Free time - Sunday / Monday

The last two days we haven't had any "official" work to do.  Sunday morning we went to the Jade and Pearl markets here in Guangzhou.  Sue managed to find some things, and was the local pearl expert for the uninitiated jewelry shoppers.  In the afternoon we had "High Tea" at the hotel (not quite as impressive as it sounds), and then ended the day with some more shopping and a bite to eat with a couple of other families at Lucy's.

Mom and Emma before "High Tea"

Monday morning we were able to sleep in with NO planned activities at all throughout the day. 

Emma was able to videoconference with Grandma and Grandpa V and with Uncle Bob and Aunt Elizabeth.  She was itching for breakfast but clearly happy to meet her new extended family.  After a stop at Starbucks we headed off the island and into the main part of town.  The fact that we were the only Westerners in this area did not help with our "blending in" (as if that is possible here). 

And in a country with over a billion people you get very creative in what you eat.  We saw some very interesting things.  For any SOLIDs out there reading, this is the Chinese version of meat on a stick!  My best guess is a lizard.  There were also snakes and a number of other items that we would need a guide to explain.

It was a pretty hot day, about 88 degrees F and it gets even hotter with Emma in the carrier.  As always she was a champ though, and hung in there, though mom and dad tended to get a bit on the sweaty side.  We stopped off in a local Holiday Inn which had a beautiful marble lobby, and tremendous air conditioning.  We made ourselves comfortable for a little bit in the lobby, before we headed out for the rest of our journey (and a quick diaper change was in order).

We wondered around for a couple of hours (Emma napping as she desired), and came across some interesting streets.  It was a good opportunity to see a more realistic version of life in Guangzhou. 

And while we were out and about I thought I would recruit some of the local talent for RABGRAI '11.  Looking to add Asia to our Team SOLID continents. 

Back to Lucy's for a quick lunch (yes you are sensing a trend).  The following pictures are actually from Saturday, but except for the clothes it has been a similar drill.  Some "juice" for mom and dad, congshie and quesadilla for Emma (and us). 

Yes we coordinated in the morning.

She has several years to go!

Then time for Emma to take a nap.  After nap time we thought it was a good time for Emma's first swimming lesson.  As a future Olympic champion, we figured it is never too early to start.  And of course she must do it in fashion!

I can't say she was excited about the pool, but she was not intimidated or concerned.  Seemingly just confused, I think that a "bath tub' could be so huge.  It seemed like she was trying to figure it out, and not quite sure what to make of it all.  And I think she was probably ready for dinner. 

"Are we done yet/'

"This is a HUGE bath tub. 
Where are my duckies?"

 

After our swim, we hurried up to dry off, get changed and meet another family for dinner.  They are actually from Wilmette (just outside of Chicago) and adopted a beautiful baby boy (18 months old).  We had a very nice dinner outside and enjoyed spending time with them (even though Emma was a bit fussy - probably too late).

So there is our last couple of days.  All in all things have been pretty busy, but we both agree that is has been a great opportunity to focus on Emma and spend some quality time together.  Tomorrow afternoon we head to the US Consulate for our oath taking ceremony which will be the next step on Emma's path to citizenship. 

I know you are all probably looking for some videos.  I think that we have some, but we are now approaching the midnight hour, and the blog master needs to get up early to go for a run before the day starts (things are definitely changing).  So I will check our video "stash" tomorrow and see if we have anything new we can publish.