Free Day = Fun Day

Today we had a "free day" to do whatever we wanted in Guangzhou. We started the morning by lounging around the hotel room for awhile. Finally DH could take it no more so we went down for breakfast. The White Swan Hotel has a fabulous breakfast buffet. I think I am getting most of my days nourishment at this meal. We got the money view for three, next to the indoor waterfall where we could watch the fish swim in the pond. Unfortunately we did not get to enjoy the view for long because Ty decided the aroma of freshly baked pastries and sizzling bacon were just not right for the occasion. Let's just say that the diners next to us were glad to see us get up!!

After breakfast we went for a little shopping. We wondered around the area and in to a few shops. They are high pressure salesman around her. If you start to walk away the deals get better and better. We didn't end up with much except some nice jade jewelry and a few paper-cuts of a rooster. (This is you last opportunity to send me an email requesting anything special for us to bring home.) After a morning of strolling and shopping we went back to the hotel for a nap.

Well DH and baby napped - momma went back out to the stores. I found a small shop that sells antiques from China. Most appeared to be one of a kind. I had spotted some ceramic blue tigers in the window in the days past and was finally kid free and comfortable enough to walk in. (I was so afraid Ty would grab something.) The tigers from the window were gone and probably for the best since they were very expensive. I decided on a smaller pair to bring home and someday to pass onto Ty when she has a family and home of her own. The pair of tigers are close to 100 years old and are supposed to symbolize protection for the home and child. They are just the kind of souvenir I was looking for.

After a quick bath we were ready for a trip to the Mattel playroom in the hotel. We met our friend Laurie there with her dad. She is from the same orphanage as Ty and lived in the room next door. Ty has really enjoyed the time in the playroom. She seems to love all the toys, especially the blocks. Play is serious business and her face reflects this - as one of our travel buddies said "Play is their work and it is serious business."

We got a treat in the evening by having dinner with our friends Kacey and her mom and Nana. Kacey is 2 pounds lighter than Ty but almost a year old. She is really a beautiful child who loves her mother and Nana very much. We met at the hotel and walked down to a nearby Thai restaurant. Believe it or not I think it was my favorite meals so far. Ty loved the noodles and steamed eggs. The evening was good company and good food. I really enjoyed meeting Kacey's mom as we have spend so long being in touch via our blogs and email. How cool to actually meet in person. (You can follow her trip by clicking on the link to her blog on the right side menu.) On the way back to the hotel, Kacey sang her family song and Ty perked up immediately. I think she may know that tune. We'll work on it.

Tonight the DH and Ty are asleep early again. I am getting them trained well. Too bad we have to make an adjustment with the time change. Tomorrow we will stay in our rooms in the morning while our guide goes to the US Consulate to represent our families and submit our paperwork. We must stay by the phone in the morning incase there is a problem and we have to go to the consulate to redo paperwork. After lunch we are meeting the other families for the famous "red couch photos". We bought Ty a little gold dress and I am excited to see her in it.

That's all for now... the sleep thing is starting to sound good. We haven't heard much from all of you so we hope that all is well. Until tomorrow...


Ty discovering new toys in the playroom.


Ty enjoys the bath.


Our blogger buddies - Kacey and her mama.


DH mediates some playtime mayhem.