The island...

[Originally posted 08/14/10]

Today we spent time in Guangzhou on Shamian Island and in the White Swan.

After the Visa medical visit, we went to the Swan Room, which is the children’s play room dedicated by Mattel, and played with Ella. We met some other adoptive parents from Minnesota and Tennessee. We had a nice conversation with them while the kids played with one another.

At that point, Ella got really sleep, so we came back to our room and she took a three hour nap. We couldn’t believe it!

During that time, Dong from Susan’s came and picked up our laundry for cleaning. He was in our room for quite a while with his son and he invited us for tea. Once Ella woke up, we had three different types of tea that Dong grew himself. He and his wife were very nice and welcoming. Of course, it was in his wife’s store and they were trying to sell us everything in there. But, it was neat to learn about them and their culture.

He told us that with Ella’s big ear (you know, the one I keep calling ‘Elephant Ear’ that Jenn gets really upset with me), that means she’s very smart and that she will live a long life.

At another store, Emma’s, I think, Emma herself told us that a big ear lobe will mean good luck and with Ella’s big ear, we’re sure she’ll have a big lobe!

Everywhere we went today people commented on how beautiful she is and how much hair she has (see, I told you)!

We ate dinner at Lucy’s tonight and I now have a favorite beer: Zhujiang beer. It’s made here in Guangzhou and is better that Tsing Tao. Mmmmmm!

Anyway, after dinner, we headed back to the room so she can go to bed for the night. She’s been a bit fussy today, but we think it’s because of her cold.

Tomorrow, we are meeting Shinko to go to the Temple in town to have her blessed. Jennifer and I are very excited about that. After that, we’ll take the famous “red couch” photo here at the White Swan. But once that’s done who knows what we’ll do. Probably spend some time in the pool! It looks yummy!

The temperature was 97 degrees today, but felt 109 degrees – that’s according to Weather.com, by the way. I’m not just making this stuff up!

Here are the photos I’m sure you’ve been waiting for: http://www.flickr.com/photos/52939577@N07/sets/72157624721840398/. Pay close attention to the final one with her hair! It’s hilarious!

Love,
Kev, Jenn and Ella.