Friday
We arrived in Guangzhou Friday night after a ridiculously frustrating flight. Our plane was late arriving so we didn't board our 5:45 flight until about 6:15. Another US adoption group was also on our plane. We finally got settled in our seats and that's when the fun started.
Apparently, China aviation regulations state that only baby is allowed per row on a flight. Our plane had 26 rows...and 28 babies. After an HOUR of shouting between one group guide and the flight staff, two families were forced to get off the plane. So now we've got the correct number of babies so we can take off, right? Not so fast. Now we have to rearrange everyone's seating so that there is literally one baby in every row. About 20 people had to get up and move to another row to distribute the babies evenly. Seriously. It was like being a guest at the Mad Hatter's tea party.
So we finally get everyone rearranged and we find out that a weather system has moved into our flight path and we can't take off. We sat on that plane for more than 2 hours with no air conditioning waiting to take off. Keep in mind, the flight itself was only an hour and 20 minutes. By the time we arrived at the hotel, it was midnight and everyone was exhausted.
Now for the good part of the story. As you might imagine, 26 babies trapped in a sweltering plane for hours doesn't not make for a pleasant experience. But then you have Zoe. She played with the air sickness bag for about a half hour, then moved on to the emergency instruction card. Then she fell asleep for an hour. She woke up happy and giggling just like always. Mark and I were ready for a meltdown and she was a rock star. Oh- and and I learned an important lesson on this flight: don't open the diaper when the baby is still pooping :-)
Saturday
Today Zoe had to be examined at the local clinic before her visa is issued. Each child was weighed, measured and doctors examined their eyesight, hearing and overall condition.
Sunday
Today we visted a 1000 year old Buddist Temple and the babies were blessed by the monks. It was an amazing experience. All of the families were invited into the temple to kneel before three massive Buddhas. The monks chanted and said a blessing to provide the kids with a long and happy life.
2 comments:
Hi Mark & Kristin!
Parenthood fits you both well. Zoe looks so happy in your arms. It is amazing to see such a transformation in such a short amount of time! We are so happy all is going so well. The White Swan was our home for both trips...we miss those amazing breakfast buffets.
A favor to ask...if you have some free time, would you mind looking up a store keeper we be-friended? We bought all of our stuff from him. His name is Michael and his store is located in the park, past Lucy's by the tennis courts close to the river. Can you tell him Eve & Mike say hello??
Thank you!
Hello Mom & Dad!
You all look so happy. Glad to hear the trip is going so well. Zoe certainly is a sweetheart and looks so happy in your arms!
If you have some free time in the next couple of days, would you mind stopping by a favorite shop keepers of ours? The place is called Michaels and is located in the park, past Lucy's, near the tennis courts. We bought all our souvenirs from him and would love for you to pass on a hello from us.
Thanks!
Evemarie
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