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2009 Guangzhou Journal
Hope and Grace on the grounds of the White Swan--near Hope's nap time so she looks a bit tired!
Here we are back at the White Swan in Guangzhou. The White Swan hotel is famous for all the adopted families staying at it. Just like when we stayed here with Grace, the hotel gave Hope a Barbie holding a Chinese baby, a nice touch. We love walking around the hotel and its grounds. The lobby has waterfalls and a koi pond. Terrific restaurants, pool area, workout room and more. Our suite is spacious. The outside has lovely gardens and is on the Pearl river.
Shamian Island, the part of Guangzhou where we are staying, is a lovely oasis from busy China. It was annexed at one point by the British so there is a British feel to it. The streets are walkable, lined with lovely stone architecture and and lots of trees. The park nearby is a great place to people watch. Many of the Chinese here go there to do tai chi, dancing, singing and other games. Grace is fascinated watching them. Many people come up and speak to her, smiling. They are very friendly and give us lots of thumbs up signs. The lead dancer tried to get Grace to dance, but she wouldn't! I finally persuaded her to waltz with me!
Hope is thriving. Lots more smiles and can roll over both ways. She is riding in a stroller here and continues to take everything in--she looks around for us in the morning and gives a big smile when she finds us. Her big sister makes her laugh. We love her so much. Keith and I are lucky to have our girls!
We are excited to come home...but no excited for the 30 hours of travel. Ugh! We hope to come back and travel China with both girls some day. It has been an amazing experience for Grace. Today she saw seahorses and snakes (dead) at the nearby Chinese medicine market. She really takes it all in and comments on differences and similarities between here and the U.S. She told me that she didn't like some things (like squat toilets!) but just because they are different it doesn't make them bad.
Check out our Guangzhou Photos.