Well we made it to China yesterday and have spent a good part of the last two days recovering from jet lag. It's almost 10pm now so that puts me on a good schedule. Laura conked out an hour ago (no surprise there - she definitely realizes it may be her last full nights sleep for quite a while).
Highlights of today included a great breakfast buffet at the hotel downstairs. I'm afraid our food experience goes down from there. Though many in our travel party like the local Chinese food, I'm afraid I side with Laura and Evan and already crave for Wendys. The hamburgers here are awful too in addition to the Chinese (OK, who are we to criticize!!!)
We went shopping and picked up some chocolates to be given as gifts as well as a card reader from the local department store (Guangzhou Grand Buy). The store reminded me of Macy's Herald Square - 9 stories high in the middle of an area that resembled Times Sq. We're going back during the week and will take some pictures at that point. Suffice it to say, we were the only non-Chinese in the entire store, but we certainly learned the shopping routine (pick an item, get a receipt, take it to the cashier and return for your item - shopping is the universal language after all).
Then tonight we went to a local Chinese place and dare I say we are really not looking forward to two more weeks of this cuisine. Even the smells and all the assortment of fresh selections in the front of the store are much to handle.
OK well that all doesnt matter really as tomorrow is the day we have been waiting for. We leave for Ella (for a city council center) at around 2pm, which is 3am Atlanta time. I will be sure to post some pictures by morning time or no later than lunch). At this point, I plan to video the Gotcha moment with Laura I am sure receiving Ella.
Until tomorrow and we thank everyone who is following our trip. More pictures tomorrow I promise!! Paul
Hi everyone, well we are getting set for the evening after a wonderful first afternoon with Ella. I have to tell you she is so cute and has a great disposition. She immediately took to us and hasn't cried or been scared once. And she is so playful - it won't be long before she is crawling around.
It's now 8:30 and based on Ella's schedule, we thought she would be going down for sleep around now, but she doesnt appear quite ready to go down to bed in her crib quite yet (sorry Laura!)
Let's see what else. We got her about 3pm China time today (have this on video). She has 4 teeth (2 top and 2 bottom) and lots of hair - she has a cold but the medicine we gave her seems to be controlling the symptoms welll. We also got a wonderful note and book about Ellas stay from her caretaker Sandra.
OK well I am going to go get ready for bed when Ella falls asleep - I am exhausted! See you later everyone and will post more pictures.
