China: Day 1

After a long day of traveling we had an off day with no itinerary or schedule. What to do?? Hit the streets! Our hotel is in the middle of a residential area which is perfect because it allows us to immerse ourselves in the day to day life of the Chinese people. We are traveling with Michael who was the tour guide and adoption guide for Sky. He traveled with the Sundvall's the first time they came to China to adopt Sky and is really a part of their family. We are also here with the O'Brien family (Diane, Austin, Jing, and Sophie). Jing and Sky are BFF's because they were roommates in their orphanage and were adopted on the same day together. The Sundavall's and O'Brien's have stayed very close to each other and the girls have a special bond knowing they shared the same nanny (Ayi) and lived together. We arrived in China 3 days before the rest of our tour group (7 families total). What to do on a day off? Rest?? NO...It is off to enjoy the locals and experience their lifestyle. Everywhere you turn there are senior citizens playing games on the sidewalk, fruit stands, and more than you could imagine.






The Streets Outside our Hotel























Mah Jong on the Sidwalk








Street Vendor. They were cooked so they were safe to eat and Michael bought some for us...Yummy!











Sky and Jing!













Market Place!










The kids were very excited to interact with Chinese children and Ni Hao has become a constant word. There was a school in session and the kids were so excited to peek through the wall to see what the children were doing. The Chinese children were playing at recess.





















We stopped and got a treat for the girls at a local bakery and watched the people go by...or rather the people watched us. American's with Chinese children get lots of stares and smiles. We also saw a police man on his bike.



Here are a few more neighborhood pictures


We finished off the day with a fantastic dinner at a dumpling restaurant! It was great and we loved every dish! That Michael sure does know how to order food! We sat outside and enjoyed every minute of bustling China around us. The bikes, cars, and horns. We had a few people take pictures of the American's in their neighborhood...We finished off the night with Diane losing control of her chopsticks and dropping a dumpling in the beer.























Then it was off to bed. I am pretty sure that when my head hit the pillow it only took a minute or two and we were all asleep. TOMORROW...our first visit to the Great Wall of China!!! xoxoxoxo