....and it was just like old times. We woke up early for a breakfast and like clockwork got the kids ready, whisked them down to the lounge on our floor for breakfast, then came back to prep for the day!
We met Leigh downstairs at 9:30 as planned for the trip to the medical examination office for Declans checkup and TB testing. Unlike in the past, the clinic was not on Shamian Island, but is in downtown in Guangzhou and is paired with a clinic for Chinese citizens who are preparing for travel abroad. When we first walked in the door, it was just was we expected.....crowded. But then Leigh led us to an area that was separated from the main clinic and marked "Adoptive Families Only". There were two other couples there when we got there, totally unlike the clinic on the island. Declan was quickly put through several exams and as we waited a few more families arrived. Still nothing like the island, but we loved seeing all the kids with their new parents. Many, if not most, seemed to be adopting for a second or third time. We met a couple from Charlotte, NC who are staying in the same hotel we are and are adopting for a third time just as we are. We told each other we would look for each other around the hotel before we all departed China. If it is one thing that holds true, adoptive families bond quicker than any other families we have ever experienced. The shared bonds are deep and the experiences are so special its almost as if we all belong together. After some chatting with other families, we moved on the TB testing and our boy did not even so much as flinch when they administered the test. Lets hope he is always this good around doctors!
With that finished, we were quickly whisked back to the hotel to review our paperwork with the guide then we would have the remainder of the day to ourselves. As Ann Marie and the guide reviewed the paperwork, the kids and I played at the children's play area on the 4th floor which really had them going and was a nice change for them since they had to behave while at the clinic. After about an hour we were ready for lunch, but before heading back to the room, we checked out the pool for some wet fun later in the week!
Lunch around the China Hotel is quite an experience. As this is a very commercial area, there is not much of a selection outside of the hotel fare, so Aiden and I ventured out to see what other kind of takeout food we could find. With that, we found almost nothing within walking distance! Even as a last desperate measure we looked at the McDonald's again and it was over flowing down the stairs and was probably a good 30 minute wait! As a compromise, we hit the Starbucks for coffee, fruit, muffins and paninis and headed back to the room. After consuming our fare, the kids started a nap and Ann Marie and I took the downtime to read books and answer emails. These moments are precious, so we use them wisely!
After nap time, Ann Marie contacted some of her friends from an adoption site what were also here in Guangzhou and we decided to meet for dinner on Shamian Island just like families did when staying at the White Swan Hotel, which became famous for housing adoptive families like ourselves (2006, 2010), but is now under complete renovation. Arriving by cab, it was very strange to see the island so quiet. As our protocol requires, we made our way to Lucy's for a great little meal and afterwards some time at the small children's park that was nearly empty. With dined with Ann Marie's friend Christine and her three children (two girls, one boy) who were staying at the Garden Hotel and came to the island to shop and eat just as we had. After some great conversations and kids playtime it was time to head back to the hotel and call it a night. A short cab ride later and we were back at our temporary home and getting ready for bed. After the kids went to bed, I headed down to the Concierges Lounge and procured some wine and dessert for our "quiet evening". Now its blog time and soon afterwards bedtime. No time change for us here in China, so the difference is now 13 hours, as you all are getting ready to start your third cup of coffee Monday morning at work, we have finished our Monday evening here in Guangzhou. Wine glasses are empty, desserts are finished and the sandman awaits.
So till then.....
Michael (Glad to see Lucy's still makes a mean french fry!), Ann Marie (Free wine Rocks!), Savannah (Girl time is good!), Aiden (When do I get my own iPod?), Declan (zài lái yī gè ào lì ào!) Kennedy
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| Oh yea, we skipped right over that! |
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| The kids kept it together well even with the wait |
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| New location, new building, very nice. |
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| Fresh flowers in the hotel lobby. I liked the color! |
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| Playtime really livened up Declan! |
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| Savannah on the bridge in the play area at the China Hotel |
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| Pool time comes later this week |
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| Seeing the White Swan all shutdown was quite sad |
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| Christine and Ann Marie after dinner at Lucy's |
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| Getting ready to leave the island after some fun time on the playground |
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| Night shot of the patio at Lucy's should bring back memories for some of our friends |
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| Lanterns and Lights in the park on Shamian Island |
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| Not a bad way to cap off a night at the China Hotel! Thanks Marriott! |
We met Leigh downstairs at 9:30 as planned for the trip to the medical examination office for Declans checkup and TB testing. Unlike in the past, the clinic was not on Shamian Island, but is in downtown in Guangzhou and is paired with a clinic for Chinese citizens who are preparing for travel abroad. When we first walked in the door, it was just was we expected.....crowded. But then Leigh led us to an area that was separated from the main clinic and marked "Adoptive Families Only". There were two other couples there when we got there, totally unlike the clinic on the island. Declan was quickly put through several exams and as we waited a few more families arrived. Still nothing like the island, but we loved seeing all the kids with their new parents. Many, if not most, seemed to be adopting for a second or third time. We met a couple from Charlotte, NC who are staying in the same hotel we are and are adopting for a third time just as we are. We told each other we would look for each other around the hotel before we all departed China. If it is one thing that holds true, adoptive families bond quicker than any other families we have ever experienced. The shared bonds are deep and the experiences are so special its almost as if we all belong together. After some chatting with other families, we moved on the TB testing and our boy did not even so much as flinch when they administered the test. Lets hope he is always this good around doctors! 
Lunch around the China Hotel is quite an experience. As this is a very commercial area, there is not much of a selection outside of the hotel fare, so Aiden and I ventured out to see what other kind of takeout food we could find. With that, we found almost nothing within walking distance! Even as a last desperate measure we looked at the McDonald's again and it was over flowing down the stairs and was probably a good 30 minute wait! As a compromise, we hit the Starbucks for coffee, fruit, muffins and paninis and headed back to the room. After consuming our fare, the kids started a nap and Ann Marie and I took the downtime to read books and answer emails. These moments are precious, so we use them wisely!
After nap time, Ann Marie contacted some of her friends from an adoption site what were also here in Guangzhou and we decided to meet for dinner on Shamian Island just like families did when staying at the White Swan Hotel, which became famous for housing adoptive families like ourselves (2006, 2010), but is now under complete renovation. Arriving by cab, it was very strange to see the island so quiet. As our protocol requires, we made our way to Lucy's for a great little meal and afterwards some time at the small children's park that was nearly empty. With dined with Ann Marie's friend Christine and her three children (two girls, one boy) who were staying at the Garden Hotel and came to the island to shop and eat just as we had. After some great conversations and kids playtime it was time to head back to the hotel and call it a night. A short cab ride later and we were back at our temporary home and getting ready for bed. After the kids went to bed, I headed down to the Concierges Lounge and procured some wine and dessert for our "quiet evening". Now its blog time and soon afterwards bedtime. No time change for us here in China, so the difference is now 13 hours, as you all are getting ready to start your third cup of coffee Monday morning at work, we have finished our Monday evening here in Guangzhou. Wine glasses are empty, desserts are finished and the sandman awaits.
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