Monday, July 16, 2007
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Orphanage visit
After a more traditional Chinese only breakfast at the hotel, we were off in our bus to the orphanage. It did not take too long to ge there. We passed a procession of people in yellow with banners and followed by more people waving a dragon "float/kite" apparently celebrating the opening of a new store. Very pretty.
We turned up a narrow lane with vendors lining the side and then turned left in through the SWI gates. Right away we could see older people lining up at a table to receive some sort of shots and then ahead a beautiful lake with the building Claire had spent her first year in the background. I recognized it from pictures. The bus parked, Claire led the way to another building where the director waited.
Director Jiang is the new director. He was assistant to the deputy director at the time we adopted Claire and has been at the SWI for 22 years. We were led into a board room where watermelon, bananas and bottled water awaited. We took our seats and the orphanage director welcomed us and congratulated us on such beautiful strong girls, welcoming them back to Shaoyang. Kelly, Chloe's mom, responded in kind, thanking him for the care they gave the girls during their first year. Then we were welcomed to ask questions. We let the girls take the lead here. We had discussed with them individually what questions they would like to ask and we let them know this was about them. They asked their questions, which I will not share here but try to imagine questions 6 year olds might ask, and the director very patiently answered them.
He then presented each girl with the gift of a jade pendant on a red string, wishing them long life and happiness.
Personnel then brought in the boxes of formula and diapers we had donated through our tour company, OCDF, and the children opened the boxes. Then it was time to see the baby rooms. We headed out to the other building to the third floor . We saw babies, many with unrepaired cleft lips/palates, and several non special needs babies. We were able , with the help of the dirctor, to find two babies whose moms had requested I get pictures of them. I was able to take those pictures and later send them to those excited waiting families.
Next we found the two ayis or nannies who cared for Claire, Chloe and Jaden as babies. They remembered them and pointed out where their cribs had been. This was incredibly meaningful to the girls.
Then down to the second floor where the Half the Sky rooms are (www.Halfthesky.com) We met three older waiting children there. Again I was able to take pictures and tell them their families were coming soon. Our kids brought them dress up clothes and arts supplies.
I am respecting the director's requests not to publish any pictures of children inside the orphanage.
After taking pictures by the little outdoor table and chairs, we were invited to a local restaurant for lunch by the dirctor. We had a lovely lunch and even got a chance to see a local couple celebrating their wedding. The director came to the bus to say good bye and told us we would be welcome back any time.
The girls truly felt welcomed back to Shaoyang and the SWI. It was a better visit then I could have hoped for. Pictures in next post.
We turned up a narrow lane with vendors lining the side and then turned left in through the SWI gates. Right away we could see older people lining up at a table to receive some sort of shots and then ahead a beautiful lake with the building Claire had spent her first year in the background. I recognized it from pictures. The bus parked, Claire led the way to another building where the director waited.
Director Jiang is the new director. He was assistant to the deputy director at the time we adopted Claire and has been at the SWI for 22 years. We were led into a board room where watermelon, bananas and bottled water awaited. We took our seats and the orphanage director welcomed us and congratulated us on such beautiful strong girls, welcoming them back to Shaoyang. Kelly, Chloe's mom, responded in kind, thanking him for the care they gave the girls during their first year. Then we were welcomed to ask questions. We let the girls take the lead here. We had discussed with them individually what questions they would like to ask and we let them know this was about them. They asked their questions, which I will not share here but try to imagine questions 6 year olds might ask, and the director very patiently answered them.
He then presented each girl with the gift of a jade pendant on a red string, wishing them long life and happiness.
Personnel then brought in the boxes of formula and diapers we had donated through our tour company, OCDF, and the children opened the boxes. Then it was time to see the baby rooms. We headed out to the other building to the third floor . We saw babies, many with unrepaired cleft lips/palates, and several non special needs babies. We were able , with the help of the dirctor, to find two babies whose moms had requested I get pictures of them. I was able to take those pictures and later send them to those excited waiting families.
Next we found the two ayis or nannies who cared for Claire, Chloe and Jaden as babies. They remembered them and pointed out where their cribs had been. This was incredibly meaningful to the girls.
Then down to the second floor where the Half the Sky rooms are (www.Halfthesky.com) We met three older waiting children there. Again I was able to take pictures and tell them their families were coming soon. Our kids brought them dress up clothes and arts supplies.
I am respecting the director's requests not to publish any pictures of children inside the orphanage.
After taking pictures by the little outdoor table and chairs, we were invited to a local restaurant for lunch by the dirctor. We had a lovely lunch and even got a chance to see a local couple celebrating their wedding. The director came to the bus to say good bye and told us we would be welcome back any time.
The girls truly felt welcomed back to Shaoyang and the SWI. It was a better visit then I could have hoped for. Pictures in next post.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
ON TO HUNAN
This was a travel day. We were up early and headed to the airport. Jena had a headache, Evan wasn’t feeling well, Mom had a bad night but was doing better. Andie was about the same.
We were met at the airport in Changsha by our two guides, Oscar and Jacky. We saw them because they had an OCDF sign (the tour company we are using) and another sign . It said “Welcome back Hunan girls” My eyes welled. I remembered how I had teared up leaving Hunan with Claire more than 5 years ago. Now she was back. And what would the visit be like? Thus far, touching.
We headed into town and dropped Mom and Jena off at the luxurious Dolton hotel. They would have Oscar as their guide and he would take them to the embroidery institute and the provincial museum the next day.
The rest of us and Jacky then headed for Shaoyang; where Claire, Chloe and Jaden spent the first year of their lives.
It was a four hour drive with loads of entertainment by the children (Honestly, I am starting to sing Crazy Car in my sleep and before now I did not even know it!) We saw farmers working in the rice fields. There were tents set up in some fields where Jacky said the farmers slept to protect their watermelon crop against thieves. And then we came to Shaoyang city.
It’s quite a weird feeling for me to drive through this city where my daughter lived for 12 months before she knew us. I wonder what was going through her mind? There were plenty of large building and high rises but also street vendors and poverty. We turned down one street and suddenly came upon the hotel. It was quite wonderful looking. More than I expected. We got checked in then quickly met Jacky downstairs in the lobby to go for a quick walk down the street. It was 7 p.m. and I was disappointed it was so late as I would love to wander more. I will come back some day with Claire and explore more.
We found a sidewalk barbecue. The barbecue itself was fueled by charcoal, about 6 inches wide and several feet long, and on the sidewalk next to it was a bowl of shrimp, alive and ready to be put on the Barbie. We walked to a convenience store where we bought some wine as a gift for the director and candies for the children at the orphanage. We headed back to the hotel and Jacky suggested a place across the street from the hotel for dinner. I went back to the hotel and stayed with the sleeping Andie and Evan and Mark, Rogan and Claire joined the others. This was the first time Claire used her Chinese, talking to a little girl about her age. Rogan struck up a conversation with a boy who told them they were the first Westerners he had ever seen in town. Mark brought me back some delicious dumplings and some pork and rice so I got to enjoy dinner too. Tomorrow, the orphanage visit.
This was a travel day. We were up early and headed to the airport. Jena had a headache, Evan wasn’t feeling well, Mom had a bad night but was doing better. Andie was about the same.
We were met at the airport in Changsha by our two guides, Oscar and Jacky. We saw them because they had an OCDF sign (the tour company we are using) and another sign . It said “Welcome back Hunan girls” My eyes welled. I remembered how I had teared up leaving Hunan with Claire more than 5 years ago. Now she was back. And what would the visit be like? Thus far, touching.
We headed into town and dropped Mom and Jena off at the luxurious Dolton hotel. They would have Oscar as their guide and he would take them to the embroidery institute and the provincial museum the next day.
The rest of us and Jacky then headed for Shaoyang; where Claire, Chloe and Jaden spent the first year of their lives.
It was a four hour drive with loads of entertainment by the children (Honestly, I am starting to sing Crazy Car in my sleep and before now I did not even know it!) We saw farmers working in the rice fields. There were tents set up in some fields where Jacky said the farmers slept to protect their watermelon crop against thieves. And then we came to Shaoyang city.
It’s quite a weird feeling for me to drive through this city where my daughter lived for 12 months before she knew us. I wonder what was going through her mind? There were plenty of large building and high rises but also street vendors and poverty. We turned down one street and suddenly came upon the hotel. It was quite wonderful looking. More than I expected. We got checked in then quickly met Jacky downstairs in the lobby to go for a quick walk down the street. It was 7 p.m. and I was disappointed it was so late as I would love to wander more. I will come back some day with Claire and explore more.
We found a sidewalk barbecue. The barbecue itself was fueled by charcoal, about 6 inches wide and several feet long, and on the sidewalk next to it was a bowl of shrimp, alive and ready to be put on the Barbie. We walked to a convenience store where we bought some wine as a gift for the director and candies for the children at the orphanage. We headed back to the hotel and Jacky suggested a place across the street from the hotel for dinner. I went back to the hotel and stayed with the sleeping Andie and Evan and Mark, Rogan and Claire joined the others. This was the first time Claire used her Chinese, talking to a little girl about her age. Rogan struck up a conversation with a boy who told them they were the first Westerners he had ever seen in town. Mark brought me back some delicious dumplings and some pork and rice so I got to enjoy dinner too. Tomorrow, the orphanage visit.
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Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Pandas, pandas, pandas
Today Andie is still not feeling well. Temperature but no other symptoms. Luckily chewable Tylenol really does the trick.
It rained last night so our guide, Lily, says that bodes well for us as the pandas are likel y to be more active when it is cooler (cooler being a relative thing, methinks.)
As we arrive at the panda research center outside Chengdu, we are trying to walk fast to beat the crowds. We pass chairs and signs where obviously something special is going onj. Apparently the president of Spain is coming today and there will be a ceremony as Spain is donating to help with panda research. We are so excited to finally see the pandas. A highlight of the trip, for sure, especially for the kids. We pass the adult panda areas, heading straight for the toddler panda area. We get there and there is one big group ahead of us but there is plenty to room to view the pandas. And they are out and about and active. I am so excited. As are the kids. We had given Andie a disposable camera and I think she took all the pictures in 20 minutes
There were two toddler pandas wresting, a few were fed while we were there and one was obviously napping. . Because pandas are naturally carnivores but only eat bamboo (And little rats called bamboo rats) there digestive system have to work very hard to absorb the little bit of nutrients they can absorb. They eat about 40 lbs of bamboo a day and only are able to digest 2%. So they have to rest and sleep lots to save their energy.
Although it is very expensive, we decided that we would pay for a very special (and memorable treat for the kids) The three big kids each went and stood, arm around a toddler panda (born last August) In fact the panda was Jing Jing, the panda one of the 2008 Olympic mascots is modeled after. Then we went to the baby section and Andie put on a special little gown (like at the doctor’s office) and sat next to a baby panda. She says (and I quote) “The panda put his arm around me but the lady gave him some bamboo so he moved his arm. And he dropped bamboo on my leg (giggling) .” And when we went out of the building she came up to me and said “Mom, the panda smelled like cherries” hmmm……. We also saw the adult pandas and the red pandas (Actally part of the raccoon family.) A very satisfactory visit. Woo hoo.
We headed out for another fabulous lunch after which our family, now very tired, decided to head back to the hotel. Claire stayed with the other families. They went onto a local park and teahouse where the highlights were feeding koi with a baby bottle on a string (really!) and a lady who made them candy shaped like fireflies, butterflies…
That night we had some take out pizza hut and headed to the town square
It was late for any activities like dancing but we just walked around marveling at the families and of course the kids in split pants . There is a very large statue of Mao there too. We enjoyed ice cream from McDonald’s (mine was mocha, Claire’s, grape and Rogan’s was raspberry.)
Pictures downloading timed out and it's late and I am days and days behind with this so I bid you good night. Pictures later!
Moya
It rained last night so our guide, Lily, says that bodes well for us as the pandas are likel y to be more active when it is cooler (cooler being a relative thing, methinks.)
As we arrive at the panda research center outside Chengdu, we are trying to walk fast to beat the crowds. We pass chairs and signs where obviously something special is going onj. Apparently the president of Spain is coming today and there will be a ceremony as Spain is donating to help with panda research. We are so excited to finally see the pandas. A highlight of the trip, for sure, especially for the kids. We pass the adult panda areas, heading straight for the toddler panda area. We get there and there is one big group ahead of us but there is plenty to room to view the pandas. And they are out and about and active. I am so excited. As are the kids. We had given Andie a disposable camera and I think she took all the pictures in 20 minutes
There were two toddler pandas wresting, a few were fed while we were there and one was obviously napping. . Because pandas are naturally carnivores but only eat bamboo (And little rats called bamboo rats) there digestive system have to work very hard to absorb the little bit of nutrients they can absorb. They eat about 40 lbs of bamboo a day and only are able to digest 2%. So they have to rest and sleep lots to save their energy.
Although it is very expensive, we decided that we would pay for a very special (and memorable treat for the kids) The three big kids each went and stood, arm around a toddler panda (born last August) In fact the panda was Jing Jing, the panda one of the 2008 Olympic mascots is modeled after. Then we went to the baby section and Andie put on a special little gown (like at the doctor’s office) and sat next to a baby panda. She says (and I quote) “The panda put his arm around me but the lady gave him some bamboo so he moved his arm. And he dropped bamboo on my leg (giggling) .” And when we went out of the building she came up to me and said “Mom, the panda smelled like cherries” hmmm……. We also saw the adult pandas and the red pandas (Actally part of the raccoon family.) A very satisfactory visit. Woo hoo.
We headed out for another fabulous lunch after which our family, now very tired, decided to head back to the hotel. Claire stayed with the other families. They went onto a local park and teahouse where the highlights were feeding koi with a baby bottle on a string (really!) and a lady who made them candy shaped like fireflies, butterflies…
That night we had some take out pizza hut and headed to the town square
It was late for any activities like dancing but we just walked around marveling at the families and of course the kids in split pants . There is a very large statue of Mao there too. We enjoyed ice cream from McDonald’s (mine was mocha, Claire’s, grape and Rogan’s was raspberry.)
Pictures downloading timed out and it's late and I am days and days behind with this so I bid you good night. Pictures later!
Moya
Friday, June 29, 2007
Beijing to Chengdu
Early morning with bags out the door at 6 a.m. and breakfast. Have I mentioned how good breakfast is at the hotel? And then off to the airport. We found ourselves seated all over the plane. I had a seat with Andie but Mark was in row 12, Rogan I think 17 and Claire in 24, Evan with Jake in 20 and I was in 32. A nice gentleman traded with Claire so she could sit with me. Andie slept during the whole flight and when we landed I realized she was burning up. I am so glad I had my sling!
BTW, totally inappropriate in-flight movie. Once Chris told me it was 40 Year Old Virgin, I raced up front to where Rogan was sitting to tell him not to watch. Wow! Racy for a plane!
We collected our luggage,( except one piece which we found was on another plane and would be delivered to the hotel) and headed off to lunch. This time at a Traditional Medicine Restaurant. Another stunning meal. We have really been having amazing meals. We ate all of ours and then started eating some of the dishes the kids did not eat (they were at a table next to us)
Then off to the life we were meant to live. For $15 each, Jena, Mom and I had full body massages. Oh my. I thought of seeing if I could take this guy home with me. Amazing (although the sound was so funny when he started hitting my legs…slap, slap, slap, I started to laugh!). The rest of the gang including kids, except Andie, had a one hour foot massage.
BTW, totally inappropriate in-flight movie. Once Chris told me it was 40 Year Old Virgin, I raced up front to where Rogan was sitting to tell him not to watch. Wow! Racy for a plane!
We collected our luggage,( except one piece which we found was on another plane and would be delivered to the hotel) and headed off to lunch. This time at a Traditional Medicine Restaurant. Another stunning meal. We have really been having amazing meals. We ate all of ours and then started eating some of the dishes the kids did not eat (they were at a table next to us)
Then off to the life we were meant to live. For $15 each, Jena, Mom and I had full body massages. Oh my. I thought of seeing if I could take this guy home with me. Amazing (although the sound was so funny when he started hitting my legs…slap, slap, slap, I started to laugh!). The rest of the gang including kids, except Andie, had a one hour foot massage.
On to the Embriodery Institue where we saw the traditional Chengdu embroidery (our guide, Lily, called it brocade. )We saw a display of this very type of embroidery in Raleigh a few years ago at a display fo Chinese arts. It takes two people to embroider on a huge machine; with one person sitting way atop and pulling strings to determine the pattern. It's very complicated (at least for me) to understand the mechanics of it) but the results are quite beautiful.
Then to the hotel. I was tired and stayed back with Evan and the others in my family headed down the road to Pizza Hut. A very American evening as Mark brought me a mocha frappuccino (sp?) from the Starbucks across the street (there are three within in a block of the hotel)
To bed in anticipation of seeing pandas in the morning.
Then to the hotel. I was tired and stayed back with Evan and the others in my family headed down the road to Pizza Hut. A very American evening as Mark brought me a mocha frappuccino (sp?) from the Starbucks across the street (there are three within in a block of the hotel)
To bed in anticipation of seeing pandas in the morning.
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