Sunday,
May 29
Knowing that we are closing in on 24 hours to go made sleeping a
little bit more of a challenge than previous evenings but it
seems that we are becoming more accustomed to the time change.
Interesting that just about the time our bodies are settling
into the change, we are anxiously anticipating welcoming
Isabelle into our family. I'm sure she will let us get
into the routine of 12 hours of quality sleep.
I visited Tiananmen Square this morning hoping to see the
raising of the National Flag but despite getting there at 5:30
a.m. I missed the ceremony. The flag waved proudly over
the Square and Chairman Mao's mausoleum. Took several
pictures of the area including soldiers, the China historical
museum with the countdown to the 2008 Beijing Olympics clock
ticking off the days until China hosts the Games, statues
outside the mausoleum, and the gate to the Forbidden City.
Beijing has a feel about the entire town. It feels very
safe. There is a ton of construction going on in
anticipation of the Olympic Games and both Mr. Wang, who you now
know, and Angel, the guide from CITS (Chinese International Travel Service) who took us
to/from the airport, mentioned the Games and how Beijing is
changing to accommodate the venues, athletes, and spectators.
We did have the big breakfast again, just in case anyone was
wondering, though we do seem to have less and less of it each
day. Stefanie and Tori got their internet fix and then we
checked out of the hotel and headed for the
airport. Now the nerves were really cracking as the
realization that we were going to the city where Isabelle will
be delivered began to sink in. Angel helped us with
checking in and then we jumped on the Air China flight to
Nanjing. It was great to not have to take a bus to the
airplane but instead go through the terminal directly onto the
plane -- a first for a flight in China. We did get on a
bus upon arrival but it was a short trip.
Sophie, our CCAI rep, met us and introduced us to another couple
that will also adopt with us tomorrow. She was surprised
by our limited amount of luggage -- carry-on only has been
fantastic so far. She explained that the
hotel is in a good place because it is close to many things.
She also told us that there will be a total of four families,
including us, adopting tomorrow.
Can't hardly wait. Nanjing seems to be a nice city, what we
have seen from the road. New apartments going up
everywhere. The hotel is fantastic and is very large.
We originally were going to get two rooms but it is big enough
for us to only need one room.
After some napping and a movie on the computer we met up with
the Mac and Trish who are adopting an eight year old girl.
They have a daughter Lilly that Trish had adopted previously.
We went to dinner in the Chinese restaurant in the hotel -- food
at a Chinese restaurant here is different than in the states.
We were able to steer clear of the pig intestine and found some
chicken fried rice and beef and mushroom. Upon return to
the room we found that tomorrow's itinerary was under door.
We meet Sophie at 9:30 a.m. and then go to the Civil Affairs
office where we will meet the babies at 10:00.
After saying good night we watched a movie on HBO and called it
a night.
Expecting a nervous night of anticipation. |
Chairman Mao picture outside on the wall surrounding the
Forbidden City -- across from Tiananmen Square
Statue outside Mao mausoleum
Chairman Mao's mausoleum
Soldiers marching to Tiananmen Square
|
