Finneys in China: Day 6: Nanning to Guangzhou

On day six we woke early to check out of our hotel and take a three hour bullet train ride to Gaungzhou where the medical appointment and American Consulate appointment take place. Our train was scheduled for 9:30, and our guide said he'd arrive at the hotel at 8:30 to help us check out(because of the language barrier), then take us half an hour to the station where we would then have about 20 minutes to check in, go through security, and board. We were nervous we wouldn't have enough time but every time we asked him to leave earlier he said "It's ok, it's ok, just trust me, it's ok it's ok." It might be ok if you're from here and know your way around the enormous station and aren't dragging around giant luggage. Thankfully we made it right on time and it was all ok, but there definitely wasnt room for error. At least he taught me a new mantra, "It's ok, it's ok."

The train was comfortable, though three hours felt like six with our toddler summersaulting in my lap. She drug me down to the restroom six times just for the fun of it, which was fine because she needed to move! I don't mean to sound like a complainer, I am just truly amazed at her energy and stamina! I would like to put a fitbit on her and see how many steps she takes per day, but I don't think it could count that high.

When we arrived in Guangzhou we were met by our next guide, Alexa. The ride to our hotel was about forty minutes. We threw our stuff in our room and went right out to a late lunch. Aria ordered pizza which was interesting and would never be acceptable in New Jersey where we were recently living. They have pizza everywhere and it is amazing, and this was not that. Aria did not seem to mind and kept saying how delicious it was to have pizza after eating noodles at least once per day to date.

We are staying on Shamian Island in the same hotel I stayed in with my friends eleven years ago. It is comfortable and the island is very beautiful. The architecture, proximity to water, fancy restaurants, and tourist shops everywhere remind me a lot of Cape May and I feel at home. It is pretty safe traffic wise for kids to run around as well. There is often live music on the waterfront, and the city lights up with a neon glow at night. We spent the whole afternoon and evening on the island resting and enjoying being off the train. Justin kindly (and bravely) insisted on bathing amd putting to bed all three kids so Tamsin and I could take our time walking, talking, and enjoying the atmosphere.

Day 6 was a great day.

Check out time!

These two are snack buddies! They started the train ride with rice crackers galore.

Snacks in one's own seat are lame. Sitting on brother's lap and force feeding him is much preferred.

Forget snacks! Let's read a book for five seconds.

Waaaaait, this book is boring. Let's do mom's hair in multiple ponytails(remember I said she can do her own pony? Well she's also licensed to do other people's hair. Who knew?).