After our exciting cab ride and getting settled in yesterday, we ventured out for a bit. As soon as we stepped out of the hotel, we were in another sea of people. The only thing I can compare it to is the time Heidi, Tori and I went to New York City. Constant noise and commotion and people everywhere. Big lighted signs and stores all around. At the Beijing airport, there were tons of different nationalities and the mix of people really felt like one of our cities, so we didn't feel that out of place. Once we stepped out here, though, it really felt like we were the only Americans for miles. It didn't really bother us, though. We actually rather enjoyed the experience, and in my opinion the area feels very safe. I really do wish I could speak the language though. Eleven months since our decision to adopt came and went quickly though with the rest of life happening, so I guess I can't feel too bad for not fitting language study into the equation.
All of the prices of things are labeled in Chinese currency, but the conversion is easy enough to figure out in your head. There are a bit over 6 yuan in an American dollar, so when I spent 18 yuan for my McDonald's I knew it was around 3 bucks. And yes, I was quite happy to find two McDonald's nearby. Most of you know, but I am the most terrible American junk, picky eater. So my first meal in country was a 5 piece nugget, not 6 or 10 like home, extra value meal. During our walk I also found a Pizza Hut and a KFC. We also found a Seven Eleven where I got some Ritz crackers for the peanut butter I brought...lol. I also got bottles of Coke Zero and Pepsi Maxx and they were only like $0.56 USD. What that means is I won't starve to death while I'm here, so everyone can cross that concern off their list.
Heidi on the other hand, loves to eat and is excited to try new things. She is too good of an eater to let her first meal here be McDonald's, so after watching me eat I watched her eat some gyoza and seaweed salad elsewhere. It was also very affordable, only like $3.68 USD. It will be interesting to see what Elora likes to eat. As with the other children, I'll defer to Heidi's good taste and healthier lifestyle as we keep her fed here. :)
We enjoyed the hotel breakfast this morning. I was able to find some french toast, pancakes and a doughnut. Heidi had a salad and some other normal people food. The hotel restaurant is nicely decorated. They have a Koi pond down the center of it that was right next to our table. Pretty cool.
Well that brings everyone up to speed. Hope you enjoy the pics. Now let's get on with meeting our daughter already!!!
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| Right outside of our hotel |
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| My first Guangzhou meal...lol |
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| McDonald's I ate at, and the funky bus is a bloodmobile |
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| Restaurant Heidi ate at first in Guangzhou |
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| Heidi's first meal in Guangzhou |
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| Pepsi Maxx and Coke Zero...totally dig these bottles |
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| Different denominations of Chinese bills |
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| Koi pond in hotel restaurant |
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| Heidi choosing her first hotel breakfast |
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| Heidi having her first hotel breakfast |
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| Me in the hotel lobby |
Enjoyed seeing a bit of the culture but especially your faces!
ReplyDeleteCheaper McDonalds? I may have to move to China. The seaweed salad sounds good. But was it good? Looks amazing, how exciting that would be! You must have been hungry, alot of talk about crackers and donuts going on haha. I will bring over an apple as a homecoming gift! You two are probably having a blast! Have fun! Take tons of pics!
ReplyDeleteYou can keep the apple Tom, but we will look forward to seeing you just the same. Talk to you soon :) Greg
DeleteI'd like the apple, Tom. lol Heidi
DeleteThis will be my third attempt at posting. ;) I am so excited for you and your family! Have you slept at all? If I know you, you are so amped up from excitement, nervousness and fast food\soda that you are not sleeping. :D Thank you for updating us on your incredible journey. As I told you when I text you, she is one lucky and very blessed child. You two and your kids are the best people I know. Love to you all! I can't wait to see and hear about your first encounter....Kendyll
ReplyDeleteKendyll, thanks for the kind words. It sounds like you just haven't met enough people to be able to say such nice things about us...lol. Seriously though, thanks as always for your friendship, prayers and support. This is one of those definite times when we are blessed to be a blessing. She will no doubt bless us more than we could ever reciprocate. We know the journey won't be without its challenges, but God has a close hold on her and us and we know He has big plans for all of it. Now we just pray for all of the grace, love and peace He can give us, and we will do our best to let it overflow to her and those around us. We are so humbled by what God is doing through this whole thing. Kind of like TobyMac and Steal My Show, we'll just sit back and watch Him go. God does extraordinary things through ordinary people and He gets the glory!
DeleteIts lou again.. so happy to know you are not going to starve! Glad to see heidi enjoying all the food im betting she's loving it! U need to break ur burwell tradition and try some:)
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