Catch up and Hello from Guangzhou

Yesterday was out last day in Nanchang.   It rained again. 

In China random things happen (different culture)  At breakfast we were sitting and had an extra chair in case Esther joined us.  The place was very busy and this random Chinese guy just joins us and has his food.  He never spoke but he did sneak a few photos of us.   Not sure if I  mentioned this earlier but we get a lot of stares over here.   First to see Americans with multiple Chinese kids and then with Joshua's ears and hearing aid it draws attention.   Chinese don't hesitate to stare at you.   I just start taking photos of them and they either smile or stop.   Today a guy in a cab was staring as we were crossing the street and he finally gave us thumbs up.

Yesterday We let the kids play in the play area at the hotel and then the rain stopped and we went for a walk around the block near the hotel.  We had seen this statue from the car and decided to take a photo.  I think his pants are missing. We ate at the noodle house earlier this week and it was  great.

We finally found a toy that Hannah likes.  We had a Wal Mart bag with some clean trash in it.  She started pulling trash out and picking it up.  She played with it for 45 minutes.   So we packed the clean trash and bag and brought it with us.  It has resulted in hours of enjoyment today.  We have to hide it so housekeeping wont throw it out.

We left at 1:30 for the airport.   Esther got us through check in and up to security.  Security had an issue with Hannah's passport and wanted us to get out of line and go back to the ticket counter to make a change.   We were insistent that this was not an option and they let us go.   The were much better in Nanchang and did not take all of my electronics out.  However security had an issue with the stroller and took us to a service desk for the airline.

Hannah did great on her first air plane ride.

The lady wanted me to go back outside security and check the stroller.  I pushed back and said "not going to happen.  You can either keep the stroller or let me take it. I have a child that has trouble walking and I need it."  The lady let me take it to gate check it.  At the gate they were great and let us put it in first class and had it waiting on me as we exited coach class.

Guangzhou is HOT, HOT, and Humid.   We got in and met our guide David.  We also bumped into a former guide Grace and were able to hug her and catch up a bit.   It took about an hour to get to the hotel, Guangzhou traffic is terrible.

The hotel was a mess. This is a business hotel and not set up for families.   Due to my Marriott status they tried to help us.  The only big suite was smoking, I went to check it out and it stunk.  So we took the next size down.  Haggled a bit over the price of adding a bed but finally done.  By 7:45 we were in the room, then off to McDonald's across the street.  One thing is consistent around the world, McDonald's STINKS.  Screwed up our order, took forever but food was great after a long day.
We have a great view of a building being built from the room.

Saturday morning we got up to no internet access so could not talk to the kids.

We then had to meet David to go for Hannah's Visa photo and physical.  The doctors had a number of questions as it was very apparent that her referral paperwork is very inaccurate and does not explain her medical status.   She did great for the medical test.

After that David walked us around the neighborhood near the hotel showing us all the good local restaurants and took us to get Hannah a hair cut.   When her hair was down she resembled Cousin IT and after the makeover she looks beautiful.   Maria also got a trim.  The place was nice and the guys were very helpful.

The girls stylist in the white and David our guide in blue.

being pampered.

Cousin It

Look at this beautiful girl.

Maria had a trim too.

Her face is so cute and now you can see it.

We did a little shopping in the neighborhood.

Then off to KFC for a quick lunch and 711 for snacks.

The afternoon was pretty low key.  We went over and walked around the soccer stadium before dinner and saw many people playing Ping Pong and exercising.  One thing you can say for the Chinese is they try to stay active.

Crossing the street here is like human frogger.  You take your life in your own hands.

Josh was very helpful with her pushing the stroller

Folks playing ping pong in the park near the stadium

This evening Hannah has been screaming and laughing.  She loves Maria and Josh. It is so good to hear her having fun and learning.  Tonight she was calling "MARIA, Maria!

Now it is bed time and she is having a fit.  She hates to go to bed and has melt downs most nights.  They can last for a while.   She cry's so hard.  I know this is all so scary for her.

Tomorrow is a down day.  We will go to Shamain Island to walk and shop.