#38. Painful Thought
As I watched MM charm his way deeper into the hearts of Chan, his YaYa, Rog, Chan's neighbors & friends, a painful thought erupted: there's a woman in China who carried and delivered MM--and then, more than likely, she abandoned him at the hospital. I wondered if she had any other choice?? MM could hardly breathe. Did she have the $$ she'd need for his medical bills?? Was it possible for him to grow up healthy & someday support his parents?? What an excruciating, painful decision she had to make! And then I thought of the thousands of new Moms who had and would have to make that same decision. It became overwhelming to me--all that heartache--the helplessness of their situation--the gut wrenching pain.
MM's shrieks of laughter brought me back to the joy that surrounded me. That night I prayed for peace & healing for those Moms and thanked MM's mom. He is such a gift!!
#39 Cutting the Cord & Heading to Costa Rica
It was time to cut the cord. The frig was stocked, wash done, bags unpacked and all the safety gadgets mounted. Chan's safety net of friends were in top gear. Though I had loved being in the middle of it all...it was time to move on...and after discussing the pros & cons...Chan booked us a flight to Costa Rica. We landed in San Juan but took the first bus out to Turriaba. There we hiked through the jungle to Gustavo--the oldest archeological site in CR. Saw the many mounds where houses had been built & the aqueduct system used from 1000AD to 1400 BC still somewhat functioning. Biggest thrill was spotting a lots in a tall tree. Actually a guide pointed him out as we'd never had been able to spot it's dark body clinging to a branch so still among thick leaves...I know Sarah, you are jealous. Also saw a tayra, variety of insects & butterflies. The 150+ in of rainfall here feeds a thick jungle. Tomorrow we hope to wake up early enough to see Turriaba Volcano smoking & venting from the upstairs of the hostel we are in. Not sure where next, that's what Rog is working on now!
#40. The Girl on the Bus
That's be me. I love getting a peek into lives & hearing people chatter as we travel via local bus. Well dressed women with babies & groceries, men in work clothes or suits and students in uniforms. We pass neat, colorful small homes in the midst of a medley of flowers. Each small village boast a church & soccer field. The bus stops often as it climbs & descends the mountains..and people hop on & off greeting each other warmly. I love this "buseye" view!
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Thursday, March 9, 2017
Monday, March 6, 2017
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday, Reagan! Hope to talk to you later today.
Love, Gpa and Grace
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Love, Gpa and Grace
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Sunday, March 5, 2017
#35 Safari. #36. The Long Haul Home #37 Next Few Days
#35 Safari
What better way to kill the last waiting day than at the Safari Park! I rate it a 5*. Huge variety of animals and lots of each. MM & Chan loved the monkeys best and Pandas were my favorite. Sun was shining and all three of us were loving it. What could be better??
#36 The Long Haul Home
It was a long haul--3+ hours to Beijing--6 hour layover--13+ hours to Dallas--2+ hour layover--2+ hour to Orlando. That's the long. The haul was the stuff you need for 30+ hours of traveling with a 2 year old and tons of adoption papers. We dragged into Orlando @ 5:30 pm (5:30 am China time)...and SURPRISE!! There was YaYa--Ed--holding a stuffed tiger & sucker. MM quickly realized that guys was the one he'd seen on the phone! The whole bunched hugged & then the sucker game began. MM licked the sucker then Yaya either got a lick or some smeared on his face...pure fun for MM. Pure joy for Ed, Chan & me.
We managed to stay up about 4 hours letting MM explore his home...then crashed.
#37 Next few days...
Rog's phone call the next morning asking me to open the front door, woke me up. He'd flown in from visiting his brother's family in Calif. He'd been in Puerto Vallarta with Bob & Elsi since leaving Louisiana. So we'd sure been on two different trips these last almost 3 weeks!
The next couple days were spent unpacking, meeting neighbors & laughing at MM. Ed is staying in the Navy base campground less than a mile away. He'd had a toy Kubota tractor shipped so Rog & Ed quickly pulled out the tools to put it together...then repair the stairway gate...then add another lock on the back door...than a wagon. Chan's cute chic home is now a kid's zone with toys & lots of not really toys sprewed all over!
Rog & I still haven't decided on our next move....maybe tomorrow we'll figure that out.
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What better way to kill the last waiting day than at the Safari Park! I rate it a 5*. Huge variety of animals and lots of each. MM & Chan loved the monkeys best and Pandas were my favorite. Sun was shining and all three of us were loving it. What could be better??
#36 The Long Haul Home
It was a long haul--3+ hours to Beijing--6 hour layover--13+ hours to Dallas--2+ hour layover--2+ hour to Orlando. That's the long. The haul was the stuff you need for 30+ hours of traveling with a 2 year old and tons of adoption papers. We dragged into Orlando @ 5:30 pm (5:30 am China time)...and SURPRISE!! There was YaYa--Ed--holding a stuffed tiger & sucker. MM quickly realized that guys was the one he'd seen on the phone! The whole bunched hugged & then the sucker game began. MM licked the sucker then Yaya either got a lick or some smeared on his face...pure fun for MM. Pure joy for Ed, Chan & me.
We managed to stay up about 4 hours letting MM explore his home...then crashed.
#37 Next few days...
Rog's phone call the next morning asking me to open the front door, woke me up. He'd flown in from visiting his brother's family in Calif. He'd been in Puerto Vallarta with Bob & Elsi since leaving Louisiana. So we'd sure been on two different trips these last almost 3 weeks!
The next couple days were spent unpacking, meeting neighbors & laughing at MM. Ed is staying in the Navy base campground less than a mile away. He'd had a toy Kubota tractor shipped so Rog & Ed quickly pulled out the tools to put it together...then repair the stairway gate...then add another lock on the back door...than a wagon. Chan's cute chic home is now a kid's zone with toys & lots of not really toys sprewed all over!
Rog & I still haven't decided on our next move....maybe tomorrow we'll figure that out.
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#33 Unwanted Babies & Old Folks. #34 Count Down
#33. Unwanted Babies & Old Folks
So how did so many couples avoid having more than one baby from 1979 to 2015?? Our CCAI rep answered that question with one word--abortion. And since only sons were expected to care for their elderly parents ...how did parents assure they'd have a healthy son to care for them--orphanages filled with girls & boys with special needs. Our rep also explained that today that picture has hardly changed as many couples are deciding to only have one child due to the stress to succeed economically. In the meantime, the older population is growing. Here the retirement is truly your children. The court will step in if a child is not supporting their parents & require parent support payments. If a couple does not have kids, they'll get gov't $$. All this seems to be verified by the huge number of orphans & the relatively rare times we've seen couples with even one child & the multitude of elders we've seen exercising & playing in the parks! Wonder how much our parent support check will be??? And when will it come in the mail????
(Ben, Bek, Jake???)
#34 Count Down to Home Sweet Home...for Chan & MM anyways. Finally...the last hoop...the US Constable who told Chan--I hope to issue MM's VIsa by tomorrow. Well let's hope so cause we're leaving early the next day and we're NOT leaving with out MM!! We're really not worried as CCAI is a well oiled machine. It has adopted over 12,000 children. Our rep has helped over 1000 families...that's 1000 less orphans in China. Reminds me of a Japanese legend that anyone who creates 1000 organizations cranes will be granted a wish. (Sadako & the Paper Cranes). In this case...1000 wishes HAVE been granted!! Who knew the 1000 cranes could be mechanical instead!
Today we strolled through a beautiful park with manicured bushes & gorgeous gardens of provinces, begonias, canvas, impatients, , poppies, salvia--boasting every color of the rainbow. The apple & cherry trees were loaded with blooms. I noticed all the blooms...but Chan seemed only to notice MM. She laughed continually as he performed antic after antic encouraging her delighted response. He'd run ahead only to turn around & run as fast as his chubby legs could go to her. She beamed with pride as many Chinese stopped to talk to him. We could have been in a sand pit and as long as MM was there she'd loved it...and I was so glad I was with them...in this very special time and in this beautiful park!
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Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
So how did so many couples avoid having more than one baby from 1979 to 2015?? Our CCAI rep answered that question with one word--abortion. And since only sons were expected to care for their elderly parents ...how did parents assure they'd have a healthy son to care for them--orphanages filled with girls & boys with special needs. Our rep also explained that today that picture has hardly changed as many couples are deciding to only have one child due to the stress to succeed economically. In the meantime, the older population is growing. Here the retirement is truly your children. The court will step in if a child is not supporting their parents & require parent support payments. If a couple does not have kids, they'll get gov't $$. All this seems to be verified by the huge number of orphans & the relatively rare times we've seen couples with even one child & the multitude of elders we've seen exercising & playing in the parks! Wonder how much our parent support check will be??? And when will it come in the mail????
(Ben, Bek, Jake???)
#34 Count Down to Home Sweet Home...for Chan & MM anyways. Finally...the last hoop...the US Constable who told Chan--I hope to issue MM's VIsa by tomorrow. Well let's hope so cause we're leaving early the next day and we're NOT leaving with out MM!! We're really not worried as CCAI is a well oiled machine. It has adopted over 12,000 children. Our rep has helped over 1000 families...that's 1000 less orphans in China. Reminds me of a Japanese legend that anyone who creates 1000 organizations cranes will be granted a wish. (Sadako & the Paper Cranes). In this case...1000 wishes HAVE been granted!! Who knew the 1000 cranes could be mechanical instead!
Today we strolled through a beautiful park with manicured bushes & gorgeous gardens of provinces, begonias, canvas, impatients, , poppies, salvia--boasting every color of the rainbow. The apple & cherry trees were loaded with blooms. I noticed all the blooms...but Chan seemed only to notice MM. She laughed continually as he performed antic after antic encouraging her delighted response. He'd run ahead only to turn around & run as fast as his chubby legs could go to her. She beamed with pride as many Chinese stopped to talk to him. We could have been in a sand pit and as long as MM was there she'd loved it...and I was so glad I was with them...in this very special time and in this beautiful park!
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Fwd: #32 Blooming in Guangzhou
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Begin forwarded message:
From: Jane boyce <janeboyce@live.com>
Date: March 5, 2017 at 2:01:13 PM EST
To: Jane boyce <janeboyce@live.com>
Subject: #32 Blooming in Guangzhou
#32 Blooming in Guangzhou
It was a 2 houcr flight to the much warmer Guangzhou, the Flower City. Here bright pink bougainvillea hang form the bridges, an abundance of trees are deep green, birds sing...and Chan & MM 's bonding is blooming! I love spring in Michigan because little by little, it reveals itself. Watching Chan & MM reminds me of spring. The first major thaw, when MM laid his head on Chan's shoulder, then the slow but sure signs: removing layers of clothing, diaper change without tears, sleeping without shoes, quick bath to laughing in the tub and running to Chan with out stretched arms. Of course, a lot of snacks were embedded in each step. This morning, Chan had to go get some papers from our room, so I loaded the bus with MM...his little brow wrinkled and he looked so scared while pointing to the hotel saying, "Mama?" I had our rep explain to him that Chan was coming in a minute. But it wasn't until he saw her that the the fear turned to joy. Spring in full bloom!!
The last couple days included: paper work; trip to Chen Clan Ancestral Hall/Folk Art museum where we witnessed a Buddhist ceremony where over 100 tubs of live fish, squid & eels were blessed & soon to be purchased to later be set free in the nearby Pearl River; paper work; shopping in high end stores & side street markets; paper work; health check up & yup more paper work. Today we wee at the crowded Chinese Embassy where over 2000 visits are granted each day.
MM keeps us busy and laughing. He has an arsenal of facial expressions...and would do well as a beggar on the streets. He likes wandering checking to make sure we are in tow. We spend lots of time visiting with the other families we've been with since Beijing. Our hotel is the last stop to many other adopting families as well. It's hard to wrap your head around how many special needs Chinese orphans have won the lottery and are now part of a loving family!! Have seen downs, cleft palates, blind...and know many have internal issues...but all have bright smiles...it's like they already know their future will be brighter. Say nothing of how much joy they'll bring to their new families! What an unique and blessed role I get to play in this joyful happening!!
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Thursday, February 23, 2017
#20 Plantations
Noticed I'd forgotten to get this into my blog...better late than never!
#20 Plantations.
We were deep in plantation land so head to The Whitney Planation--the only one that focuses on the slaves-side of the story. Our guide's ancestors had probably been slaves on this or a close by plantation. She spoke from her heart feeling the strong need to inform people about slavery...since many schools only briefly discuss it. She emphasized how the north as well as the south benefitted from the slave trade...especially after international trade was outlawed & domestic trade gave rise to breeding houses in the north. Biggest was in Richmond. We walked through a memorial where names & stories where etched in stone wall. Stories told & recorded during FDR's Federal Writing Project. You could feel the heart tugs. Stories of working from "can't see em to can't see em." Inhuman torture --similar to what the Jews experienced under Hitler who studied slave punishment--and how the dead were tossed into the swamps. There was also an Angels Garden dedicated to the over 2000 kids who died in this parish. Clay life size statues of these children were placed all over the grounds. A rusted metal jail which sat next to the auction block screamed of the injustice done. As we left the Whitney Plantation, I thought of the opulent Whitney Inn in Detroit where my sisters & I savored elegant desserts. What contrast!! We headed down the road to Oak Valley Plantation--passing lots of worn down house trailers--made me thing that things haven't improved enough for the manual laborers. The Big House was highlight at the Oak Valley Plantation. Certainly the other side of the coin. A 1/4 mile driveway was lined with twenty-eight 300 yr old Virginia Oak trees and blooming azalea bushes surround the twenty-eight pillared mansion. The gigantic dining table was set with fine china and a large decorative hand pulled fan hun from the ceiling ready to stir up a breeze & keep the flies away. Sugar cane made the family rich & still today is the main crop. Shortly after the Civil War--the house was deserted and later cows bedded down inside. About 100 yrs ago, a Texas couple bought it & returned it to it's glorious state then will it to a foundation after their death.
It was a a day of stepping back in history!
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#20 Plantations.
We were deep in plantation land so head to The Whitney Planation--the only one that focuses on the slaves-side of the story. Our guide's ancestors had probably been slaves on this or a close by plantation. She spoke from her heart feeling the strong need to inform people about slavery...since many schools only briefly discuss it. She emphasized how the north as well as the south benefitted from the slave trade...especially after international trade was outlawed & domestic trade gave rise to breeding houses in the north. Biggest was in Richmond. We walked through a memorial where names & stories where etched in stone wall. Stories told & recorded during FDR's Federal Writing Project. You could feel the heart tugs. Stories of working from "can't see em to can't see em." Inhuman torture --similar to what the Jews experienced under Hitler who studied slave punishment--and how the dead were tossed into the swamps. There was also an Angels Garden dedicated to the over 2000 kids who died in this parish. Clay life size statues of these children were placed all over the grounds. A rusted metal jail which sat next to the auction block screamed of the injustice done. As we left the Whitney Plantation, I thought of the opulent Whitney Inn in Detroit where my sisters & I savored elegant desserts. What contrast!! We headed down the road to Oak Valley Plantation--passing lots of worn down house trailers--made me thing that things haven't improved enough for the manual laborers. The Big House was highlight at the Oak Valley Plantation. Certainly the other side of the coin. A 1/4 mile driveway was lined with twenty-eight 300 yr old Virginia Oak trees and blooming azalea bushes surround the twenty-eight pillared mansion. The gigantic dining table was set with fine china and a large decorative hand pulled fan hun from the ceiling ready to stir up a breeze & keep the flies away. Sugar cane made the family rich & still today is the main crop. Shortly after the Civil War--the house was deserted and later cows bedded down inside. About 100 yrs ago, a Texas couple bought it & returned it to it's glorious state then will it to a foundation after their death.
It was a a day of stepping back in history!
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#29 Hello Family. #30 Orphanage/ Luoyang #31 Tidbits
#29 Hello Family
This a.m., my phone's weather report read: 27F/unhealthy. Looking out the window at the snow & smog confirmed both. Our trip to the orphanage was postponed...which left no plans for the day. Spent our 1st "free" morning (evening in USA) meeting some of MM's family thanks to FaceTime & Skype. Many had been waiting to see the little man "Live From ZhengZhou." Chan beamed as each fell instantly in love with MM. His humongous new family is ready to give him humongous love!! Ate brunch @ 10 then napped, played in the hall with other families, a Walmart run, fitted out clothes for MM pass out extras and/or packing them for orphanage. Five families went to dinner together--chaotic & fun time. MM fought sleep but Chan & I welcomed it!
# 30 Orphanage/Luoyang
Chan wanted to learn everything she possible could about her son so off we went on an over 2 hour drive to the two orphanages MM spent his first two years. She found a wealth of info!! First the Welfare Institute run by the gov't housing @600 kids with a 10 to 1 nanny ratio. Though very clean & decorated, it was not heated. MM lived here the last 6 months. Adjacent to that one was Maria's House...a branch of New Hope run & funded by US Christian NGO. Here MM lived for 1 & half yr & got lots of tender care right after his initial operation. Chan cried when she meet MM's main sweet nanny & the American doctor who'd given him such good care. Chan knew MM's intestines were pushed up into his lung which is why he has a big zipper strip on his abdomen --but can you imagine the shock to find out his heart is on the other side & flipped around! Dr. Said it seems to be no problem--how can that be??? His Dr. and the director (whose husband was super attached to MM) walked Chan out to the van where I was entertaining & being entertained by MM. They we so thrilled to see him. Feeling was mutual. Hugs & Pictures galore. Contact info & stories were exchanged. Both Chan & Dr. had a heartfelt appreciation for each other: Chan for the Dr. who cared for & nurtured young, sickly MM and the Dr for Chan for giving him a new life in a loving home!! We rode past the hospital where MM had been abandoned--his finding spot. Then headed back to his new life!!!
#31 Tidbits
Our ride to Luoyang gave me the opportunity to pepper our CCAI rep, Tina with lots of questions:
-Apartment cost $2300 per sq meter
-Most apartments are shared by 2 generations
-Few retirement homes as it is frowned on to have parents there
-the hundreds of apartment building going up (Counted 35 in @ 5 min drive) are private investors & will most likely not be occupied for a while. (Same story we heard 4 yrs ago.)
-Cars cost between $3300 & $17,000
-Average wage is $400-500 per month
-As far as TIna knew:
No Chinese have adopted American kids.
Most kids in orphanages had special needs.
Chinese can adopt from orphanage at no cost but few do.
Chinese can adopt from other Chinese families at a cost but few do.
-Crops in field now are wheat & the same field will be planted to corn with both harvested in the same year.
-Drove by several homes build into the side of clay hills.
-Also drove by several men sweeping with bamboo brooms along the expressway--what an endless job!
-And a bit of humor: When MM spits food out, Chan tells him, "No, No--Don't you know there's starving children in China!!"
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
This a.m., my phone's weather report read: 27F/unhealthy. Looking out the window at the snow & smog confirmed both. Our trip to the orphanage was postponed...which left no plans for the day. Spent our 1st "free" morning (evening in USA) meeting some of MM's family thanks to FaceTime & Skype. Many had been waiting to see the little man "Live From ZhengZhou." Chan beamed as each fell instantly in love with MM. His humongous new family is ready to give him humongous love!! Ate brunch @ 10 then napped, played in the hall with other families, a Walmart run, fitted out clothes for MM pass out extras and/or packing them for orphanage. Five families went to dinner together--chaotic & fun time. MM fought sleep but Chan & I welcomed it!
# 30 Orphanage/Luoyang
Chan wanted to learn everything she possible could about her son so off we went on an over 2 hour drive to the two orphanages MM spent his first two years. She found a wealth of info!! First the Welfare Institute run by the gov't housing @600 kids with a 10 to 1 nanny ratio. Though very clean & decorated, it was not heated. MM lived here the last 6 months. Adjacent to that one was Maria's House...a branch of New Hope run & funded by US Christian NGO. Here MM lived for 1 & half yr & got lots of tender care right after his initial operation. Chan cried when she meet MM's main sweet nanny & the American doctor who'd given him such good care. Chan knew MM's intestines were pushed up into his lung which is why he has a big zipper strip on his abdomen --but can you imagine the shock to find out his heart is on the other side & flipped around! Dr. Said it seems to be no problem--how can that be??? His Dr. and the director (whose husband was super attached to MM) walked Chan out to the van where I was entertaining & being entertained by MM. They we so thrilled to see him. Feeling was mutual. Hugs & Pictures galore. Contact info & stories were exchanged. Both Chan & Dr. had a heartfelt appreciation for each other: Chan for the Dr. who cared for & nurtured young, sickly MM and the Dr for Chan for giving him a new life in a loving home!! We rode past the hospital where MM had been abandoned--his finding spot. Then headed back to his new life!!!
#31 Tidbits
Our ride to Luoyang gave me the opportunity to pepper our CCAI rep, Tina with lots of questions:
-Apartment cost $2300 per sq meter
-Most apartments are shared by 2 generations
-Few retirement homes as it is frowned on to have parents there
-the hundreds of apartment building going up (Counted 35 in @ 5 min drive) are private investors & will most likely not be occupied for a while. (Same story we heard 4 yrs ago.)
-Cars cost between $3300 & $17,000
-Average wage is $400-500 per month
-As far as TIna knew:
No Chinese have adopted American kids.
Most kids in orphanages had special needs.
Chinese can adopt from orphanage at no cost but few do.
Chinese can adopt from other Chinese families at a cost but few do.
-Crops in field now are wheat & the same field will be planted to corn with both harvested in the same year.
-Drove by several homes build into the side of clay hills.
-Also drove by several men sweeping with bamboo brooms along the expressway--what an endless job!
-And a bit of humor: When MM spits food out, Chan tells him, "No, No--Don't you know there's starving children in China!!"
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Sent from my iPhone
# 26 Being a Mom. #27 Meeting Yaya (Gpa) #28 Shopping
#26 Being a Mom
Mathew Ming's (MM) first night went pretty good--especially for me cause I just rolled over and went back to sleep when MM woke up at 11 pm & Chan comforted him & let him lie next to her until he was vast asleep an hour or so later. Chan woke up early, got herself & the diaper bag ready so when MM woke up, she could just cuddle him while he drank his bottle, change diapers, dress him & feed him a banana. She's loving being a Mommy & MM melts in her arms. We were at breakfast buffet by 8. It was a great place to see what he likes to eat--hard boiled eggs, toast & yogurt...and most everything else except some Chinese! Chan & MM went off to do more paperwork but I stayed with Malaya--the 10 year old daughter of one of the families here--who was sick & both parents had to to to sign papers. I used the down time to catch up on my writing & typing. They got back around noon & we ate in our room & were entertained by MM till 1:30 when it was time to go fill out passport papers. I again stayed with Malaya. Chan had helped me get the app that rerouted internet so I could read Facebook again...my connection to home & friends!
#27 Meeting YaYa (Gpa)
A world away but thanks to skype--MM met his YaYa (Gpa--my big brother). Staring at the happy, laughing image while Chan repeated "YaYa, Gpa"--MM put his face right up to the screen making his Gpa laugh harder. Next day, scene was repeated but MM was catching on & to his Gpa's delight said, "YaYa". Gpa's grin filled the screen! Next day scene, MM added a dance, lots more babbling, smacking the phone & several loud "YaYa!" Gpa was belly laughing. What a treat for Chan, Gpa & MM...and me.
#28 Shopping
Since MM is accustomed to wearing 3 layers of warm clothing--we headed to the mall with Dennis, Elizabeth & Benny (their new son). The walk to the mall was down right dangerous--it was snowing, the walk was slippery & motorcycles & bikes buzzed by almost running us over. As we tried to walk slowly & carefully, crowds of people almost bowled us over. The mall was NOT a welcome relief as it was cold there too. We did find some more layers & shoes for MM--thanks to Dennis who is Amer-Chinese & speaks some Chinese. Our trip back to the hotel was better but we were all chilled to the bone before we got into our warm hotel. Leaving the hotel for dinner was not an option so we all ate at the fancy hotel. Dennis ordered for us. It was way past bedtime but Chan wanted to give MM a bath--which he wasn't sure he wanted, but got. Then she put on 2 sets of PJ's & he strutted around the room so happy. Think he's realizing how great his life now is!!
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Sent from my iPhone
Mathew Ming's (MM) first night went pretty good--especially for me cause I just rolled over and went back to sleep when MM woke up at 11 pm & Chan comforted him & let him lie next to her until he was vast asleep an hour or so later. Chan woke up early, got herself & the diaper bag ready so when MM woke up, she could just cuddle him while he drank his bottle, change diapers, dress him & feed him a banana. She's loving being a Mommy & MM melts in her arms. We were at breakfast buffet by 8. It was a great place to see what he likes to eat--hard boiled eggs, toast & yogurt...and most everything else except some Chinese! Chan & MM went off to do more paperwork but I stayed with Malaya--the 10 year old daughter of one of the families here--who was sick & both parents had to to to sign papers. I used the down time to catch up on my writing & typing. They got back around noon & we ate in our room & were entertained by MM till 1:30 when it was time to go fill out passport papers. I again stayed with Malaya. Chan had helped me get the app that rerouted internet so I could read Facebook again...my connection to home & friends!
#27 Meeting YaYa (Gpa)
A world away but thanks to skype--MM met his YaYa (Gpa--my big brother). Staring at the happy, laughing image while Chan repeated "YaYa, Gpa"--MM put his face right up to the screen making his Gpa laugh harder. Next day, scene was repeated but MM was catching on & to his Gpa's delight said, "YaYa". Gpa's grin filled the screen! Next day scene, MM added a dance, lots more babbling, smacking the phone & several loud "YaYa!" Gpa was belly laughing. What a treat for Chan, Gpa & MM...and me.
#28 Shopping
Since MM is accustomed to wearing 3 layers of warm clothing--we headed to the mall with Dennis, Elizabeth & Benny (their new son). The walk to the mall was down right dangerous--it was snowing, the walk was slippery & motorcycles & bikes buzzed by almost running us over. As we tried to walk slowly & carefully, crowds of people almost bowled us over. The mall was NOT a welcome relief as it was cold there too. We did find some more layers & shoes for MM--thanks to Dennis who is Amer-Chinese & speaks some Chinese. Our trip back to the hotel was better but we were all chilled to the bone before we got into our warm hotel. Leaving the hotel for dinner was not an option so we all ate at the fancy hotel. Dennis ordered for us. It was way past bedtime but Chan wanted to give MM a bath--which he wasn't sure he wanted, but got. Then she put on 2 sets of PJ's & he strutted around the room so happy. Think he's realizing how great his life now is!!
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Sent from my iPhone
#21.5. Roger's AHV Thoughts
#21.5. Roger's AHV Thoughts
To have a friend, it is necessary to be a friend. It is just common sense, but something that I recall reminding my students about each year. I am happy to say that this idea appears to be alive in the volunteers that are making friends in Louisiana as they rebuild some of the 200,000 homes devastated by the flooding last August..
The All Hands volunteers plan, gather supplies and tools, pack their lunch, then travel to their assigned site to spend their energy and their time being a friend to someone they might not even know. Just like a good friend who will drop anything to help...they put their lives on hold for a period of time to use their talents in service of others. Some work for a day...or three! Some arrive thinking they will stay for a short time and decide to stay for months. Many move from project to project...traveling from Detroit to Tennessee to Louisiana to Nepal...working with
All Hands for years! Everyone we worked with seemed to be energized by the project. They even cheered and celebrated when the project in Louisiana was extended .
Some of my best memories of feeling that I had done the right thing have often involved helping a neighbor or a relative in need. Helping someone move or fix something or just helping with a small chore has always put a smile on my face and a spring in my step. I like to think that being there for your neighbor is what we all should do.
Our family has always been blessed with good neighbors who stopped by to visit and they have often pitched in to help. The volunteers at All Hands are like good neighbors who have put their own plans on hold so they can reach out to distant neighbors in time of need. I never heard a volunteer complain about the work or the fact that there was no pay for the work. The satisfaction of knowing they helped was sufficient payment to buoy their spirits and lift them to do the next job. I hope to again be a good neighbor with All Hands as they do the work of reaching out to those in great need.
To have a friend, it is necessary to be a friend. It is just common sense, but something that I recall reminding my students about each year. I am happy to say that this idea appears to be alive in the volunteers that are making friends in Louisiana as they rebuild some of the 200,000 homes devastated by the flooding last August..
The All Hands volunteers plan, gather supplies and tools, pack their lunch, then travel to their assigned site to spend their energy and their time being a friend to someone they might not even know. Just like a good friend who will drop anything to help...they put their lives on hold for a period of time to use their talents in service of others. Some work for a day...or three! Some arrive thinking they will stay for a short time and decide to stay for months. Many move from project to project...traveling from Detroit to Tennessee to Louisiana to Nepal...working with
All Hands for years! Everyone we worked with seemed to be energized by the project. They even cheered and celebrated when the project in Louisiana was extended .
Some of my best memories of feeling that I had done the right thing have often involved helping a neighbor or a relative in need. Helping someone move or fix something or just helping with a small chore has always put a smile on my face and a spring in my step. I like to think that being there for your neighbor is what we all should do.
Our family has always been blessed with good neighbors who stopped by to visit and they have often pitched in to help. The volunteers at All Hands are like good neighbors who have put their own plans on hold so they can reach out to distant neighbors in time of need. I never heard a volunteer complain about the work or the fact that there was no pay for the work. The satisfaction of knowing they helped was sufficient payment to buoy their spirits and lift them to do the next job. I hope to again be a good neighbor with All Hands as they do the work of reaching out to those in great need.
Monday, February 20, 2017
#25 Ming Kun Xi--Matthew
#25. Ming Kun Xi--Matthew
When Chan woke today, Feb 20, she was a single lady..tonight she rocked her new son to sleep, kissed his forehead & laid him down in a crib next to her bed. A day and a son she'll treasure forever!!!...and I got to watch it from a front row seat and/or behind the camera lens. This morning we were bussed to a gov't building where we sat in a large, well decorated room with lots of toys & 6 other anxious families. The first 2 kids delivered by their orphanages were not Chan's..but we were thrilled to watch each be put in their new parents arms. The loud crying soon subsided & we snapped pictures & felt their joy. Then we saw Matthew walking slowly down the hall. His many layers were topped with a furry tiger outfit. His nanny led him to Chan's open arms and pointed to her saying "Mama." He cried, turned back to his nanny. Chan's face glowed with love as she softly repeated, "Mama, Buyao you gulu (Don't be afraid) Wo Ai Ni." (I love you)." And with a sucker in her outstretched arms...in a few long minutes, Matthew was in her lap & she was his Mama!! Papers were signed, official pictures taken and the nannies answered Chan's questions finding out all she could about his past. Back on the bus, he sat quietly on her lap sucking on his 3rd sucker and watching out the window at his new world. Did he have any idea how drastically his life had changed?? From orphanage to 5 star hotel to soon a Florida home?? We ordered congee, his preferred orphanage food, as soon as we returned to the hotel. I ran out to get Subway for Chan & I. Somehow he'd already become American as he refused the congee & garfed down handfuls of Cheerios & parts of our Subways...and another sucker. When he spotted a bag of a familiar treat (small sweet cookie-like circles) he ate the orphanage and grabbed the bag and snacked on a few but then just used them to play with putting them in Chan's hand & then back in the bag. Soon it was time to meet up with Rita & Tina to do more paper signing...he took the bag with him and it kept him entertained the whole hour as he and I played the game. He got more and more sloppy as time passed dropping them...but always picking each and ever one up...even the crumbs. He was getting tired & acted drunk on goodies. Back in our room, we were surprised by a knock on our door--Tina & Rita with a birthday cake for Chan & Matthew. Since yesterday was Chan's BD in China--it's today in US. And it's Matthew's birthday today! How ironic is that! The birthday cake was not a bit hit to Matthew but several families came down to help eat it up with pleasure! We ate dinner in the hotel restaurant...Matthew's true colors started coming out as he banged on his tray, threw things on floor as said "Na" (Pick up) and spit out food. Chan hid her smile & delight...and scowled and said, "Ba" (No) and made mental notes about what she needed to bring to meals in the future. Back in the room, Chan tried to coax Matthew to let her take off his tiger suit which was only the top layer with two more under it. He screamed...so she only partially removed it, changed his pants & put it back on. Then she rocked him till he fell asleep. What a day...watching Chan & 6 other families' dreams come true!!!
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
When Chan woke today, Feb 20, she was a single lady..tonight she rocked her new son to sleep, kissed his forehead & laid him down in a crib next to her bed. A day and a son she'll treasure forever!!!...and I got to watch it from a front row seat and/or behind the camera lens. This morning we were bussed to a gov't building where we sat in a large, well decorated room with lots of toys & 6 other anxious families. The first 2 kids delivered by their orphanages were not Chan's..but we were thrilled to watch each be put in their new parents arms. The loud crying soon subsided & we snapped pictures & felt their joy. Then we saw Matthew walking slowly down the hall. His many layers were topped with a furry tiger outfit. His nanny led him to Chan's open arms and pointed to her saying "Mama." He cried, turned back to his nanny. Chan's face glowed with love as she softly repeated, "Mama, Buyao you gulu (Don't be afraid) Wo Ai Ni." (I love you)." And with a sucker in her outstretched arms...in a few long minutes, Matthew was in her lap & she was his Mama!! Papers were signed, official pictures taken and the nannies answered Chan's questions finding out all she could about his past. Back on the bus, he sat quietly on her lap sucking on his 3rd sucker and watching out the window at his new world. Did he have any idea how drastically his life had changed?? From orphanage to 5 star hotel to soon a Florida home?? We ordered congee, his preferred orphanage food, as soon as we returned to the hotel. I ran out to get Subway for Chan & I. Somehow he'd already become American as he refused the congee & garfed down handfuls of Cheerios & parts of our Subways...and another sucker. When he spotted a bag of a familiar treat (small sweet cookie-like circles) he ate the orphanage and grabbed the bag and snacked on a few but then just used them to play with putting them in Chan's hand & then back in the bag. Soon it was time to meet up with Rita & Tina to do more paper signing...he took the bag with him and it kept him entertained the whole hour as he and I played the game. He got more and more sloppy as time passed dropping them...but always picking each and ever one up...even the crumbs. He was getting tired & acted drunk on goodies. Back in our room, we were surprised by a knock on our door--Tina & Rita with a birthday cake for Chan & Matthew. Since yesterday was Chan's BD in China--it's today in US. And it's Matthew's birthday today! How ironic is that! The birthday cake was not a bit hit to Matthew but several families came down to help eat it up with pleasure! We ate dinner in the hotel restaurant...Matthew's true colors started coming out as he banged on his tray, threw things on floor as said "Na" (Pick up) and spit out food. Chan hid her smile & delight...and scowled and said, "Ba" (No) and made mental notes about what she needed to bring to meals in the future. Back in the room, Chan tried to coax Matthew to let her take off his tiger suit which was only the top layer with two more under it. He screamed...so she only partially removed it, changed his pants & put it back on. Then she rocked him till he fell asleep. What a day...watching Chan & 6 other families' dreams come true!!!
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
RE: #22. Beijing At Last
Mexico City does the same thing. One day a week you can't drive your car.
So people bought two. I guess it fits since Mexico City and Beijing are in
the top 10 for being the most populous metropolitan areas in the world
(though Tokyo, Shanghai and Jakarta are WAY out in front.
-----Original Message-----
From: Jane boyce [mailto:janeboyce@live.com]
Sent: Monday, February 20, 2017 8:13 PM
To: Jane boyce
Cc: bekah_boyce.emailpost@blogger.com
Subject: #22. Beijing At Last
Two hours to Dallas--met Chan--then 14 hours to Beijing where we stepped off
the plane so Chan's dream of becoming a Mom finally would become real! We
were met at the airport by George, our Chinese Children Adoption
International (CCAI) rep. Seven other excited facility boarded the
bus--strangers who quickly became friends. We headed straight for our hotel
room--spacious & luxurious. Took us 1/2 hour just to check it our and
figure out the lights! Far cry from the places we slept in last time we
were in China helping at the leprosy colonies. After long showers, we
decided to buzz into a nearby convenience store...bought Ramon noodles &
bread then opened my PJ and had a relaxing dinner our style...in our elegant
dining room. The comfy beds welcomed our heavy eyelids & aching bodies.
Day 2--After an endless selection of choices for breakfast, we met with
George & the group to head out for our Beijing tour. CCAI wants families to
get a chance to experience some of the Chinese culture...and get over jet
lag before Gotcha Day. Tiananmen Square & then Forbidden City before riding
a rickshaw through old Peking that dropped us at one of the local's homes
for dinner. Looking around, it was apparent this was the real deal. Two
round tables filled the main room & all 24 of us squeezed in. In the 4'x8'
kitchen, they prepared an amazing amount & variety of food that included
quail eggs, shrimp, chicken, cucumbers, bok choy, garlic shoots,
broccoli...all combined with various sauces & other veges. Poor rickshaw
drivers had more weight to pull back to our bus. Chan's enjoyed a massage
while I did some writing and then both napped till it was time to meet up
with the group again for a Peking duck dinner...which again was bountiful.
We needed to walk of at least part of today's meals, so we walked & browsed
street vendors ware ending up in a alley loaded with what the locals love:
deep fried baby ducks, starfish, snake, octopus, grubs, chicken feet and
scorpions still wiggling about. Rog & I had discovered a street like this 4
yrs ago...yet it was still a shock to see. Two tired gals fell into bed at
9 p.m.
Day 3
Though we longed to sleep in, we were up, dressed, choosing a slightly
smaller breakfast and on the bus by 8:30 headed for the Great Wall. The
climb up is not an easy one thanks to higher altitude & uneven steps--but
the view makes up for it! Though it was not as magnificent as the one Rog &
I saw from a different part of the wall, it was a thrill. Next we headed
for a Jade Factory. Jade here is like diamonds in US. A jade bangle
equates to our diamond ring is is often passed down through generations. A
nice bangle was $2500. We didn't buy one--or any thing else. We did eat
dinner there--another feast. Just when you think I can't eat another
bite...they bring out another new dish & gash, you gotta try it. Our bus
dropped us off just in time to catch the opening act of the Wonderful Hun,
an acrobatic performance. In awe we watched balancing, tumbling & bicycle
acts. The grand finale was 5 motorcycles racing around inside a huge metal
ball. Crazy!! We got back to our room around 6--totally exhausted. Packed
up our bags for our 6:45 PU tomorrow, ate up our left over Ramon noodles &
PJ sandwich then crashed.
Beijing info:
Beijing is home to 23 million people, hundreds of sky scrapers, a few trees
and kept clean by busy street sweepers everywhere. It's cold--about 35F and
we got lucky to have two daily clear days but third day were were enclosed
by smog...common here. Beijing is also home to 5.5 million cars. To curb
the #'s, gov't only allows driving your car 4 out of 5 business days. That
helped the car sales as people then bought 2 cars. Since days allowed are
determined by your license plate #...cost of plates is extremely high...in
Shanghai, people pay up to $15,000 for one plate! Cameras catch offenders.
Most roads have a side lane for the multitude of motorcycles, scooters,
bicycles, (most with blanket & hand covers) rickshaws, 3 wheeled mini cars &
wheel chairs. In spite of all this, traffic doesn't seem very congested and
moves at a slow pace--even expressway traffic appears under 60 MPH. People
are well dressed & all in a rush. Personal space is a foreign concept--just
as no Facebook & limited Google search is foreign to us!!
(Chan had downloaded a re-routing app which is how she can be on Facebook.
Me--well, I'm living without it.)
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
So people bought two. I guess it fits since Mexico City and Beijing are in
the top 10 for being the most populous metropolitan areas in the world
(though Tokyo, Shanghai and Jakarta are WAY out in front.
-----Original Message-----
From: Jane boyce [mailto:janeboyce@live.com]
Sent: Monday, February 20, 2017 8:13 PM
To: Jane boyce
Cc: bekah_boyce.emailpost@blogger.com
Subject: #22. Beijing At Last
Two hours to Dallas--met Chan--then 14 hours to Beijing where we stepped off
the plane so Chan's dream of becoming a Mom finally would become real! We
were met at the airport by George, our Chinese Children Adoption
International (CCAI) rep. Seven other excited facility boarded the
bus--strangers who quickly became friends. We headed straight for our hotel
room--spacious & luxurious. Took us 1/2 hour just to check it our and
figure out the lights! Far cry from the places we slept in last time we
were in China helping at the leprosy colonies. After long showers, we
decided to buzz into a nearby convenience store...bought Ramon noodles &
bread then opened my PJ and had a relaxing dinner our style...in our elegant
dining room. The comfy beds welcomed our heavy eyelids & aching bodies.
Day 2--After an endless selection of choices for breakfast, we met with
George & the group to head out for our Beijing tour. CCAI wants families to
get a chance to experience some of the Chinese culture...and get over jet
lag before Gotcha Day. Tiananmen Square & then Forbidden City before riding
a rickshaw through old Peking that dropped us at one of the local's homes
for dinner. Looking around, it was apparent this was the real deal. Two
round tables filled the main room & all 24 of us squeezed in. In the 4'x8'
kitchen, they prepared an amazing amount & variety of food that included
quail eggs, shrimp, chicken, cucumbers, bok choy, garlic shoots,
broccoli...all combined with various sauces & other veges. Poor rickshaw
drivers had more weight to pull back to our bus. Chan's enjoyed a massage
while I did some writing and then both napped till it was time to meet up
with the group again for a Peking duck dinner...which again was bountiful.
We needed to walk of at least part of today's meals, so we walked & browsed
street vendors ware ending up in a alley loaded with what the locals love:
deep fried baby ducks, starfish, snake, octopus, grubs, chicken feet and
scorpions still wiggling about. Rog & I had discovered a street like this 4
yrs ago...yet it was still a shock to see. Two tired gals fell into bed at
9 p.m.
Day 3
Though we longed to sleep in, we were up, dressed, choosing a slightly
smaller breakfast and on the bus by 8:30 headed for the Great Wall. The
climb up is not an easy one thanks to higher altitude & uneven steps--but
the view makes up for it! Though it was not as magnificent as the one Rog &
I saw from a different part of the wall, it was a thrill. Next we headed
for a Jade Factory. Jade here is like diamonds in US. A jade bangle
equates to our diamond ring is is often passed down through generations. A
nice bangle was $2500. We didn't buy one--or any thing else. We did eat
dinner there--another feast. Just when you think I can't eat another
bite...they bring out another new dish & gash, you gotta try it. Our bus
dropped us off just in time to catch the opening act of the Wonderful Hun,
an acrobatic performance. In awe we watched balancing, tumbling & bicycle
acts. The grand finale was 5 motorcycles racing around inside a huge metal
ball. Crazy!! We got back to our room around 6--totally exhausted. Packed
up our bags for our 6:45 PU tomorrow, ate up our left over Ramon noodles &
PJ sandwich then crashed.
Beijing info:
Beijing is home to 23 million people, hundreds of sky scrapers, a few trees
and kept clean by busy street sweepers everywhere. It's cold--about 35F and
we got lucky to have two daily clear days but third day were were enclosed
by smog...common here. Beijing is also home to 5.5 million cars. To curb
the #'s, gov't only allows driving your car 4 out of 5 business days. That
helped the car sales as people then bought 2 cars. Since days allowed are
determined by your license plate #...cost of plates is extremely high...in
Shanghai, people pay up to $15,000 for one plate! Cameras catch offenders.
Most roads have a side lane for the multitude of motorcycles, scooters,
bicycles, (most with blanket & hand covers) rickshaws, 3 wheeled mini cars &
wheel chairs. In spite of all this, traffic doesn't seem very congested and
moves at a slow pace--even expressway traffic appears under 60 MPH. People
are well dressed & all in a rush. Personal space is a foreign concept--just
as no Facebook & limited Google search is foreign to us!!
(Chan had downloaded a re-routing app which is how she can be on Facebook.
Me--well, I'm living without it.)
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
#23. Bullet Train to Zheng Zhou. #24 Preperations
#23 Bullet Train to Zheng Zhou
Boarded the bullet train & headed to Zheng Zhou going 180 mph for 3 hrs 10 min. We sped past many villages--most looked so much alike..gray bricked red roofed homes connected to outer wall that surrounded the entire village. We also saw large towns most of which had multiple high rise apartment buildings & more being built. Since we saw so much building 4 yrs ago, guess there either didn't finish or are building more!! Between towns were flat green fields--not sure what the crops were but probably veges. Our ride was as smooth as butter with each mile taking us closer to Ming Kun Xi--Matthew.
#24 Preparations
Chan had a long list of things that needed to be ready for tomorrow , GOTCHA DAY! We did some shopping at Walmart for food to cover the next 2-3 days buying several snacks Matthew is familiar with according to our CCAI reps here, Rita & Tina. Six presents needed wrapping (for nannies & directors & 7 envelopes of $$ counted & sealed (for passport, pictures, TB test, notary, registration & nannies). As Chan counted the piles of yuan currencies, she laughed saying she felt like she was playing monopoly. Since the exchange rate is 6 yuan to $1...it was a pile! She said she was glad it was yuans cause it didn't feel like real $$! Next the diaper bag needed to be packed with lots of snacks, official papers organized, camera & phones charged & ready...and finally a good night sleep!!
Sent from my iPhone
Boarded the bullet train & headed to Zheng Zhou going 180 mph for 3 hrs 10 min. We sped past many villages--most looked so much alike..gray bricked red roofed homes connected to outer wall that surrounded the entire village. We also saw large towns most of which had multiple high rise apartment buildings & more being built. Since we saw so much building 4 yrs ago, guess there either didn't finish or are building more!! Between towns were flat green fields--not sure what the crops were but probably veges. Our ride was as smooth as butter with each mile taking us closer to Ming Kun Xi--Matthew.
#24 Preparations
Chan had a long list of things that needed to be ready for tomorrow , GOTCHA DAY! We did some shopping at Walmart for food to cover the next 2-3 days buying several snacks Matthew is familiar with according to our CCAI reps here, Rita & Tina. Six presents needed wrapping (for nannies & directors & 7 envelopes of $$ counted & sealed (for passport, pictures, TB test, notary, registration & nannies). As Chan counted the piles of yuan currencies, she laughed saying she felt like she was playing monopoly. Since the exchange rate is 6 yuan to $1...it was a pile! She said she was glad it was yuans cause it didn't feel like real $$! Next the diaper bag needed to be packed with lots of snacks, official papers organized, camera & phones charged & ready...and finally a good night sleep!!
Sent from my iPhone
#22. Beijing At Last
Two hours to Dallas--met Chan--then 14 hours to Beijing where we stepped off the plane so Chan's dream of becoming a Mom finally would become real! We were met at the airport by George, our Chinese Children Adoption International (CCAI) rep. Seven other excited facility boarded the bus--strangers who quickly became friends. We headed straight for our hotel room--spacious & luxurious. Took us 1/2 hour just to check it our and figure out the lights! Far cry from the places we slept in last time we were in China helping at the leprosy colonies. After long showers, we decided to buzz into a nearby convenience store...bought Ramon noodles & bread then opened my PJ and had a relaxing dinner our style...in our elegant dining room. The comfy beds welcomed our heavy eyelids & aching bodies.
Day 2--After an endless selection of choices for breakfast, we met with George & the group to head out for our Beijing tour. CCAI wants families to get a chance to experience some of the Chinese culture...and get over jet lag before Gotcha Day. Tiananmen Square & then Forbidden City before riding a rickshaw through old Peking that dropped us at one of the local's homes for dinner. Looking around, it was apparent this was the real deal. Two round tables filled the main room & all 24 of us squeezed in. In the 4'x8' kitchen, they prepared an amazing amount & variety of food that included quail eggs, shrimp, chicken, cucumbers, bok choy, garlic shoots, broccoli...all combined with various sauces & other veges. Poor rickshaw drivers had more weight to pull back to our bus. Chan's enjoyed a massage while I did some writing and then both napped till it was time to meet up with the group again for a Peking duck dinner...which again was bountiful. We needed to walk of at least part of today's meals, so we walked & browsed street vendors ware ending up in a alley loaded with what the locals love: deep fried baby ducks, starfish, snake, octopus, grubs, chicken feet and scorpions still wiggling about. Rog & I had discovered a street like this 4 yrs ago...yet it was still a shock to see. Two tired gals fell into bed at 9 p.m.
Day 3
Though we longed to sleep in, we were up, dressed, choosing a slightly smaller breakfast and on the bus by 8:30 headed for the Great Wall. The climb up is not an easy one thanks to higher altitude & uneven steps--but the view makes up for it! Though it was not as magnificent as the one Rog & I saw from a different part of the wall, it was a thrill. Next we headed for a Jade Factory. Jade here is like diamonds in US. A jade bangle equates to our diamond ring is is often passed down through generations. A nice bangle was $2500. We didn't buy one--or any thing else. We did eat dinner there--another feast. Just when you think I can't eat another bite...they bring out another new dish & gash, you gotta try it. Our bus dropped us off just in time to catch the opening act of the Wonderful Hun, an acrobatic performance. In awe we watched balancing, tumbling & bicycle acts. The grand finale was 5 motorcycles racing around inside a huge metal ball. Crazy!! We got back to our room around 6--totally exhausted. Packed up our bags for our 6:45 PU tomorrow, ate up our left over Ramon noodles & PJ sandwich then crashed.
Beijing info:
Beijing is home to 23 million people, hundreds of sky scrapers, a few trees and kept clean by busy street sweepers everywhere. It's cold--about 35F and we got lucky to have two daily clear days but third day were were enclosed by smog...common here. Beijing is also home to 5.5 million cars. To curb the #'s, gov't only allows driving your car 4 out of 5 business days. That helped the car sales as people then bought 2 cars. Since days allowed are determined by your license plate #...cost of plates is extremely high...in Shanghai, people pay up to $15,000 for one plate! Cameras catch offenders. Most roads have a side lane for the multitude of motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, (most with blanket & hand covers) rickshaws, 3 wheeled mini cars & wheel chairs. In spite of all this, traffic doesn't seem very congested and moves at a slow pace--even expressway traffic appears under 60 MPH. People are well dressed & all in a rush. Personal space is a foreign concept--just as no Facebook & limited Google search is foreign to us!!
(Chan had downloaded a re-routing app which is how she can be on Facebook. Me--well, I'm living without it.)
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
Day 2--After an endless selection of choices for breakfast, we met with George & the group to head out for our Beijing tour. CCAI wants families to get a chance to experience some of the Chinese culture...and get over jet lag before Gotcha Day. Tiananmen Square & then Forbidden City before riding a rickshaw through old Peking that dropped us at one of the local's homes for dinner. Looking around, it was apparent this was the real deal. Two round tables filled the main room & all 24 of us squeezed in. In the 4'x8' kitchen, they prepared an amazing amount & variety of food that included quail eggs, shrimp, chicken, cucumbers, bok choy, garlic shoots, broccoli...all combined with various sauces & other veges. Poor rickshaw drivers had more weight to pull back to our bus. Chan's enjoyed a massage while I did some writing and then both napped till it was time to meet up with the group again for a Peking duck dinner...which again was bountiful. We needed to walk of at least part of today's meals, so we walked & browsed street vendors ware ending up in a alley loaded with what the locals love: deep fried baby ducks, starfish, snake, octopus, grubs, chicken feet and scorpions still wiggling about. Rog & I had discovered a street like this 4 yrs ago...yet it was still a shock to see. Two tired gals fell into bed at 9 p.m.
Day 3
Though we longed to sleep in, we were up, dressed, choosing a slightly smaller breakfast and on the bus by 8:30 headed for the Great Wall. The climb up is not an easy one thanks to higher altitude & uneven steps--but the view makes up for it! Though it was not as magnificent as the one Rog & I saw from a different part of the wall, it was a thrill. Next we headed for a Jade Factory. Jade here is like diamonds in US. A jade bangle equates to our diamond ring is is often passed down through generations. A nice bangle was $2500. We didn't buy one--or any thing else. We did eat dinner there--another feast. Just when you think I can't eat another bite...they bring out another new dish & gash, you gotta try it. Our bus dropped us off just in time to catch the opening act of the Wonderful Hun, an acrobatic performance. In awe we watched balancing, tumbling & bicycle acts. The grand finale was 5 motorcycles racing around inside a huge metal ball. Crazy!! We got back to our room around 6--totally exhausted. Packed up our bags for our 6:45 PU tomorrow, ate up our left over Ramon noodles & PJ sandwich then crashed.
Beijing info:
Beijing is home to 23 million people, hundreds of sky scrapers, a few trees and kept clean by busy street sweepers everywhere. It's cold--about 35F and we got lucky to have two daily clear days but third day were were enclosed by smog...common here. Beijing is also home to 5.5 million cars. To curb the #'s, gov't only allows driving your car 4 out of 5 business days. That helped the car sales as people then bought 2 cars. Since days allowed are determined by your license plate #...cost of plates is extremely high...in Shanghai, people pay up to $15,000 for one plate! Cameras catch offenders. Most roads have a side lane for the multitude of motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, (most with blanket & hand covers) rickshaws, 3 wheeled mini cars & wheel chairs. In spite of all this, traffic doesn't seem very congested and moves at a slow pace--even expressway traffic appears under 60 MPH. People are well dressed & all in a rush. Personal space is a foreign concept--just as no Facebook & limited Google search is foreign to us!!
(Chan had downloaded a re-routing app which is how she can be on Facebook. Me--well, I'm living without it.)
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
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