Hockey and Hairbows

 

 

 

 

Today was a busy day. We started out visiting Tiananmen Square and we saw our first squatty pants (see pictures). It amazes me that they put babies in them so early. This baby was only 3 months old. I asked Mei what happens when they need to go pee or poop and she said they just use something to catch it. I thought it was such a pain but Mei thought it was strange that we have babies that are in diapers until age 3. There are big differences between our Cultures. After Tiananmen Square we walked across the street to the Forbidden City. It was very cool but today was hot so we were getting sun burnt the whole time so we were anxious to get to our next stop. Mei was wonderful as she gave us all the history in the shade 

After the Forbidden City we went to a silk factory. OK, here is the problem. Mei keeps taking us to all these cool places that have such cool stuff that we are compelled to spend our money— not a good thing. So, after we watched how these people actually pull the pupa out of the cocoon and pull the silk string by string and then stretch it over this stretcher thing and then band it all together and then pull it to make comforters—how could we say no to buying one? So, again we were the typical tourist and had to buy one of their totally cool thick comforters (warmer than down and very light). Then if we are in a silk factory and we are buying a silk comforter, how can we possibly not buy a duvet cover to put it in? After all we are in a silk factory and they are all made there. So, that is what we did. We bought the comforter, the duvet and the shams. How could we help ourselves?

After the silk factory we went to lunch which was great and then to Hotong which is the old city of Beijing. It was very cool. We rode a rickshaw (sp?) and got to go into the old city part and meet a local woman. The lady gave us tea and we were able to chat for a while. She is a catholic and we discussed religion. Very interesting and it was cool to get to talk with the locals. We then went to the Imperial River right outside of Hotong.

After that we went to an acrobat show which was a trip. These people can literally tie themselves in knots. It was so strange but also very cool. After the show we went to a traditional Chinese tea house to learn about Chinese tea. Again, we could not help ourselves from buying some tea and mugs. We then came back to the hotel (I think it was almost 9pm at that point) and ate some dinner at the coffee shop in the lobby and now we are here.

One more cool story. We are in the lobby when we got back for the day and there was a group of Spanish people who adopted. I had spoke with a few people from their group earlier this morning so I walked over to them. I started speaking in broken Spanish/ English with on woman who adopted. We were trying to talk about log in dates and we realized we had similar LID and she asked if we got our referral in March. I said no and that we were skipped. All of a sudden she looked at me and said “Christy”. I almost fell over. I said “yes” and we both just laughed. It is so amazing that the Chinese adoption community is so small. She said “Rumor Queen is the best” and I agreed. I just thought that was the funniest thing. WOW—SMALL WORLD!!!

Tomorrow we leave our hotel at 5:30am (yuck) to catch our 7:30am flight to Changsha. We arrive in Changsha at 9:45 am and then we will have the rest of the day to get settled and check out the city. We will be in Changsha until May 26 so we will unpack and get settled. The next morning will be GOTCHA DAY!!!!! I cant believe it is almost here. I get teary eyed every time I think about it. Only 2 days and when I wake up in the morning I get to say we get Mia TOMORROW!!!! It is surreal!! So, I better get to bed since it is 10:30pm and we have an early morning. I will post tomorrow night.

Ethan and Owen, only 2 days until you get to see your baby sister. You both have been waiting for her for so long and the day is almost here. Remind your aunt Cassie to buy a microphone for her computer so you can see us live online with Mia. We love you sooooo much and cant wait to see you. Be good and soon you will see your sister. Tell grandma and grandpa and Cassie and Chuck and Susan thanks so much for all their help. We love you boys!!!

Mommy and Daddy