Sunday, April 27, 2008

The Museum and The Park










Hi All,

Saturday we went to very popular local museum, the line was around the block (thank goodness we had a touring appointment and didn't have to wait). I am not a big museum person, but the thing that struck me was how many people of all ages were to interested in spending their free time touring a museum of ancient history. These people are so interested an involved in education and honoring their history.

Once again, being Americans with Chinese babies created the "super-star" effect, which grew old after the first hour here. Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Bradgelina, and all the other famous people have my very deepest sympathies.

Sunday we went to a local park which dates back 2000 years. You have to pay to get in and it has many aspects of a outdoor museum.

Saturday night was "pizza hut" night, just like home, and tonight was another group dinner out to a restaurant that serve "Western-style cuisine and traditional Chinese food. We sat at the advenntursome Chinese table while the traditionalists sat at the American style table. Just like in the states, our "Chinese" food is not real Chinese food, their "American" food is not real American food.

We also made a second Wal-Mart run and you can see some pictures of the seafood and dried meat departments - Yummy!

We have finally memorized the names of all of the people in our group and their babies.

Tomorrow we are off to Hunan University and maybe an embroidery factory.

We miss everyone, and keep the comments coming, it is so good to hear from home.

Love V

11 comments:

Erin said...

Hey world travelers!!! Aubriana is absolutely GORGEOUS and Valerie, you are absolutely beaming. It is so wonderful to see your dream become a reality. I'm so glad that she likes the Baby Bjorn - that thing was a lifesaver for us in China. We miss you more than you know and can't wait to see you in just a little over a week!

Give Aubriana and Gary a hug from us and have them hug you back! Love you muchly!!! E

Alyson and Ford said...

Beautiful baby!! You are all smiles! Congratulations again!

Alyson LID 01/27/06

Dannye said...

I came across your blog, and find you guys to be absolutely hysterical (loved the bounce house story, had me crying I was laughing so hard)....

anyway, congrats on finally being in China getting your baby (who is just darling by the way...you should be so proud, as I know you are)...

we too are in the process of adopting from China (in the extremely long line, with a LID of 7/14/06 for a NSN daughter, our first child)..and look forward to following your journey while in China and continuing once you all are back home!

-Dannye & Ray (& Freckles our dog)
Awaiting Chynna (7/14/06 LID thru GWCA)
www.laydfrog.blogspot.com
dannyem1973@yahoo.com

Karen said...

Hi Valerie!

Who knew a trip to Wal-Mart could be so interesting! The differences are just amazing..take everything in so you can share with Aubriana when she is older.

You are Gary look like you are having so much fun. Aubriana is just precious. Keep the pictures coming...so inspiring for the Precious Pandas still waiting for referrals.

Hey...say "Karen and Kaelie" for me so I can say a part of me was in China! LOL

Karen
LID 2/17/06

Jodi said...

Love y'all! So glad you are enjoying the sights!
Miss you! Can't wait to squeeze those cute little cheeks!

The Anderson gang! :)

JoAnn in NJ said...

Congratulations on your Hunan Princess! I found your blog via Christie's

We were in Changsha 2 years ago for our own darling daughter from Huai Hua, Hunan China.

We loved Martyr's Park! Enjoy the embroidery factory! Buy more than you think you want because after you come home you'll regret it!
We were able to buy a silk hankerchief with blue embroidery for about $5 USD which we will give our daughter on her wedding day. When I explained this to one of the Moms with us, every single family went back and bought one too!

Take care, Aubriana is beautiful!

Robyn said...

Girl

I am already counting the days until you get home!!!! You all look so wonderful and it looks like you are having a great time. We miss you here!! Avery is cutting 2 new teeth (the top 2) so she will look like a different baby by the time you get home!

Aubriana is gorgeous!!!!

Love ya!!

Anonymous said...

She is so beautiful! Great pics. Glad you are getting out and enjoying the sights.

Anonymous said...

V & G,

She is gorgeous. We envy you guy's and can't wait until it's our turn.

Matt and Heather

Anonymous said...

I so remember the food scene in China. It was certainly an experience that is unlike anything you would find here!

I also remember the whole rock star phenomena when we were out with our daughter. It was so surreal and I too thought that I wouldn't want to be Britney Spears if that's what it's like.

I wanted to update you on my daughter's friend since I figure if you're like me, you'd be wondering what happened with that. The little girl is named Hannah. Hannah is now off the meds to keep her in a coma and she had an MRI last night to try to assess the situation. Her grandma posted on their web site this morning that the MRI results did not show what they were hoping for. I don't know exactly that that means other than it's not great. Hannah's grandma said they have not given up hope and asked us all to continue to pray for her.

Hope you're enjoying this adventure.

GW mom

Beverly W said...

Yes, Alina and Aubriana do look a lot alike. They are both very beautiful! I am enjoying your blog very much. Your zest for life and honest depiction of events makes it fun to read. Plus it reminds me of when we were there. Sorry you have had people who are raining on your parade. There are always people who feel the need to discourage others and I find they are most annoyed when ignored, so I hope you can ignore them. Easier said than done, I know. But you have such a beautiful baby to keep you busy! I am looking forward to seeing her someday.