Ni Hao from Guangzhou (again. Didnt I say that a week ago today?!)

Hi there.  We left a dismal, rainy day in Chengdu to arrive in Guangzhou, where it is 97degrees F and 100% humidity.  We were sorry to say goodbye to Miss Emily and her happy, efficient and knowledgeable self.  We will look her up wen we are back here in a few years.  We are staying in the business section of Guangzhou, much to the dismay of many that we are not at the most infamous White Swan Hotel, nicknamed the "Adoption hotel".  At least for the Americans.  We stayed there last time, and it was a good experience, as  they cater to adoptive families and are very empathetic and responsive to their needs.  In fact there is a book about the White Swan and the adoption experience, that is a delight to read.  The American Consulate was next door to it so it was most convenient.  There is a terrific park to walk around and many shops with souveniers and bargains,  catering to the excited American adoptive families and we absolutely succumbed last time.  We will this time too, when we go over near there for the Medica appointment tomorrow morning, but I understand since there are so may fewer adoptions than say 4-5 yearsw ago, there are not as many merchants.
We are staying at most excerent (Ken wrote that part) Westin ("Where local unregistered guests must sign in"), a block from the new, relocated US consulate.  We sort of felt like, been there done that with the White Swan...not be be snobby, but to experience a different part of Guangzhou and it is indeed.  At least from the view we saw from the Executive Club Lounge, which is pretty incredible. (hey all those nights away from my family for work ought to afford me some luxury, right? Free canapes and drinks that became dinner. Man I love points!)

Shu did pretty well on the flight.  Maybe it was all the attention he got in the airport.  We has some time to kill before the flight so we walked up and down the terminal.  I was stopped 3 times by groups women cooing at him, and at one point had an audience of 8 ladies and 2 men goofing with him and trying to ask me questions about him.  I couldnt understand any of the Chinese of course and smiled and nodded alot.  Shu waved byebye and blew his sweet kisses, thus making friends along the way.  We had to wait on the tarmac abotu an hour before take off and he did surprisingly well.  He did have a bit of an ear issue and smacked his ear a bit before falling asleep.  All was well.

Our ultra cool room has wood floors, and he has had a great time sending his car and wheeled animal toys across the floor.  Okay, Mommy has had lots of fun doing this but he eventually caught on. Daddy did some skating in his socks, that had Shu in a fit of gigggles.  I caught some of it on video.

Well, we have an early call at the Doc tomorrow.  I pray he won't need any vaccinations.  Then we will do some walking in the park and around the area we got to know very well last time.   I want to get to the well known temple here called the Six Banyan Tree Temple, but we will see if there is time tomorrow.  I pray too that neither Ken nor I get sick from the hospital where our appointment is.  Last time Ken was in bed for 2 days, and woozy 2 more.  he says it is because of the visit to the doctor here.   But the rest of us know it is really because he ate something fried ("What's the big deal, it will taste like fried chicken?!") that had a skewer in it with a picture of a dog and another with a rat.  We shall see.  I am equipped with clorox wipes, Purell, Wet Ones and lots of Cipro.

There is a prety swanky pool here so we hope to jump in with Shu later in the day, which should be a kick.

Oh, just before bedtime my little man wanted to be picked up.  He raised his hands looked at me hopefully and very clearley announced MAMA.  YEAH!!!!!!  I am gleeful!

That is it for now.  We enjoyed Chengdu, but are very happy to be here since it is closer to when we get to go home.  We miss our girls so very much!  Skype has been a Godsend but I do need to hug them and kiss their lovely faces.

Love to you all.