AnnaGrace's Photo Shoot

Shamian Island, where we are staying while in Guangzhou, is a popular site for model and bridal photo shoots. Not only is the atmosphere different than surrounding areas with it's lack of vehicle traffic, it's also a photographers dream with all the wrought iron and architectural details which "shoot" so well.

Our guide told us that not only Chinese models flock to the Island, but Russian models are beginning to use the Island for their lay-outs as well.

Since we were not able to get AnnaGrace's photos done in Changsha as hoped, we decided to do our own photo shoot yesterday.

We bought a traditional silk dress, umbrella and fan (thanks Brenda Scott for the great idea) and began touring the Island for good photographic spots. Although the weather didn't cooperate as we'd liked, the clouds rolled in and it began to rain towards the end of the time, we still had lots of fun!

Following are a few of my favorites....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can tell that Savannah Faith was fascinated with her big sister's afternoon events...

 

Pearl River Dinner Cruise

This trip we experienced a first...a Pearl River Dinner Cruise. Although I've heard about this excursion from other adoptive parents, our agency has never booked it for us. So this was a special treat.

 

 

 

 

The 2 hour dinner cruise began with a scrumptious dinner buffet complete with an array of Chinese dishes including spicy chicken, fried rice, noodles, beef dishes, steamed buns, fresh shrimp and too many other options to mention. Of course Savannah didn't avail herself of any of the goodies. She just patiently waited for her bottle. It's okay. I think I ate my helping and hers.

After the meal we went on the top deck and enjoyed the scenery on the river. We passed the CCTV tower, now the 2nd tallest tower in the world. It's second only to the a tower in Dubai.

 

We also passed the location of the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Asian Games. Elvin, our guide, has toured the inside of the facilities. Although quite impressive, he said they don't hold a candle to the Olympic location in Beijing, the Bird's Nest.

 

When Savannah Faith became bored, Elvin was a good sport and took a turn entertaining her. Every adoptive family who has enjoyed Elvin's talents as a guide knows how wonderful he is with the children. He now has a 14 month old son of his own. I can only imagine what a great father he is!

 

After enjoying the fresh air on deck, we were entertained by a juggling clown. The children especially appreciated her talent. Even Savannah Faith was intrigued with the show.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tomorrow is a day off, so we will enjoy a little shopping around Guangzhou.

Safari Park

Today we visited the Safari Park.

 

This is always the highlight of our Guangzhou portion of the trip. Being animal lovers and annual zoo pass holders, we look forward to seeing some Asian animals in their natural habitat.

The panda bears are of course a highlight!

 

The first stop in the safari park is a 30-40 minute tram ride through the animals' natural habitats.

 

 

The park has done a fabulous job of leaving wide open spaces for the animals and yet allowing visibility for the patrons. During the tram ride we drove through African savannahs, Asian woods and open plains. No enclosures were visible which made the viewing even more enjoyable.

 

After disembarking, we began the walking tour of the zoo. We stopped and posed outside the Meerkat exhibit. I'm not sure Savannah Faith was that enamored with the idea. Although she was relieved that we were near the Meerkat's and not the monkey's.

 

Earlier we had to leave the monkey show. That was the only place Savannah Faith definitely did NOT enjoy. Half way through the show she noticed the monkeys. A terrified look crossed her face, and she let out a scream of terror. Needless to say we left the show in a hurry. That was the only time all day that she showed any signs of displeasure. Clearly monkeys are not her favorites.

We continued our walk and accidentally, after entering the "exit", stumbled into an area where you could pay $3.00 to hold a tiger cub. Needless to say they didn't have to ask twice, I shelled out the money and Michaela and AnnaGrace fed a one month old tiger cub his bottle.

 

This is my sixth trip to China. Five adoptions and one volunteer trip. Needless to say I'm not buying a lot of "stuff" this time around. You can only own so many China tea sets, traditional silk dresses for the little girls, and silk purses. Those of you have been on adoption trips know what I mean.

We're also on a tight budget this time. Every agency arranges their travel portion differently. Our agency uses CWTS for their travel. Our outings, guide, van and breakfast are included in the flat rate price we paid for our trip. Our lunches, dinners and extras are not included. Needless to say we've eaten a lot of crackers, trail mix and peanut butter that we brought from home, for meals. We've done our own laundry in the bath tub. (Thanks, Michaela, to your good training while on the mission field in Swaziland).

But one thing I didn't want to scrimp on this time were memories...so when the girls had a chance to ride on an elephant, I jumped at the opportunity. At $12.00/person, I thought it was a steal!!

Evidently they don't get lots of takers because the Chinese nationals lined up three deep at the fence to take pictures of our girls as they climbed abroad. I was trying to juggle Savannah Faith, taking a nap in my arms, our backpack and my camera. Taking photos with one hand with a sleeping baby resting on my other hip...who says mother's can't multi-task!

 

 

Really nothing could top the elephant ride. But we did stop for one more show. The African Animal show which included an impressive display of trained African animals including a man riding not only a zebra but also a hippo!

 

 

 

We got back to the hotel around 3:00 p.m. just in time for Savannah's 2nd afternoon bottle. Little miss picky will still ONLY drink from one specific bottle. Her bottle. I guess if everything in my life had just been turned upside down, I might demand a certain bottle too. A girl's prerogative, right!

Final Day in Jinan and Medical Exam

We're now in Guangzhou, and I've discovered my VPN won't work here. A BIG thanks to Torie for being willing to post the blog posts for me this week! I see a lot of Starbucks, as repayment, in my future!!

Friday was our last day in Jinan. We walked around a park, bought a few groceries, and ate at a Chinese fast food restaurant. Our experience in China, this time, has been much different than in the past. Our guides have only been available until around 1:00 p.m. It's a good thing I'm comfortable exploring on my own, or we would have spent a lot of time in our hotel room.

Walking in China alone means enduring lots of blatant stares. In Jinan we saw less than five non-Asian faces during the entire five day stay. You can imagine the curiosity that two Caucasian faces, one Asian, English-speaking child and an Asian baby cause! I realize that I'm at ease in the country now when the majority of the time I don't even notice the sometimes discreet, other times wide-mouth stares that are directed our way.

Of course I returned the favor today when I saw a group of high school age youth at the park. I think they enjoyed the attention and began waving at the camera. When entering high school, in China, uniforms are required. You can see an example of uniforms in this photo.

 

 

 

 

Jinan's city tree is the weeping willow, and it's flower is the tulip. Here was a non-functioning fountain featuring the tulip. I would love to see the fountain during the warm months. The parks and fountains are beautiful here.

 

The park also had an interesting array of statues commemorating ancient men and women who have contributed to China's history. Each statue included a plaque explaining the contribution the individual made.

 

 

After walking in the park, we made a trip to the grocery store to buy Savannah Faith some formula. Shopping in a Chinese grocery store is always an adventure. You only thought we had a plethora of choices! Notice the row of baby formulas on the shelf in the background. This was ONE of the shelves of formula. Another shelf equally as long was next to this one.

 

 

In addition to navigating the aisles, you also must navigate the crowds.


 

 

And if you find yourself with a sweet tooth, don't despair. Nestle's found its way to China.
 

 

Need make-up?? Just drop by the L'Oreal counter.
 

 

 

 

 

After grocery shopping we stopped for lunch at a Chinese fast food restaurant.

 

 

Trust me, this was better than any fast food restaurant in the States. I ate fresh stir-fried beef with red and green peppers and onions. Michaela chose sweet and sour chicken and fresh green beans, and AnnaGrace had a bowl of steamed rice with pork. The food was absolutely delicious!

If you think we weren't already getting enough stares, AnnaGrace posed with the fast food chicken for me. Yes, as if there was any doubt, we are crazy Americans.

Besides enduring lots of looks, the other adventure in exploring China alone is crossing the streets.

In China the pedestrians do NOT have the right of way. Every time you cross the streets you take your life in your hands. After 6 trips to China (4 for Michaela) we are used to the timing of dashing between cars, bicycles and scooters and living to tell about it. AnnaGrace, on the other hand, is finding the experience a little nerve-wracking. She firmly grasps one of our hands and proceeds to give us instructions on when she thinks it's safe to cross. It is providing great entertainment for Michaela and I!

 

 

 

 

 

One of the interesting things in Jinan was passing a Muslim area. We saw this in 2007 when we visited Xian as well. As Christians it's a reminder of how important it is for us to be sending the Gospel to every corner of the world!

 

 

 

 

Friday evening we flew to Guangzhou. It's always like coming home to get to the Island. We're staying at the Victory, which is certainly not the most popular place for adoptive families to stay anymore, but still our favorite.

This morning I took Savannah Faith to her medical appointment. She looked so little and indignant as she waited to see the Dr.

 

 

We spent the rest of the day walking around the Island and relaxing.

Savannah Faith continues her food boycott. She will play with her Cheerio container but will not allow one to pass her lips.
 

 

 

She is a good sport and is already learning what it means to have sisters and to be subjected to their antics. Including having stacking cups stacked on her head. The joys of family.

 

 

 

 

She is opening up to us more and more and beginning the signs of true attachment - eye contact, snuggling and reaching her hands for us. We're praising the Lord for His hand in all of this.

 

 

Walking at Heihu Spring Park & Daming Lake

Today we toured two parks, just five minutes apart, Heihu Spring Park and Daming Lake. 

Jinan is known for its natural springs.  The people in this area gather at the springs to collect fresh water to take home.  Although there is a legal spot for collection, many choose the more convenient area, albeit precarious location, for their water gathering.

Right next to the contraband water carriers were three uniformed police officers who were casually observing and apparently discussing the weather.  I asked our guide about the seeming lack of enforcement of the law.  He just laughed and said, "This is China."  Okay??


Within eye shot, and across the spring, was the legal gathering location for H2O.  And  even the pampered pooch seemed to understand the proper, orderly way to wait for his turn.

 

The weather was beautiful and brisk, and we could see the sun!

Although Jinan boasts a population similar to Changsha at 7 million, it doesn't share the pollution of Changsha or Beijing.

The locals depend more on bicycles and scooters and less on cars which I am sure contributes to better air quality.

The combination of the beauty of the park, the weather and the fact that Michaela actually had her hands on my camera, gave us lots of photo ops.  (Normally I am VERY territorial over my camera, but Savannah was NOT interested in letting me take photos.  Michaela was very pleased that she was photographer for the day!)

 

 

 

 

Savannah was not sure she liked her carrier, but it sure saved my back.

 

 

 

 

After leaving Heihu Spring Park, we made the five minute drive to Daming Lake.  Jinan, according to our guide, is the only Chinese city that has a lake in the middle of  it. 

 

 

Here the girls pose with our guide, Jason.

 

 

 

Daming Lake is a natural lake, spring-fed by the Heihu Springs.  It is a popular location for the locals to come and spend afternoons and weekends.   They can even rent boats to take out onto the lake.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Evidently it is also a place where they hope to find romance.  As legend holds, long ago an emperor traveled to the city of Jinan and found his true love while at the park.  They were married and lived happily from that day forward.

 

 

 

Ever since that time, in the lunar month of September, single men and women of all ages hoping to find their soul mates come to the park and pin up notes on long red threads.  I guess it's their modern day equivalent of eHarmony.com. 

 

 

Savannah, not regaled by all these tales, fell fast asleep.

 

 

 

 

 

 

While Savannah Faith slept, her big sisters tried to look wise standing next to one of China's great teacher's and his student.

 

 

 

 

 

The next few days well include a lot of waiting.  Waiting for the notary papers and Savannah Faith's passport.  Then Friday it will be off to Guangzhou.

 

 

(It's come to my attention that those of you who receive the blog via e-mail can't see the photos due to their size.  I will begin including the link to the blog at the end of each blog post, so you can click on it if you would like to see the photos.  www.thehortonhome.blogspot.com )