Exploring GZ- Shamian Island

The last two days have been great. Last night, I went out to dinner with some friends, and afterwards, we walked around marveling at the lights of Guangzhou. The Canton Tower changes color at night, and it’s really spectacular. Tons of people, including many kids, were out enjoying the plaza which has panels that light up at night. I can’t wait to show my children. 

This morning, I was finally ready to venture out on a solo outing. My sponsor took me on the subway when I first arrived, but I was still jet lagged then. I've been avoiding it, as I wasn't sure if I could remember how to get to the subway station, or if it was as easy to use as I recalled. I tend to worry since my sense of direction is lousy. 

Cute map of Shamian Island

But I did it! The subway is really incredibly easy, with English/Pinyin signs everywhere (I'm working on learning the characters of the subway station names, too). I traveled to Shamian Island, a charming, pedestrian friendly little island. It’s known as the site of the White Swan Hotel, where adoptive parents often stay when they come to bring home their children.

When I arrived at the Shamian station (Huangsha), it was drizzling, but I decided to buy an umbrella and keep walking. As I walked over the bridge to the island, it REALLY started to rain! So I ducked into a café and had a delicious rice dish (I’m kind of excited about these rice dishes, as I think they will be an easy thing for my kids to get used to ordering when we go out).

After lunch, I wandered around and found some lovely shops. There were tons of Chinese people being tourists, and quite a few brides and grooms taking professional photos. I loved that no one paid any attention to me, and that I didn't have to worry about my safety.

There are many fabulous things to buy here. Aren't the little girl shoes darling? The shop owner was quite kind, and wanted to know if I had a "new daughter." I loved thinking about all the adoptive parents who probably shop there.

I refrained from making a purchase since I know Shamian caters to tourists, but I took note of style and prices so that I can compare to regular markets.

I found my way back home easily, and now I feel confidant I can get around. Some vendors even complimented me on my Chinese! That was comical but gave me hope for the future. 

I'm excited to go somewhere else tomorrow. But for now, have to put my feet up. 

Settling into Guangzhou...

I didn't mean to be so quiet over here! I thought with no kids around I'd have more time to blog, but every day races by.

So, I've been here a week and a half. The first five days were really intense- I definitely got hit by culture shock as I realized a) I can barely communicate and b) food is so different. The Western grocery store in our complex is smaller than I expected, and when I found my way to a larger Chinese store, I didn't recognize the majority of the products. That stressed me out a bit as I tried to imagine how I will feed my family in just a few short weeks.

On the other hand, I work and live in a very modern part of town, so I really don't have it too bad. There is a Starbucks around the corner from the U.S. consulate (yes!). There are also like 3 other coffee shops in the area. Plus a million Western and Chinese restaurants. Our work location is really ideal. There are malls all over the city and plenty of familiar influences. I could eat a Western-style lunch and order in English every day if I wanted to, but I don't!

Zhujiang New Town- greener than I expected!

Yet communicating in Chinese is really hard for me still. I tried to order lunch the other day (just wanted to get the green bean dish my friend had eaten the day before) and I realized I didn't know how to say green beans. So I looked it up in Pleco and tried it- blank stares. In Chinese, you never know if the word in the dictionary is the right word, or if you're saying it right. I kept bumbling along, trying to get some sort of vegetable dish, but the person at the lunch counter grew tired of me and moved on to the next person. Finally, another worker told me there was "qiezi". I'm like 'qiezi, qiezi' - oh, eggplant! Yes, that!! It was good. But boy, was that embarrassing. And yet, I'll be going through that daily until I figure out a number of dishes that I like and can order them correctly. I think I'll pick up their menu and translate it at home.

My other issue is helping the taxi drivers find my home. I kind of know the landmarks now, but don't know how to say "drive along this road for a while and then go here" kind of language. We did learn that at FSI, I will admit. A long time ago. I will be receiving 3-5 hours of tutoring every week so I hope that will help. I had my first session this week and the tutor is wonderful.

I think work will be fine. Yes, some differences, and adjusting to an even bigger community, but I know the work. It's living in China that is going to take the biggest adjustment. I will confess I am worrying about the kids and their adjustment to this very different place. But that is why we signed up for this adventure, I know.

Pearl River Promenade. There were tons of people out dancing/exercising/doing tai chi. 

So far, I really love it. It's fascinating and very comfortable here in GZ. I was scheduled to go on a lychee picking trip today a few hours outside of town, and I was looking forward to seeing more of the 'real China.' But because of the typhoon passing through the area, it was canceled. Not a problem, as I have plenty to do here at home and in GZ!

Liede Bridge and Canton Tower

Hello from China! (and apartment pics)

Greetings from China! 大家好！

I am writing from my sunny living room, looking out occasionally on the enormous buildings and green trees everywhere. 

I had a great trip. Of course, I was alone, so that helped, but the 14 hour flight from LAX to GZ seemed to "fly" by (sorry). An airport employee met me at the gate and helped me get my bags, and my terrific sponsor was waiting outside to take me to my new home! Couldn't have been smoother (well, for a minute we thought my bags were lost, but they were found...).

As we drove along, I was surprised by a few things- the abundance of trees and parks, the sheer quantity of very tall apartment buildings, and the fact that it doesn't seem crowded for a city of 13 million. At the street corners, I expected throngs of people- there were handfuls. 

I am a bit blown away by the beauty of our apartment and all that our complex has to offer. The only thing missing in this apartment is more storage. When our stuff arrives, I have no idea where we will put it. But, one thing at a time. Here are some photos of our place. It is furnished by the landlord, so we get a break from Drexel this time around. I look forward to showing you more photos once we add our B family touch! 

View from the front door into the dining room

Living room- couches look beige in this photo but they are mostly yellow

1/2 of kitchen

Other half of kitchen- needs more storage!

1 kid's room- pretty small, probably will request twin bed instead. 

Other kid's room- much bigger

Other side of kid's room 2

Master BR- strange love seat doesn't seem to fit

Love the counter space!

Love the shower!

I didn't have to report to work today so I spent some time unpacking and visiting the Western style grocery store downstairs. And now I have time to share these photos with you. There is a lot to explore outside but I am too tired and it is pretty darn hot and steamy. Tomorrow.

This is it!

Well, the day is finally almost here!

Tomorrow I leave for China. After two years of planning, I am finally moving to China. It's almost unbelievable, except that, you know, I've been planning for two years. Am I excited? Absolutely. Am I scared? Definitely. But I can't wait to get this show on the road, although it's hard to be leaving my family behind for a few weeks. Hopefully, I can get their home ready for them and help ease their transition.

We've had a lovely time in beautiful Oregon and gorgeous California, soaking up family love and making memories. I'll remember delicious family meals at Sunriver, long bike rides, and just hanging out together.

I'll remember my kids, dressed in red and blue, waving their little U.S. flags as we enjoyed the San Jose parade. I'll remember lying under a blanket, holding my scared little girl as we watched the fireworks on a golf course. I'll remember my dad and stepmom's efforts to ensure that we had an awesome July 4th!

I'll remember (and long for) Marionberry
ice cream, of course!

Most of all, I'll remember all the family time and miss everyone.

Stay tuned for our China adventures!