Day 16 = GO HOME! YAY!
Day 15 – Thursday, Decemeber 3, 2009
Ray and Nancy got to head out today- lucky! We didn't do anything but finish shopping, pack, and that's about it. We're worn out and so ready to head home… so I will leave you with a few random thoughts instead. Ha ha. Oh, and please wish us a safe, uneventful journey home. =) We all feel as if we are stuck in the sequel to Groundhog Day.
Observations about China:
- The beds are hard.
- The cartoons and commercials are hilarious. Especially for things you know and love- like the McRib. C'mon, would you really eat a McRib in China?
- The heat either works too well, or doesn't work. And it's either heat or air for the entire building.
- Spitting in public is normal (though extremely gross!). People spit everywhere- even the floors of 5 star hotels.
- Driving is a free-for-all. If the light is red, but you see a spot- go for it. If there is room to go around on the sidewalk, go for it. If you want people to move- honk at them. Driving here would be insanely scary.
- The pollution really, truly is terrible and has to be seen for yourself to be understood.
- Did I mention the beds are hard?
- Food is never, ever served hot. Consider yourself lucky if it is warm. Also, they don't care if you order a drink, and won't ask about it if you forget.
- Breakfast Buffets have a weird mix of food on them, like baked beans and dim sum.
- The water is terrible in appearance. I wouldn't even consider drinking it, it is yellow. Not even after boiling it. Nope, no sir. And some people here swim naked in it!
- People are always extremely surprised to discover that either of us speak Mandarin. They also think we are VERY young to be parents.
- Be careful what you order... a drink with frog guts in it is exactly what it says it is.
- There is no such thing as personal space in China. It is crowded and people go where they can fit whenever they want. Politeness is also an oddity.
- Order also does not pertain. You don't really stand in line for a buffet- you shove in where you can to get what you want, and who cares if you are messing up the 20 people who were going the other way...
- There is no such thing as non-smoking-- either rooms or seats in restaurants. Many people perform their job functions while puffing away (including food service).
- There are lots of bows on cars- we haven't figured this one out- and the car brands and names are all odd.
- As the water is undrinkable, water fountains are unheard of.
- The Chinese have odd Chinese-distinct fashion sense.
Things I miss about America:
- People (my kid, family, friends, and dogs)
- My house & bed
- Car & clean clothes!
- cheese
- Drinkable tap water
- Clean air
- Usable electrical outlets
- TV, strangely enough
- Ability to go to whatever internet site I want!
- Hot food
- Ice, and cold drinks
- Comfortable furniture
- People who talk slow
Day 14 – Wednesday, December 2, 2009
We opted for leisurely shopping today instead of the trip to the zoo. We heard the zoo is sad by our standards and has stuff like armadillos and turkeys- so we don't really need to see that. In the afternoon, we headed to the US Consulate to take the oath. They had three windows opened and it moved quickly (especially for a govt office). It was not as long as I expected and we had to listen to the lady tell us to sign up for travel on the government website and she was really upset that there were babies crying. HAHA! We were used to that. And then we promised, with lots of pretty words, that we didn't lie to the US government to get the baby and that was it. Then we went back. Then we went shopping and ate at Lucy's! YAY! Ying is rough at sleepy-time, and is pitching many fits. I think this is a good sign, but can't wait to get home to deal with her the way I think is best. At home, I won't be worried if I keep the entire 10th floor of the hotel awake with a screaming kid. ;)
Day 13 – Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Today is our consulate appointment. Turns out- we don't even go to it. Grace and Maggie go for us and take our packet. They called and said everything was fine and that the consulate didn't even ask about shots- YAY! So, we're good to go- all we have left is the oath. We did group pictures at the red couches today- that was interesting, but very cute. Ying was very pleased to be wearing her squeaky shoes. We promptly took the squeaker out as soon as someone told us you could remove it. HA HA! That was a terrible squeak, not sure I would let her walk much if she was wearing them. Maybe it promotes kids being carried rather than walking. Heh. We opted to go on the Pearl River cruise. I thought 200 yuan a piece wasn't bad for dinner and a cruise. Well, dinner was a buffet and so very Chinese, I couldn't eat anything except a piece of watermelon. Jason didn't even eat anything. The view from the top deck with all the lights was neat though, but I certainly wouldn't go on it again. We ended up ordering room service when we got back, even though it was very pricey!
Actually, the Pearl market trip was kinda fascinating. It wasn't really just a pearl market. It was an ENTIRE 5 story mall full of jewelry outlet stores. Sorry, but Aunt Mandy is the only one who scored a present from here. =) It was entirely overwhelming!!! We did buy some DVDs of the Chinese cartoon Ying loves. We had to walk through a regular mall to get to the 'jewelry mall'. We got finished really quickly and actually decided to walk back to the hotel rather than taking a cab. Grace said many families have done so, and gave really easy directions. After that walk, we felt like we saw real China. We walked several blocks, it was probably a 20 minute walk, and we left the touristy shopping area to the real Chinese shops where all the Chinese people were. It was very interesting to walk through, and Jason felt very conspicuous I think because he was toting a cranky Chinese baby around. We did take a nice nap after that walk though. We went to the TB clinic to check results and Ying was fine, also were told that they were going to forego doing the shots and write a letter for the consulate visit. We played some in the playroom and then headed to the Italian restaurant for dinner. It was pretty good, the chef was actually an Italian guy! Have I mentioned the beds here are like rocks? Each time I think- maybe they will be softer in the next city-- NO SUCH LUCK! HA HA. I'm ready to get home to my soft bed and lots of pillows, though Jason likes the beds.
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--"We never touch people so lightly that we do not leave a trace"
