Overall, our travel day was uneventful. The kids did surprisingly well. And so did the adults. Now, don't get me wrong....it wasn't all rainbows and sunshine. But, we didn't have too many major melt downs until the plane landed in Beijing.
Immigration and customs were a breeze. Gratefully, the kids did exactly as they were told so we didn't have any issues. For those of you who know us well, you may remember a little incident we had in Jamaica. Sara absolutely refused to look at the immigration officer. She was about 8, so he could really see her from his post and she refused to look up so he could validate her presence. sigh. That was rough. Fortunately... we didn't have any such behavior.
Now, after we got our luggage, the next obligatory stop was the bathroom. Enter melt down #1. I had prepped the girls for the bathroom situation in China. Sometimes, we will see normal toilet.. other times we may only have a squatty potty option. Well, this terrified Sara. So the mere thought of even going into the bathroom was enough to set her off. Even though we found a western style toilet, the girl had a melt down. I'm sure it was just displaced emotion from the 18 hours of travel. It does have me a bit concerned about the rest of the trip though. It supposed to be wickedly hot this week. Hydration will be essential. And well... what goes in must come out. Well.. we made it through the melt down, found our guide and headed out of the airport relatively unscathed.
The first photo op along the way came courtesy of Seth, who saw the Pfizer building from the highway! Pretty cool! We made it to the hotel after about a 45 minute commute. Vivian got us checked in and settled. And the hospitality at the hotel has been really fabulous. The rooms? Well, they are just OK. The people here have been fabulous.
We decided to head out in Thursday night to grab a snack. We weren't terribly hungry, but just needed a little something. And honestly.. we just needed to get out of the hotel. Otherwise, we all would've feel asleep by 6 pm. Yes.. the jet lag sucks!! Anyway, on our way out, we were greeted by the hotel manager. They had gifts for the kids and they helped us with money exchange, directions, etc. we found a nearby McDonald's where we order via picture menu. And then headed back to the hotel for so much needed sleep.
Shawna seems really excited and a little anxious. More than once, people have tried to talk to her, assuming that she knows mandarin. The first time, it didn't phase her. By the fourth time.. she's feeling a bit self conscious now and I heard her singing in jibberish in the shower. Sigh More on that later.
Speaking of showers... one other little tidbit about China... the water is not drinkable. We have cautioned the kids extensively to not drink the water... not even a little bit when they brush their teeth, etc.
Sara was looking for the duct tape last night. Why? Well, she wanted to DUCT TAPE her mouth shut during her shower so she wouldn't accidentally swallow any water. For those who know Sara well, y'all can appreciate the humor in this. There have been many many times that I wanted to duct tape Sara's mouth shut. But, not for the shower my dear.
Friday, June 9, 2017
Thursday, June 8, 2017
Day 2
I had hoped to sleep past 4 AM. I made it to 4:55. 👍🏻 The rest of the crew is still snoozing away. Correction - the girls are still snoozing away. I have no idea what's going on in the boys room. We will head down for breakfast at 8. Vivian will be here at 9. Our hotel is within walking distance of Tiananmen Square and the temple of heaven. There is also 4 giant hospitals within blocks of here (shown with the red plus sign). Vivan tells us that one of them is considered to best care in the country -- and that's why there are people sleeping outside of the doors, waiting to be seen.
The hospitality has been great so far. Apparently, we attract some attention. Lol
After we unpacked last night, we decided to venture out in search of food and in a desperate attempt to just stay awake! The hotel manager meet us as we got off the elevator. She asked about our stay, gave us a quick overview of the area, summoned some other folks to help us with money exchange and then gave the kids each a gift.
It's supposed to be 97 today. Yikes. Glad that we packed sunscreen. I'm equally glad that we are climbing the Great Wall tomorrow -- when it only supposed to be 88. 😜
Yes - it's McDonald's in Beijing.
The normal rule "we don't eat at chain restaurants on vacation" do not apply when
1. Your body thinks it's 8 am but it's really 8 pm. Or is it the other way around??
2. You have to use a picture menu to order
And 3. When you just need a little food fuel in order to stay awake until at least 9 pm.
Jet lag stinks. Baylors are for the night and Shawna wins the award for the first to 😴
At the hotel
I'm not sure where the energy is coming from...
It's 430 AM at home.
Now, they've moved on to hide-and-seek
It's 430 AM at home.
Now, they've moved on to hide-and-seek
Arrived!!
Flight was great. All of our bags arrived. And our guide, Vivian, was waiting for us. Next stop - the hotel.
Wednesday, June 7, 2017
When you give the phone to the teenager ...
Sent from my iPhoneI asked Seth to take a picture of Shawna and I. This is what I got.
Layover in Chicago
Sent from Lori's iPad45 minute flight
3 hour layover
Dan is napping.
The girls are writing in their journals. A good sign on day 1. But--Is it sustainable ? I hope so, but something tells me that the novelty will wear off by day 4 ..😜
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Kramer
It's like sending your kid to daycare. Label label label. Kramer may not be excited about his upcoming stay at the bed and bark… But he was really happy to grab the bag of treats off the counter. Three times! I pack. He unpacks. Damn cat
Sent from my iPhone
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Monday, June 21, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
June 16th
Two years ago.
Halfway around the world.
A baby girl was found...in a box.
I can't help but think about it. I wonder if they do too.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Halfway around the world.
A baby girl was found...in a box.
I can't help but think about it. I wonder if they do too.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
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