Monday Morning Update

Yesterday morning we visited the zoo here in Guangzhou.  Because it was Sunday, it was rather crowded.  It's always nice to watch animals taken from the wild pace in circles in their new homes.  Still, it was nice to get out of the room and see more of the city.  Later in the afternoon, we walked across the bridge off the island into an area known as Qing Ping Medicine Market.  I believe that's what the refer to as "immersion".  We were the only Americans around.  Naturally, Alaina received some attention.  Her eyes are big and her skin lighter than many Chinese babies.  However, as the tall, white, American, I received more stares than the rest.  Many people glanced up to stare at the white man in sunglasses taking pictures.  The area is much like the pharmacies in Chinatown in LA, but along the sidewalks as well as in shops.  It would probably be safe to assume there are a few things available here which you won't find in the US.  It was quite an adventure.

Now... we're waiting for our US Consulate appointment later in the afternoon.  There, we will take "the oath"... since Alaina cant.  The Consulate appointment is what all other travel plans were based upon.  We'll then have some free time while await Alaina's US Visa sometime late Wednesday.  After that, niine families will depart Guangzhou.  Some will spend the night in Hong Kong... others will only spend a few hours at the airport... waitiing for their flight home.  We will leave Guangzhou by air at 9:50 AM on Thursday on the short flight to Hong Kong.  We'll then leave Hong Kong for LAX at 1:05 PM.  Our scheduled arrival time is about 9:35 AM on the same day.

Alaina is napping now... getting ready for her big appointment at the Consulate.

William, Christina, & Alaina

After our appointment at the Consulate this afternoon, we're going on a dinner cruise on the Pearl River.  I believe the dinner is buffet style & it will be a great chance to see Guangzhou from the water.  It seems like we've been here so long already.  Many of our days have been filled with appointments and activities.  The down time we have is a nice break.  We run into many families from our group and others as we stroll around the island.  It's funny... two weeks ago we didn't even know each other.  Now, we greet each other like old friends.  We've all been through alot together here in China.  It's hard to believe our days abroad are finally winding down.

Have a good day.

William, Christina, & Alaina