The Red Couch

Today we took the traditional photos on the red couches. All of the babies adopted from China who stay at The White Swan Hotel have their pictures taken as a group on one of the red couches in the lounge. It is quite a sight to behold as everyone tries to wrangle 11 little girls, most of whom are not interested in sitting still, onto the couch for a picture. The first photo today captures a split-second of the action.

Since most of my day's activity was preparing paperwork for our U.S. Consulate appointment on Monday, I thought today would be another great opportunity for Lori to bring you up to date with some of her thoughts on the trip so far.

Hello everyone--a lot of our time on the island has been spent shopping so I will share a little about that.  You may think that everything is "made in China"--the truth is a lot of really neat things are made in China and are available at very good prices.  We have gone to the Pearl Market, Jade Market, Art Market and Antique Market.  Also here on Shamian you can get silk pajamas, robes, traditional Chinese outfits for children and shoes at a fraction of the cost in the United States.  It is hard to not get carried away.  The shop keepers are all very proud to show you their wares and they have learned at least enough English (though many speak quite well) to say things like:  "good quality", "original not reproduction", "best price" in order to persuade you to spend money with them.  We have befriended several people--Dong and Susan share tea with us every evening, have shown us how to make congee and steamed Chinese sweet potatoes and given us much insight to the Chinese culture.  They are very proud of their business which is located behind the US Consulate building and they rent it from the Christian Church that sits just to the the side of their building.  No matter what you want you can tell them and in a day or so they stop you as you walk by and they have it.   In addition they will wash your laundry.  Full service is the name of the game and we could all learn a little from their inviting hospitality.  Jordon is another really sweet shop owner and he will work both ends of a block to greet passersby to ask about their new baby, and then promptly invite you to come see his store.  When you visit him he will write your baby's name in Chinese characters and then also the English spelling in calligraphy and give it to you.  One night I thought I had left my jacket in a restaurant and we were in his store--he wanted to run down with me to talk to them in Chinese and make sure I got it back, close his shop completely for however long it took to help me. Every shop is called by an English name--Susan's Place or Jordon's or Jennifer's Place--they want you to feel comfortable and welcome, and to send all of your friends by.  If you like to bargain--then China is the place for you.  So today Audrey and I shopped some while Brad completed the paperwork and we also played in the Mattel sponsored playroom here at the White Swan with a whole lot of other newly adopted kids and their parents.  Audrey was at first a little timid about playing with the other kids, but she soon was interacting like I wasn't even there.

We discovered another delight--the Magnum Bar--odd name, but it is a delicious ice cream bar available at the 7-Elevens on every corner.  I am glad I did not start eating them at the beginning of the trip like I was advised by my friend Margaret--I would have definitely gained weight.  Audrey loves ice cream--coffee--tea and sweets.  Don't worry I am also feeding her nutritious things as well--like chicken and mushroom paste.

Sadly, our trip is coming to an end.  It has been much quicker than I anticipated, but we still have some fun things to do and see and I look forward to seeing everyone and sharing all of the details when we get home.