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?).

Homework time was completely adorable. I've loved hearing Aria and Calin's journal entries, and also discovered that Liena can trace her hand!

Whew! Made it to our hotel! Lunch time at last.

Aria's pizza.

Look at these chopstick professionals!

The island.

This guy painted a name banner for Liena in Chinese characters.

Snack shopping!

Beans in the matcha ice cream? Why not?

For real. Next time I'm invited somewhere for sundaes I'm bringing beans as my contribution. 

Pajama girls and snacks. Always snacks.

Nanning Day 5: Thanksgiving

Day five started out with a tour of Green Mountain, a 200 meter mountain and the highest point in Nanning. The whole mountain is landscaped and beautiful, full of tropical plants and water features. Usually tough hikers, we chose to bus part way up the mountain. Liena was full of energy and running at top speed. Containing her in a shuttle until we were somewhere she could run safely was really helpful.

At the top of the mountain is a tower. The original was built 400 years ago and was named the Dragon and Elephant Tower and was meant to harness the power of the land and water. Apparently dragons are most powerful in the water and elephants on land, so with that name they had their bases covered! It was destroyed once by lightening and then rebuilt. During WWII the Chinese government destroyed it for fear that it would be a target for Japan and put the city at risk. It was built again fifty years ago. Even though it is very tall, it can only be climbed to the ninth floor, but the view from there is still beautiful! 

Following our mountain visit, we went to lunch with our guide. We asked him to choose a place as our attempts to fins food have been a bit hit or miss! He took us to a rice bowl restaurant called Pokefun. It was in a super fancy mall, and this is where we had Thanksgiving lunch. Afterward he left to complete some paperwork tasks for the he next steps in our adoption. The afternoon was spent doing homework and playing with our kids in and around the hotel. 

Liena has continued to be happy, energetic, and always ready for a good time! Aria and Calin have been enjoying pushing her stroller, opening her endless snacks, and playing. It has been so fun watching them develop relationships!

Green Mountain

She climbs everything!

So handsome!!

Our kids loved feeding the koi, but honestly they were pretty disturbing. The sounds they made as they swarmed for food, the way they pushed each other to the surface, and chomped was just too much! I should have recorded them.

Ever patient and fun Tamsin! 

Dragon and elephant tower.

Its just so pretty here!

Thanksgiving dinner. I wouldn't have had it any other way this year.

It should be called Ridiculously Delish.

We ended the evening at the bridge falls near our hotel.

This girl has taken on her role as big sister (again) with such grace and joy. It's been amazing to watch her love and patience with little sister who wants to do everything she is doing and constantly be in her space.

Nanning Day 3: Adoption Day

Day three in Nanning started out a bit chillier than before, but it was refreshing after heat and humidity. When our guide picked up Justin, Liena and I to attend our adoption proceedings he was shocked at our lack of jackets, stating that people in Nanning were freezing. For us it was still warm compared to the weather we've been having in Washington state. Thank goodness we dressed Liena in pants and a sweater! I didn't realize that mid 60's was cold here.

We rode back to the government building where family day occured to sign more documents, go through an adoption interview, and then ceremony. We started out waiting in an office for the government official who would conduct the proceedings. While we waited Liena played with her teacher and orphanage official, then decided.toneat a snack they had packed for her. It was exceedingly crumbly and I had my hands full keeping her from spreading it all over the space.  

The official entered and spent time reviewing documents and having us sign a few more. He then completed the interview, asking why we wanted to adopt Liena and having us promise to never abuse or abandon her. I felt a bit intimidated at first, as he was very serious. As I began to talk about why we wanted to adopt her I relaxed and his expression became softer. Still, I felt relieved to finish that part. 

We then went into the next room and stood with Liena before a podium. The official stood behind it and in front of the Chinese flag and gave a brief speech including a welcome to Nanning and wishes that we will be a happy family. He then nodded and left, and we posed for a picture with Liena's teacher and other staff member. 

Afterward we all went to a notary office where we were again interviewed with the same questions. More paper signing occured and then it was time to give gifts and say goodbye to the orphanage staff. They said some meaningful and heartfelt words which I have written down. The love they have for Liena(especially her teacher) is obvious and even while we are so happy I feel for the loss they are experiencing.

The afternoon and evening were spent first exploring, then napping, then exploring before. I'll narrate the latter part of the day through the pictures below.

Just after the adoption ceremony!

Waiting for the notary. Liena is so playful and loud, thankfully the notary and other office staff didn't seem to mind.

Liena and her beloved teacher.

Time for lunch! Proud sissy took charge of the stroller.

Hardware store, just because.

Ordering lunch was fun. I took pictures of the menu and zoomed in on the pics of what we wanted, only to be told no repeatedly by the server. So instead we pointed at random to a few items and waited to be surprised by what came out! 

I thought it was delish.

So did Liena!

Nobody else loved it, but they gave it a brave try! We followed up with ice cream, so all is well that ends well.

Waitng for her noodles.

After nap was homework time. Girls teamed up👍

We then took the subway to a steet market and walked to food street.

People keep taking pictures of Aria because of her blonde hair. Most don't ask, but the sweet dad of these two did ask, so Aria agreed to pose. Usually she gets frustrated to look up and see someone pointing or taking her picture.

Busy but amazing day!