COMING TO AMERICA

We leave China on Wed. morning with a little someone extra.

Email and internet has been a challenge at times so I am sure we will catch everyone up when we arrive "back in the states."

Can someone Fed Ex me some Chips and Salsa, Ice and maybe a Porterhouse Steak?

It’s official, I am a spoiled American. I just didn’t really realize it until we got here. Although there is a guy in our group, Michael that seems to be up for trying anything (including many types of “see-through” white, wet, chunky type food), my stomach goes into “refuse” mode. Let’s just put it this way, I will be ready for bathing suit season when I return to Florida, well, until we found McDonald’s…. You will, however, be proud that we have tried the local fair many times. We have also been traveling to our province (like our states) with one other family. They are adopting a nine year old girl, Jolee. They are being very attentive to her eating habits, so we have tried many things that she chooses off the menu. I trusted her and loved the cabbage she chose. I had confidence until she chose (and I ate) donkey. Don’t tell PETA. It was actually pretty good. However, McDonald’s and Pizza Hut has been our staple. Hats off to our good friends that own McDonald’s, Colleen and Derek. We offer our most hearty thanks to you both, because as your song says, “I’m Lovin’ It!” Also check out the video of Shep getting a haircut.

Driver’s Ed needed in China ASAP!

You would not believe, and I mean, not believe how these folks drive here.
While in Tiayguan City, where Shepherd was, we almost got hit 30 times while riding in our bus. If I lived here, I would drive a Ford F150. I wouldn’t take any chances.
There were 3 lanes, which they turned into 7. They turn around in the middle of the road at any time. They constantly beep their horn, no turn signals for them…
Also, if you are not driving a teeny, tiny car, you are on a bike. You could be on a bike in 3 inch heels. I got respect for that. Anyone that can ride a bike in heels while talking on a cell phone, deserves a Big Mac.
Our biggest fear – crossing the street! Our guide would simply meander out into the street while cars are blowing their horns and whizzing by us. Many times we would just let her go. She would get to the other side and just laugh at us. She can laugh all she wants, I refuse to be someone’s hood ornament.
Besides all these things, here is the most bizarre. In China, 1 million pedestrians a year are killed! The rule? If you hit someone and they DIE, you are not responsible, since it was their fault they were in the street. BUT, if you hit someone and they do not die, you must cover their medical expenses. OK, I know this is a different culture, but that is just CRAZY!!!!

P.S. We are finally able to load a pic or two.

Chinglish

Do you not love that word? This is what the Chinese Nationals call their broken English. I love it!

For the most part, they are very friendly to us, and smile when we ask a question.

I am taken by their beautiful hair, of course! If you know me, you know I love to look at hair, and as far as I am concerned, these beautiful people have some of the best.

I walked up to a young woman yesterday to tell her I loved her hair. I said something like, "your hair looks great!" She knew I was saying something good, but couldn't understand until I started pointing to her hair. She then said, "you think I beautiful?" I smiled and nodded. I liked that.

Constantly, young girls were commenting on the young kids in our group, calling them beautiful and lovely. I have gotten away from such words. I have vowed to start using those types of words again, for they are much more "beautiful" than, "you look hot". Have a little class, please...

So, have a lovely day, all you beautiful people!

Chinese Culture through the eyes of a red head

Ok, I knew it would be different, but man! It is really really different!

1. Cell Phones - you hardly ever see anyone on them. We are in Beijing, a very "metropolitan" city with lots of young people. However, I have literally seen about 3 people on a phone. Very strange. In the US, you don't NOT see people on the phone!

2. Social Conscious - While visiting the cultural places yesterday, I noticed that people, young and old were also there to visit, kind of like us going to Washington DC. Very interesting thing - it was very, very quiet. People in groups traveling around, actually listening to their tour guides. Children behaving very well. Respect shown to these historic places. People were not gabbing on the cell phones or walking around exposing way too much skin! I liked that.

3. The Chinese Walmart - Chad and I went last night. Just the opposite of quiet and calm, displayed while we were sightseeing. Hurried, lots of chatter (I probably noticed more than a Chinese national because it sounds so different) and people grabbing what they need as quick as they can to get out of there. Although Chad feels like that in Walmart, I find it somewhat relaxing sometimes to meander through the store, looking, browsing - there was none of that. In, Out, on their way.

4. The general attitude of the people - While we were walking to Walmart, I noticed that people just seemed to be walking, getting to where they needed to be, kind of emotionless. It certainly made me think of their need for a Savior. I was talking to another fellow adoptive mom this morning and we felt like they simply looked like they were without joy. They really do. Now, I know that cultures are different, but you would probably have to see it to believe it. It is sad.

5. Food - I will comment on another post. There is alot to tell about this subject. The Good, The Bad, The Ugly!

Friday, June 13 Sightseeing

Yesterday, we met our group at breakfast and immediately got on a bus for a full day of touring.

We visited Tiamimens (Spelling) Square, The Forbidden City, The Summer Palace, The Pearl Market and ate some interesting food. Chad and I also made a quick trip to the "Carre 4" - the Chinese version of Walmart. I will now try and put into pictures some of the things I saw. I will add more details when we get the pictures up.

Actually, I will wait until we get the pictures up because it really won't make much sense to you until you see them.

Check back!

Why haven't I written?

We have had internet problems at the hotel, so we have been out of touch. It's amazing how used to connecting we are. It has frustrated the whole group, as everyone's family and friends are awaiting word!

So, all that to say, I am sitting in the business center, blogging, finally. I will be unable to post any pictures until we get our laptop working in our room, but I wanted to update everyone.

So, read on!