that my stomach growling!)

It was so nice outside that we squeezed in a another swim. Joey did well the first time (almost a week ago) but we had been unable to get back to the pool due to the weather. He continues to like the water.

Tomorrow (Thursday) has two important events. First, our guides take Joey's visa paperwork to the US Consulate. It is our appointment but we don't go - only the documents. We must stay in our room from 11am-noon(ish) - until we receive a phone call letting us know everything is acceptable. Our "in person" appointment is on Friday at 2pm when we take Joey to the Consulate. We leave for the airport immediately after that appointment. This is the appointment that lengthened our trip by an additional week. (Most adoptive families only stay in China 2 weeks to finalize their adoption.) I'd like to inquire, as a US citizen, why they couldn't work with our agency to reduce our stay, but think it best not to broach the subject while they are holding Joey's US Visa!

I spoke to a gentleman tonight who's paper work was hung up today because the Consulate's system was down. I think only 8 got out and maybe 22 did not. That could be a total mess with air travel and hotels as there is a huge international trade fair and every hotel is booked. He missed his evening flight and had to reshedule. Lets keep our fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly.

The second event is the traditional "red couch" photo. Apparently, all of the adopted children pose for photos on an actual red couch (if you haven't noticed red is a very important color for the Chinese) on the second floor lobby of the White Swan Hotel. The children are dressed in traditional Chinese attire. MB has her eye on a traditional Chinese outfit (white) already. I have my eye on one that makes him look like royalty - a little emperor. Put your money on the white one!

Well, I've described tomorrow's activities and it is really our last day to blog. Friday we pack, go to the Consulate and catch our 9PM flight home. We're really looking forward to it!

T, MB & Joey