Thursday night, long after I should be asleep
It is here. My uniform arrived half an hour ago. I even get socks. On the down side, no one quite asked what size I might be and so the socks and shorts are a little tight but so it goes. Maybe Kang Kang can wear them later. We leave at 6:30 for the collection point. Whatever else happens is a mystery but my run time is 10:45. You do the math. Oh yes, breakfast starts at 6:30. Ooops. Hotel allow us to start eating a few minutes early? Of course not. So, apparently we will leave at 6:45 so we can run in and grab a muffin. I have prepared a zip loc bag and emptied two water bottles for juice. Will the hotel like this? Oh no. For example, you get coffee with your breakfast buffet. Which is wonderful but at some 30 bucks a pop it should be. But ask for a paper cup to take your coffee to go? That would be extra. A lot extra. There is still a ways to go to meet Western service standards. We did get them to sell us used sheets. But that is another story. I tried to mail a package to Kang Kang’s foster parents. HA! No chocolate in the mail. No liquids. Address is not right. Much much easier to take the stuff home and mail it from Canada. And so I will. I managed to buy Kang Kang an Olympic tee shirt much like the torch shirt as well as white shorts. Yes, white shorts for a 7 year old boy. The are Polo. Very nice. But then they were only about $5.00. Well, maybe they are not actually Polo. Good by for now from China. Sadly we head for home tomorrow.
Ellen who needs to get to sleep.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Tuesday somewhere
Tuesday May 20 or so, depending on your time zone.
Today Samsung folks organized a tour to the Water Town, a city whose name escapes me now but is about an hour from Shanghai. We had the DVD player on the bus for the kids and they did well. We had a “special†lunch at a local hotel. For those of you who have had special Chinese meals, you can imagine. The sheer quantity of food, much of it unidentifiable can blow your mind. One fish was very identifiable as it was whole, eyes and all. Kang Kang wanted to touch the eyes and since no one wanted to eat them (can you guess from that that we were all Westerners?) he was allowed to. This trip saved us a great deal of money since we wanted to go there anyway and we had been quoted about $135 per person. We did buy a fair amount of souvenirs there though.
In the evening we had an outing to a high end local restaurant which served Continental food. Yay! Reasonable quantities and all identifiable. Last night Nancy kid-sat and I went to the Gala dinner. Tonight, since the day had gone so well we decided to just dress the kids up and bring them along. We asked one of the Samsung folks if it was okay. As it was someone to whom Chloe had become attached (after the woman carried her for an extended period of time) permission was easily granted. It was a beautiful restaurant, on the 7th floor overlooking the river. We ate on the terrace. The one down side is that Caleb fell asleep in the bus on the way there and slept for about 90 minutes. That was around 6-7:30. Children who nap late tend to not be terribly tired at bed time. Wish Nancy luck tonight.
Remember I told you about the problem with no museums, entertainment etc? Well, today I turned on the tv to an English channel. Nope- they are all shut down as well with the exception of CNN, BBC and similar channels. They are not considered entertainment and so are okay I guess, They are suspending over seas entertainment channels with limited landing rights. So, no HBO or other things.
We will not go to Chengdu. Too uncertain. No news yet on the torch relay other than looks like it will happen Thursday for us.
Today Samsung folks organized a tour to the Water Town, a city whose name escapes me now but is about an hour from Shanghai. We had the DVD player on the bus for the kids and they did well. We had a “special†lunch at a local hotel. For those of you who have had special Chinese meals, you can imagine. The sheer quantity of food, much of it unidentifiable can blow your mind. One fish was very identifiable as it was whole, eyes and all. Kang Kang wanted to touch the eyes and since no one wanted to eat them (can you guess from that that we were all Westerners?) he was allowed to. This trip saved us a great deal of money since we wanted to go there anyway and we had been quoted about $135 per person. We did buy a fair amount of souvenirs there though.
In the evening we had an outing to a high end local restaurant which served Continental food. Yay! Reasonable quantities and all identifiable. Last night Nancy kid-sat and I went to the Gala dinner. Tonight, since the day had gone so well we decided to just dress the kids up and bring them along. We asked one of the Samsung folks if it was okay. As it was someone to whom Chloe had become attached (after the woman carried her for an extended period of time) permission was easily granted. It was a beautiful restaurant, on the 7th floor overlooking the river. We ate on the terrace. The one down side is that Caleb fell asleep in the bus on the way there and slept for about 90 minutes. That was around 6-7:30. Children who nap late tend to not be terribly tired at bed time. Wish Nancy luck tonight.
Remember I told you about the problem with no museums, entertainment etc? Well, today I turned on the tv to an English channel. Nope- they are all shut down as well with the exception of CNN, BBC and similar channels. They are not considered entertainment and so are okay I guess, They are suspending over seas entertainment channels with limited landing rights. So, no HBO or other things.
We will not go to Chengdu. Too uncertain. No news yet on the torch relay other than looks like it will happen Thursday for us.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Monday in Shanghai
This is a quick drive by post. My throat hurts and I do not want to talk too much. I know, I know, but I am tired and want to get to sleep. Today is the start of the 3 days of mourning. Much of the public activity in China is shut down. We went to a park with a small section of amusement park rides and while we were there (and before we got on any rides) a proclamation with an official stamp was delivered shutting it down for 3 days. Apparently it is all public entertainment. So, no museums etc. We are here with 3 children. The hotel is nice and all but... We went to a Children's market and bought a few extra toys to keep them busy. Tomorrow the Samsung group has planned an outing to a water town (canals like Venice) which we will go on. I sure hope the childrens behave.
It seems as though the relay will go on on Thursday and so it may happen after all. Tonight there was a dinner where they had a torch and everyone had their photo taken holding it. I will try and post a few photos as it has been awhile.
Ellen
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Sunday
Sunday in Space-literally
I write this from some number of thousand feet in the air as we fly from Yichang to Shanghai. I started to type “Chengdu†instead of “Shanghai.†Tells you where my mind is. According to Emily, our guide in Chengdu, the airport is open but flights are often delayed and people have had to spend the night in the airport. More importantly she says that hotels are not accepting any new guests. I am not sure if that is because they are full with displaced persons or to protect from liability. I really wish I could phone hotels, airlines, myself and get direct information myself. I am reading a novel which says in China speak on 30% of the truth. I want more. I have emailed Emily to suggest maybe I could fly the foster parents to Shanghai for a day or two. I will try and speak to her once we get to Shanghai.
The cruise was fairly relaxing with beautiful scenery. Children are not known for their appreciation of scenery. Nonetheless, we prevailed. Yesterday we got onto a smaller ferry, headed up a smaller river to the three small gorges. We then took a saipan a little further up. In case you think this is authentic, at various points on the journey they have people stationed up the cliffs. One group plays what sounds like bagpipes. Another stands in a little boat and sings a folk song. Whatever the benefits of the dam, so much has been lost and so much is yet to go. As for the dam itself, it was a cloudy, foggy day and we could not see much. Nor were we all that interested in the mechanics of a dam. (Sorry Dad.)
Last night there was a cabaret on the ship. Various crew members perform and passengers can also sign up. Well, guess who decided to perform. And no, it was not me. Kang Kang went down to the front desk on his own and signed up. He gave them his name, room number, act and about how long it would be. He decided to do a magic trick, He has a little finger puppet of a black top hat with a rabbit inside. You can then poke the rabbit out of the hat. We had the children dressed in their Chinese silks last night. Kang Kang was in a burgundy suit with yellow dragons and yellow trim. You can only imagine. He got up in front of the audience and was a natural. For some reason he thought he had done badly but of course he was a hit. IN general, our kids were very well behaved and except for one grouchy set of Europeans, were well received. One American couple, originally from South Africa really took a shine to them and the husband played with them. Even the folks next door to us were pleasantly surprised their sleep was not interrupted. Mine was on occasion. The ship had some odd points. One was an uneven, metal riveted floor. It buckled in a number of places and every time someone would walk over one of these sport there would be a loud retort. There was carpeting over the floor but still… The food on the cruise was excellent, certainly the best I have had on the trip both Western and Chinese. They had a chef who knew how to cook Western food unlike many places that do a Chinese inspired version of Western food. I ate well. No loosing weight on this trip.
The children have been remarkably good travelers, We knew that from past years but this trip is a little more involved. We have enough toys and they are along for the ride. Only Kang Kang is really interested in what we see, at least some of the time. Whether that reflects his age or his personality I am not sure. Perhaps a bit of both. Today the three children are dressed in matching red tee shirts with pandas on them. At the dam site we had them in strollers, side by side, eating ice cream. As you might imagine, they attracted a fair amount of attention. Actually, until you experience the attention and curiosity I do not think you can imagine it. Last evening, even on the ship, with the children dressed up in their silks, everyone wanted to take a picture of them. Chloe and KK obliged with the arms around each other’s shoulders. For awhile at least. Finally Kang Kang announced that this was the last picture in which he was going to look happy. And when he sets his limits he means it.
And now we are on to Shanghai. We expect to be met by someone from the torch relay and there is an orientation where you get the uniform etc and then a dinner. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that it all goes smoothly.
Remember the part where we are way overweight in luggage? Apparently the driver we had going to the ship explained this. We were met by a guide who introduced us to a “luggage lady.’ This person took our luggage, gave us our baggage tags and then headed off. We got into the van with just our carry ons. Our guide explained that if we paid her 80 yuan (maybe 10-12 dollars) she would arrange it so there was no problem with our excess baggage. Okay. And we did not have to touch the bags. We paid almost 400 yuan in excess weight on our last flight so this was a deal!. We checked 8 bags, 2 box and 2 strollers. Believe it or not, Nancy and I can manage all this plus 5 carry-ons alone as long as we get two luggage carts. The kids push the strollers with the carry ons.
Shanghai-Day 1
Well, I know in the grand scheme of things it all means nothing but it is very hard on Kang Kang. Tonight he had a few crying fits. Partially out of exhaustion but also because of the disappointment of not getting to Chengdu and then also, again disappointing news tonight. We arrived at the hotel (magnificent by the way) around 7. We made it to dinner around 8. While we were at dinner, (way too much food, course after course, none of it stuff I would chose and certainly not edible by kids) the people from Samsung were called away. They came back and announced that the Olympic committee had just decided to halt the torch relay for three days in respect of the earthquake. We were due to run tomorrow morning. They have no idea what it means yet so we will see. It is not just a matter of halting it and then resuming as the three days are missed. They do not yet know where it will resume or how it will work. So, day by day.
It seems pretty clear we will not get to Chengdu. Kang Kang is very disappointed, I told him we will go back again soon and he replied that it had to be within the month. Well, clearly that will not happen but I think it is important that he get back soon and so even if it is just for a few days to Chengdu I will try to swing it in the not too distant future.
Ellen
I write this from some number of thousand feet in the air as we fly from Yichang to Shanghai. I started to type “Chengdu†instead of “Shanghai.†Tells you where my mind is. According to Emily, our guide in Chengdu, the airport is open but flights are often delayed and people have had to spend the night in the airport. More importantly she says that hotels are not accepting any new guests. I am not sure if that is because they are full with displaced persons or to protect from liability. I really wish I could phone hotels, airlines, myself and get direct information myself. I am reading a novel which says in China speak on 30% of the truth. I want more. I have emailed Emily to suggest maybe I could fly the foster parents to Shanghai for a day or two. I will try and speak to her once we get to Shanghai.
The cruise was fairly relaxing with beautiful scenery. Children are not known for their appreciation of scenery. Nonetheless, we prevailed. Yesterday we got onto a smaller ferry, headed up a smaller river to the three small gorges. We then took a saipan a little further up. In case you think this is authentic, at various points on the journey they have people stationed up the cliffs. One group plays what sounds like bagpipes. Another stands in a little boat and sings a folk song. Whatever the benefits of the dam, so much has been lost and so much is yet to go. As for the dam itself, it was a cloudy, foggy day and we could not see much. Nor were we all that interested in the mechanics of a dam. (Sorry Dad.)
Last night there was a cabaret on the ship. Various crew members perform and passengers can also sign up. Well, guess who decided to perform. And no, it was not me. Kang Kang went down to the front desk on his own and signed up. He gave them his name, room number, act and about how long it would be. He decided to do a magic trick, He has a little finger puppet of a black top hat with a rabbit inside. You can then poke the rabbit out of the hat. We had the children dressed in their Chinese silks last night. Kang Kang was in a burgundy suit with yellow dragons and yellow trim. You can only imagine. He got up in front of the audience and was a natural. For some reason he thought he had done badly but of course he was a hit. IN general, our kids were very well behaved and except for one grouchy set of Europeans, were well received. One American couple, originally from South Africa really took a shine to them and the husband played with them. Even the folks next door to us were pleasantly surprised their sleep was not interrupted. Mine was on occasion. The ship had some odd points. One was an uneven, metal riveted floor. It buckled in a number of places and every time someone would walk over one of these sport there would be a loud retort. There was carpeting over the floor but still… The food on the cruise was excellent, certainly the best I have had on the trip both Western and Chinese. They had a chef who knew how to cook Western food unlike many places that do a Chinese inspired version of Western food. I ate well. No loosing weight on this trip.
The children have been remarkably good travelers, We knew that from past years but this trip is a little more involved. We have enough toys and they are along for the ride. Only Kang Kang is really interested in what we see, at least some of the time. Whether that reflects his age or his personality I am not sure. Perhaps a bit of both. Today the three children are dressed in matching red tee shirts with pandas on them. At the dam site we had them in strollers, side by side, eating ice cream. As you might imagine, they attracted a fair amount of attention. Actually, until you experience the attention and curiosity I do not think you can imagine it. Last evening, even on the ship, with the children dressed up in their silks, everyone wanted to take a picture of them. Chloe and KK obliged with the arms around each other’s shoulders. For awhile at least. Finally Kang Kang announced that this was the last picture in which he was going to look happy. And when he sets his limits he means it.
And now we are on to Shanghai. We expect to be met by someone from the torch relay and there is an orientation where you get the uniform etc and then a dinner. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that it all goes smoothly.
Remember the part where we are way overweight in luggage? Apparently the driver we had going to the ship explained this. We were met by a guide who introduced us to a “luggage lady.’ This person took our luggage, gave us our baggage tags and then headed off. We got into the van with just our carry ons. Our guide explained that if we paid her 80 yuan (maybe 10-12 dollars) she would arrange it so there was no problem with our excess baggage. Okay. And we did not have to touch the bags. We paid almost 400 yuan in excess weight on our last flight so this was a deal!. We checked 8 bags, 2 box and 2 strollers. Believe it or not, Nancy and I can manage all this plus 5 carry-ons alone as long as we get two luggage carts. The kids push the strollers with the carry ons.
Shanghai-Day 1
Well, I know in the grand scheme of things it all means nothing but it is very hard on Kang Kang. Tonight he had a few crying fits. Partially out of exhaustion but also because of the disappointment of not getting to Chengdu and then also, again disappointing news tonight. We arrived at the hotel (magnificent by the way) around 7. We made it to dinner around 8. While we were at dinner, (way too much food, course after course, none of it stuff I would chose and certainly not edible by kids) the people from Samsung were called away. They came back and announced that the Olympic committee had just decided to halt the torch relay for three days in respect of the earthquake. We were due to run tomorrow morning. They have no idea what it means yet so we will see. It is not just a matter of halting it and then resuming as the three days are missed. They do not yet know where it will resume or how it will work. So, day by day.
It seems pretty clear we will not get to Chengdu. Kang Kang is very disappointed, I told him we will go back again soon and he replied that it had to be within the month. Well, clearly that will not happen but I think it is important that he get back soon and so even if it is just for a few days to Chengdu I will try to swing it in the not too distant future.
Ellen
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Saturday in China (Where is my Saturday Globe and Mail???)
Usually I write my posts on Word and then copy them to the blog but as I have to use a desktop computer on the ship I will attempt a direct comment. We are on the cruise on the Yangze river. There are about 160 passengers. We have the only children. Plus Nancy and I are somewhat younger than the average age. About a third the passengers are Chinese and the ship largely keeps the Westerners and the Chinese separate. Not sure why but it works I guess. I wonder what it is like for the few American born Chinese on board. Most people like the kids, who are generally well behaved but a few make their displeasure known. And so, of course, I try to ensure they are bothered as much as possible. Not really but it is tempting.
The cruise is beautiful and relaxing. The one drawback is it is not designed for kids and so we need to provide all activities. So our extra luggage did come in handy filled as it was with kites, bubbles, playdough, activity books, snacks, crafts etc. The 6 bottles of bubbles allow should free up some weight. Nancy had brought kites (kind of like coals to Newcastle, we know) and the kids flew them on the top deck. It was a windy day plus the movement of the ship made it a very successful activity. Sadly, Caleb's flew away, string, handle and all as we were winding things up. He has since recovered from the tragic loss. We bought beautiful kites here but I suspect they are more for decoration than flying.
Hagan Daz ice cream is available on the ship for about $7 a little cup. We are not indulging. Illy coffee is available for about $3.50 a cup. We are indulging. Just gotta to get those priorities right. Today we all got off the boat and boarded a smaller ferry to go upstream to three smaller gorges. After awhile we got off that boat and onto a Saipan type boat and continued to a narrower spot. Much of the gorge has alreday been flooded and we can see marks where the water will finally reach to. Ancient caves and hanging coffin sites will disappear as much already has. Again very beautiful but four hours on those boats seemed to the children to be a bit much.
Yesterday we took a shuttle bus 5 minutes to the site of a temple. We then opted for the chairlift up rather than the 600 stairs (Got to save my energy for the relay.). It was hot and dull up there so we headed down early and walked back to the ship- about a 20 minute walk. Except for Caleb who had a 20 minute carry. Poor Nancy. Caleb has a cold and decided her was simply "trop malade" to walk. He is actually very funny as he speaks English and French, often within the same sentence. The best part of the day was onthe road approaching the ship where the kids spotted a kid. Well, Nancy said it was not a kid, just a small goat. There were a couple of them in the field but this one had jumped the stone fence. We have photos but there is no way I can upload onthe ship. Internet is far too slow.
We are still trying to get to Chengdu. Will try and keep you posted.
Than gang in China.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Update
Please note- internet access from the ship is HIGHLY variable and so I am posting to the blog as I can. All is good here. We are still not sure of whether or not we can get to Chengdu. Next stop- Shanghai!
Ellen
May 15, 2008
On our way to Chongching to catch our cruise ship. Which hopefully will be a relaxing few days. One note of explanation. When I posted the earthquake post it was not yet evident how devastating it had been. We thought things were shut down due to the small tremor we felt in Xian. We were told it had been stronger in Chengdu Sichuan
I remain personally terribly disappointed that we were not able to get to Chengdu as I think it is so important to Kang Kang but that is what it s. We have not given up trying to get there and will see if it is safe and possible to go for a day or so after the torch run. It is hard to get a sense of what reality is from here. I think flights are going in and out of Chengdu
Our first day in Xian we just wandered a bit by ourselves. It was lunch by the time we settled in the new hotel (which we highly recommend) and we headed to the city to get lunch. At that point we needed comfort food and so headed to Pizza Hut, And then to Starbucks. I do not like Starbucks coffee at home but I tell you, here, I love it. Starbucks is attached to a mall. A very high end kind if cross between a department store and a mall. Nancy China Nancy
By the time we got back to the hotel we were wiped and had dinner in their ¡°International¡± restaurant. Once should eat International only in places that are Western restaurants. Enough said. Turns out you can have massages in your room. And so we did. I went first so by the time it was Nancy
The next day they found us another guide and we headed out in a van. We went to the Tang Dynasty park near the Big Goose Pagoda. The have a spectacular water show at 12 and 8:30 p.m. We wisely opted for the early version. Caleb largely slept through it. Chloe was not impressed at the possibility of getting wet but Kang Kang and I had fun. I accidentally got wet when I was on the fountain area and the water suddenly came from a new place but it was a hot day and I dried quickly. We wandered around the beautiful but NOT stroller accessible park for awhile and then ate lunch at the Chinese restaurant. This was much to our guide¡¯s amusement. Throughout China Nancy China
From there we went to the Muslim quarter. At Kang Kang¡¯s suggestion we went through the Great Mosque which is a beautiful complex of adjoining garden rooms and buildings. The market streets are narrow and full of vendors selling the same stuff as the Silk market but also some with various crafts and art. Who knows how authentic but we bought. And bought. Let¡¯s see. I got a silk dragon kite, a beautiful Chinese stringed instrument red lacquered and painted with dragons, a hand painted clay dragon (notice a theme here), a shadow puppet (dragon of course), a framed shadow box type thing with 4 masked figures from the Opera, another small opera figure Kang Kang wanted, a large scroll painting of a blooming branch. Earlier I had bought a MahJong set made of bamboo, or so I was told. On my adoption trip I had not bought much Chinese. It was cold, I had a 4 year old wild man and we were mostly taken to large tourist traps. So this time I intended to bring back a number of pieces of craft etc of Chinese origin.
We worked hard to pack our suitcases in an organized fashion. You are only allowed about 12 pounds per person carryon. We weighed and weighed, re-distributed and re-organized. And they did not weigh any of the carry on. They did weight our 8 checked bags. Yes, I did say 8. We started out with 2 each. Then added one for the stuff we have bought. Plus my carry on for the flight from Canada Canada China
Today we headed for the airport and flew to Chongqing Nancy
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Later on Tuesday
Later on Tuesday:
From the ridiculous to the sublime. We moved to the Howard Johnsons today. While in North America this may not seem an improvement, here it is a 4 star hotel. We were upgraded to the business floor and at this place that has meaning. We are in adjoining huge rooms, almost like a suite with a full living area as well as the bedroom area. Bright, clean, modern. They even have a NA outlet at each plug so no needs for adaptors unless you have three pronged plugs. We are just outside the city gate for those for whom that has meaning. The only drawback is we have to cross the street. Chinese people have no seeming need to follow any traffic rules nor do they stop for pedestrians, even in cross walks. I need to learn some rude gestures in Chinese.
Now the hotel is lovely but Nancy got a message that she has to change rooms because something is wrong with her bathroom. She replies nothing is wrong with her bathroom thanks, and if it is the shower, not yet checked out, then she can simply use mine. Well, it turns out they are worried about a wall or something because if the earthquake and she does have to move. Given how mild the quake was here (I have felt worse in Canada) this seems overkill but who knows what the real reason is.
Many people here seem to have real disdain for Westerners or maybe it is just us. Today I stood in front of two salespeople in a store attempting to attract attention. Have you ever been studiously and deliberately ignored by people not 20 inches from you? Still getting pointing and staring from many as well.
Here in Xian we have seen many beggars, often with young, filthy children. We saw non in Beijing so they must have really "cleaned up" for the Olympics.
We have learned that the cruise is still on and so we will head to Chongching on the 15th and then pick up that part of our itinerary. What we will try to do is leave for Chengdu immediately after the torch relay and return to Shanghai the day before our flight home. This will allow us to leave some of our luggage at the hotel in Shanghai and get in and out of Chengdu more easily. But we will see what is possible.
I posted photos of the kids as we arrived at the hotel in Xian last night as well as a snapshot of the hallway of the hotel from last night and one of half our room here.
Ellen
From the ridiculous to the sublime. We moved to the Howard Johnsons today. While in North America this may not seem an improvement, here it is a 4 star hotel. We were upgraded to the business floor and at this place that has meaning. We are in adjoining huge rooms, almost like a suite with a full living area as well as the bedroom area. Bright, clean, modern. They even have a NA outlet at each plug so no needs for adaptors unless you have three pronged plugs. We are just outside the city gate for those for whom that has meaning. The only drawback is we have to cross the street. Chinese people have no seeming need to follow any traffic rules nor do they stop for pedestrians, even in cross walks. I need to learn some rude gestures in Chinese.
Now the hotel is lovely but Nancy got a message that she has to change rooms because something is wrong with her bathroom. She replies nothing is wrong with her bathroom thanks, and if it is the shower, not yet checked out, then she can simply use mine. Well, it turns out they are worried about a wall or something because if the earthquake and she does have to move. Given how mild the quake was here (I have felt worse in Canada) this seems overkill but who knows what the real reason is.
Many people here seem to have real disdain for Westerners or maybe it is just us. Today I stood in front of two salespeople in a store attempting to attract attention. Have you ever been studiously and deliberately ignored by people not 20 inches from you? Still getting pointing and staring from many as well.
Here in Xian we have seen many beggars, often with young, filthy children. We saw non in Beijing so they must have really "cleaned up" for the Olympics.
We have learned that the cruise is still on and so we will head to Chongching on the 15th and then pick up that part of our itinerary. What we will try to do is leave for Chengdu immediately after the torch relay and return to Shanghai the day before our flight home. This will allow us to leave some of our luggage at the hotel in Shanghai and get in and out of Chengdu more easily. But we will see what is possible.
I posted photos of the kids as we arrived at the hotel in Xian last night as well as a snapshot of the hallway of the hotel from last night and one of half our room here.
Ellen
Monday, May 12, 2008
Multi Day Update
Monday May 12, 2008
Things we have learned:
1) It is a far, far better thing to plane than train.
2) You can have too much luggage.
3) The terracotta warrior site is beautifully done.
4) When traveling with children you do not get to see all you might want.
5) Nancy and Ellen like to shop.
6) Nancy is far, far better at bargaining than Ellen.
7) Our luggage is way overweight. See points 2 and 5 above.
8) Children that fall asleep in vans for long periods do not also sleep at night for long periods.
9) Point 8 above makes their mother cranky.
10) The terracotta warriors were so beautiful that we felt the earth shake.
Now for the explanations of the points above. We are currently sitting in the airport in Xian. It is a nice bright airport, howevere, we would rather be on our way. The flight is listed as delayed. A common occurrence you might think. The difference is the posted reason for the delay. Earthquake. Yes, earthquake. We felt it here in Xian and apparently it was stronger in Chengdu. Personally, I cannot understand how an EARTHquake affects and AIRplane. See my point? And yet, here we sit.
Yesterday it rained and so we did not go to tourist sites in Beijing. Yulin, our agency director came and met us at our hotel and took us to a wonderful Chinese restaurant for lunch. Excellent food and she is a terrific guide. Then we went to the Silk market. Think giant, upscale flea market all knockoffs. Yulin took Chloe and KangKang shopping to buy us mother's day gifts. (with money we supplied, still it is the thought that counts.) They chose pearls and jade pendants. Apparently Kang Kang was quite certain of what he wanted to buy. Nancy and I bought clothes for the kids including beautiful silks, which they can wear on the cruise. She is terrific at bargaining and really enjoys it, Not me. I just feel guilty. I like to shop without being pulled at and prodded. The kids attract a lot of attention and people feel free to point, stare, touch, grab, take photos at close range etc. It is especially bad when Chloe and Caleb are together in the stroller.
Then we took the kids to an indoor playplace where they had a blast. By then it had stopped raining and we could have gone to the Temple of Heaven but we had promised the playpark. So, there we were. From there we had a quick dinner at Pizza Hut, It was our first Western food and we figured every few days is fair. Then to the train. Well, remember the part about too much luggage. Train was at 9:24, not 8 as we had thought. Kids were wiped. Caleb was asleep and soon too was Chloe. Train stations have no porters. Train stations have no elevators. Trains stations have lots of stairs. Need I say more. Nonetheless, we got on the train and our driver finally stepped up to the plate after being less than helpful for three days. Our guide was great.
Train was fun except for the fact the compartments were tiny. See point 2 above. Double decker berths. Kang Kang was in the upper compartment. Around 3 I suddenly feel a body part poking me, He had fallen out of the berth and did not even wake up. There is a good point about too much luggage. An open suitcase was on the table beside the berth and he landed on the soft suitcase, I slept on the top berth the rest of the night. A milestone for Chloe. She also slept in her top berth and not only did she not fall out, it was the first time she slept in a bed on her own. Nancy's baby is growing up.
We got off the train. Again, see point 2 above. But, all kids were awake and alert and we put them to work hauling suitcases and strollers. Amazing how much weight a small child can handle in a good quality suitcase. Finally someone took pity on us and helped us with the bags for which we were extra grateful when we were met by our guide who announced that it was a 10 minute walk (!) to the van.
They took us to a Terra Cotta warrior factory. We were the only ones there. Much easier when there is a whole tour bus to avoid the pressure sales. We bought not one thing. We planned to ask Emily, our Chengdu guide, to help us find real art, reasonable jade etc but not happening apparently.
The Terra Cotta site was magnificent, beautiful landscape and architecture. I think we upset our guie when we did not want to see all the buildings at the 18 minute movie. There is a limit to what 3 year olds can take. Next…
Earthquake
FUCK! We felt it this afternoon as we were leaving the terrcotta warriors in Xian to head to the airport.No idea what it was about. Spent hours in the airport because I think we were not Chinese and therefore not worthy of being told what others were told although I asked. We finally picked up our luggage again and went out to find out guide and remained and waited for us. Thank God. No Mandarin here is a big problem. Since we had no cell there was no way for here to contact us.
Lots more time at the airport, all airport hotels booked. guide asks me which hotel we want? What? Like I know one from another? I said fine, Bell tower hotel. Somehow we ended up in the Xian Hotel. One word. Don't. 4 star and we upgraded to the business floor so we have internet. When I came in the room stunk of some air freshner spray. I hate that stuff. It is wearing off. I miss it. Room stinks of smoke and pee. Oh well, the sheets look clean. No supper. The kids are wiped. Oh yeah, last night we were on a train. Fun but only if you have no luggage. No porters. Yes stairs. More on that later.
From here, who knows? If we are here a couple of days hotel suggestions please?
I must get to Chengdu to see Kang Kang's foster family. That was supposed to be tomorrow morning. Even the Yangze river cruise may be affected as that area is also involved. So, tonight, sleep. After that...
Tuesday May 13, 2008\The day we are supposed to be in Chengdu visiting Kang Kang's foster parents. There was an earthquake. All bets are off. Last night we sat at the gate waiting for news. There was an English speaking agent at the gate and I periodically asked him what was happening. He kept saying that we would pick up our luggage and be taken to a hotel for the night. From there we would be booked on a flight in the morning. "When?" I would ask. "5 minutes he would respond." Well, time went on. Finally I went to him and pleaded, with kids in tow. He then suggested we go get our luggage and get on the bus. Where? Downstairs. Well that did not work. We return upstairs and he shows us where to get the luggage. From there, no one was interested in us. We could not get any help, information etc. But, ours was the only luggage there so clearly the Mandarin speaking people had been told long before what to do. By then there are no airport hotels. A bilingual fellow traveler was kind to us and offered to help and just then our guide showed up. She had been waiting all along but could not contact us. No paging over head in China? She helped us cancel our flights and get to a hotel. If you do not speak Mandarin you are really lost here. She turns to me and asks what hotel I want? I look at her incredulously. Like I know hotels in Xian? I ask her suggestions. Not much response. Maybe do I want to Bell Tower Hotel? I am not sure. Price I ask? Shrug. And so it goes. I say fine. Bell Tower. It is a 40 minute drive so I wonder if they have rooms before we shelp there in 2 taxis. Oh. I am not sure what happened with that idea but we head downstairs and find ourselves booked into Hotel Xian. In one word. Don't. The Business floor, well there is a filthy, torn hallway runner that is all bunched up so you can trip over it. We ate at the Western Breakfast. Green eggs and ham anyone? Literally. Green scrambled egg. I had toast. Nancy has brown water. Mine is clear but I would not put a bare foot down on the shower floor. Go Crocs. We ask for a non smoking room. Yes, yes is the answer. I think yes meant "yes, I heard your request you silly westerners." The soap dish in the bathroom still has ashes on it. The room stinks. The floor is filthy. We are moving to the Howard Johnson. Yulin assures us it is the nicest hotel. Even when we look on the internet, hotels in this city do not get great reviews.
Here we felt the ground shake as though you were on a ship on the ocean on a calm day. Noticeable but not dramatic. Chendu seems to be fairly okay but the epicenter was not far and there is lots of damage around. Our guide Emily sent us an email. She is fine as is KK's foster family, but she seems very shaken and advised us to go home. We are doing no such thing, We now hope to go to Chengdu at the very end of our stay in China. For me it is the most important thing and we will get there if it is at all possible.
I hear there is great shopping in Xian. Go back and read my post from Beijing. See point 2.
Photos will have to wait. Internet is verrryyyy slow here.
Ellen et al.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
The Great Wall
Why I do not know what date it is:
Well, I do know it is Saturday here. It is night. The date, well, I would fail the Folstein (Psychiatry in joke.) See, I have a watch with a date on it but I can no longer see things that small so there is really no way to keep up. At work I write the date many times, on my notes, on prescriptions etc. Although even then I often really have to stop and think. Here, there are no newspapers, well at least none I can read. So, I know where I am. I know who I am, I am just not sure where I am situated in time and space.
We changed around our agenda for today as today was beautiful and cool and tomorrow is supposed to rain. So, we decided to go the Great Wall today. As some of you know, we wanted to go to the Maitanyu section. There is a cable car ride up, then about an hour hike along the wall. The kids were great, real troopers, leading the way, up and down, running. The grownups were a little slower but we all made it. Perfect weather, not hot at all.
I was too tired to continue writing last night so I am finishing this morning and it is raining so we made a good call to go to the Wall yesterday. We check out at noon and then have until about 8:30 when we board our train for Xian. We have too much luggage. Not that we are not using everything but it is a fair amount to carry and then manage to wrangle three children. Actually the kids are generally pretty good and Kang Kang was able to push a luggage cart in the airport and to manage a wheeled suitcase.
Oh yeah, back to the Wall. After the hour walk there is a slide. It is about a kilometer and a quarter. It is a winding thing made out of metal and you ride down on a luge kind of cart. It is easy to control for faster and slower. I highly recommend it. It was a lot of fun, There are two person carts for kids as you have to be 10 to ride alone. Luckily our guide, Jack, was with us and he took the third kid. When Nancy told Caleb he would ride down with Jack he announced "Yippee, I love Jack." Okay then.
I am getting a bit stiff and sore from the hard beds. I do not imagine the train will be much of an improvement although we will be in deluxe soft sleepers. Now we have to figure out what to do for the day in Beijing in the rain. Or maybe it will stop. We will be internet-less for at least the next 24 hours.
Ellen.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Day 2
We have landed. Kang Kang kept saying "I can't believe are in China." Our hotel is a hutong and is absolutely marvelous. There are about 8 rooms around 2 central courtyards. Beautiful, quiet, Chinese. The kids can play in the courtyard while we sit and drink coffee. That is tomorrow's plan.
Tonight we ventured out to eat at a local restaurant. We were tired so we forgot to ask someone from our hotel, who speaks English, to write down a few items for us. So, we are in this restaurant. We speak no Mandarin. No one there speaks English. Can't quite make out the pictures on the menu. By some extreme stroke of luck I end up with absolutely my favorite Chinese dish, a spicy eggplant. I did get the people in the restaurant to write that down for me. The whole dinner including a large bottle of beer which Nancy and I split, 2 500 ml apple juices, one order dumplings, 1 order noodles, 3 rice and the eggplant- less than $14.
We did not sleep much in the plane but I guess it was enough because I am okay. Kang Kang just fell asleep and it is after 9 pm here so, we should be okay in our adaptation I think. I hope.
Photos will have to come another day. Good night.
The gang in Beijing.
May 9th or 10th or some such thing
Who really knows? And does it really matter? So, Good news for Ellen. Kang Kang slept through the night and so did I with one little glitch at 3 am which a sleeping pill quickly remedied. Bad news for Nancy. Both kids were awake at 1 am for the duration. Since they slept on the plane, the short nap from 9-1 seemed to suffice. I am so glad we were not sharing a room. She did get her revenge though. By 3 the kids were falling asleep in the van but sensibly, she was having no part of it. No need for a late nap and then kids awake all night. So she poked, shook, tickled, prodded, cajoled, anything to keep them awake. Caleb protested mightly, whimpering for about an hour until he suddenly decided to cheerfully perk up and switched in a second to laughing and running.(By that time we were out of the van) Did I mention he can act? By 8 or so Chloe fell asleep on the floor and Caleb cheerily said goodnight to Kang Kang and I and got himself ready for bed. But I digress, that is night.
Today we got up and had breakfast outdoors in our lovely courtyard. The kids can play outside, run between courtyards all safely as they cannot get out.
We then went for a bicycle rickshaw tour of a Hutong which was fun but a little anticlimactic as we are staying in one. Our area is a neighbourhood where people actually live so that is fun. We had lunch at a local home. Sadly, breakfast was late, lunch was early and I think we insulted him as he made enough food for 6 people easily and we only ate a little. Next, off to the Summer Palace which was beautiful. We are quite the objects of curiosity, us White folk with the Chinese kids. At one point at the Summer Palace we were surrounded by a Chinese tour group all laughing and pointing at us. Today was cool and rainy at times but mostly okay. Our guide is nice and helpful but a bit rushed at times. We were supposed to go to the Acrobats tonight but when we learned it was another 30+ minutes in the car and the same to go home and given that the two younger kids were not awake, we decided to postpone that until tomorrow. Kang Kang was a little disappointed but came home to the hotel and showed the other two his DVD of the acrobats so was appeased.
Tomorrow we were supposed to go to the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven but the weather says nice tomorrow and rain the next day so we have decided to flip the schedule and do the Great Wall tomorrow. I hope our guide is reasonably flexible as we do not have his hone number to call him and let him know. The Great Wall is important to Kang Kang and so we really want to be able to enjoy it.
I will try to keep up but do not expect a missive every day.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
We have landed!
May 7, 2008 or depending on your perspective, May 8, 2008.
We are on the plane. Kang Kang and I have bulkhead seats. These are an important commodity as they are few but give you much extra leg- room, which I definitely need. I will be able to walk off the plane, That is a good thing.
We got up this morning at a very early hour. No reason, just happened. It took me quite awhile to do the last minute things like unload dishes, wash breakfast dishes, organize for the boy coming to look after the animals. (Anyone want two Degus? Real Cheap?)
We mailed a letter and headed off for the airport at 10:45. Note airport is a 15 minute drive away. Flight was at 2:45. We were early. I had two large suitcases, two largish carry-ons, we each had a backpack, and of yes, the stroller. And one bundle of walkers. We did on line check in the night before and our timing was impeccable as there was only one person ahead in the line for baggage drop. The line for check in went on and on. And the line was for Asian flights. These people have luggage. I do not think your wheelchairs and walkers was the worst of what the checkin folks would encounter today.
I am smart. At the last minute I grabbed a bag of balloons from the house and blew them up while we were doing the check in stuff. The three kids had a blast in an open space and it kept them out of trouble for awhile at least. Soon after we were done we noticed the line for checkin was now at least 30-40 people. Phew.
Next bad food. Why oh why can airports not put in good restaurants. I go to order a Veggie burger and they tell me it is DEEP FRIED. They have a grill sitting right there. What the F…? (This is a mixed audience Lucy.)
And on to the plane. We were first on. I wanted to make sure we got settled and all my many, many carryons fit in overhead bins next to my seat. The plane left around 3. It is now close to 10. We were served a drink and a snack. Then a hot supper. Then a small nap. They turned down the lights and closed the shades. They enforce this nap stuff. Then comes a lovely box with a sandwich, cookie and fruit. Who's hungry? We just had dinner. No soon do they finish giving that out when along comes a cup of noodles. Frankly that was the best food so far. And apparently more is yet to come.
I took gravol and a sleeping pill. I am still awake. KK took double his usual dose of gravol. He is still awake, I remain hopeful that this stuff will kick in at some point. It works at home It works for Nancy's kids. Why not me too? Please? Actually I have trouble falling asleep if KK is awake.
I think Nancy took photos of her luggage. I will try and get a couple when we arrive.
Kang Kang is doing pretty well. He was in anxious question mode for awhile, then settled. At one point he had fallen asleep briefly and woke up teary eyed because he could not sleep. This morning he said he was "worried" about China but cannot articulate fears and denies my suggestions. He is also very excited.
I sure hope our guide is there when we arrive. My Mandarin is quite limited. Although I do have 4 or 5 words.
Yesterday I discovered Skype. For $10 for the month I can use my computer to phone land lines or cell phones in NA from China and also within China.
Ellen Margolese somewhere over the international date line.
Thursday May 8, 2008
We have landed. Kang Kang kept saying "I can't believe are in China." Our hotel is a hutong and is absolutely marvelous. There are about 8 rooms around 2 central courtyards. Beautiful, quiet, Chinese. The kids can play in the courtyard while we sit and drink coffee. That is tomorrow's plan.
Tonight we ventured out to eat at a local restaurant. We were tired so we forgot to ask someone from our hotel, who speaks English, to write down a few items for us. So, we are in this restaurant. We speak no Mandarin. No one there speaks English. Can't quite make out the pictures on the menu. By some extreme stroke of luck I end up with absolutely my favorite Chinese dish, a spicy eggplant. I did get the people in the restaurant to write that down for me. The whole dinner including a large bottle of beer which Nancy and I split, 2 500 ml apple juices, one order dumplings, 1 order noodles, 3 rice and the eggplant- less than $14.
We did not sleep much in the plane but I guess it was enough because I am okay. Kang Kang just fell asleep and it is after 9 pm here so, we should be okay in our adaptation I think. I hope.
Photos will have to come another day. Good night.
The gang in Beijing.
We are on the plane. Kang Kang and I have bulkhead seats. These are an important commodity as they are few but give you much extra leg- room, which I definitely need. I will be able to walk off the plane, That is a good thing.
We got up this morning at a very early hour. No reason, just happened. It took me quite awhile to do the last minute things like unload dishes, wash breakfast dishes, organize for the boy coming to look after the animals. (Anyone want two Degus? Real Cheap?)
We mailed a letter and headed off for the airport at 10:45. Note airport is a 15 minute drive away. Flight was at 2:45. We were early. I had two large suitcases, two largish carry-ons, we each had a backpack, and of yes, the stroller. And one bundle of walkers. We did on line check in the night before and our timing was impeccable as there was only one person ahead in the line for baggage drop. The line for check in went on and on. And the line was for Asian flights. These people have luggage. I do not think your wheelchairs and walkers was the worst of what the checkin folks would encounter today.
I am smart. At the last minute I grabbed a bag of balloons from the house and blew them up while we were doing the check in stuff. The three kids had a blast in an open space and it kept them out of trouble for awhile at least. Soon after we were done we noticed the line for checkin was now at least 30-40 people. Phew.
Next bad food. Why oh why can airports not put in good restaurants. I go to order a Veggie burger and they tell me it is DEEP FRIED. They have a grill sitting right there. What the F…? (This is a mixed audience Lucy.)
And on to the plane. We were first on. I wanted to make sure we got settled and all my many, many carryons fit in overhead bins next to my seat. The plane left around 3. It is now close to 10. We were served a drink and a snack. Then a hot supper. Then a small nap. They turned down the lights and closed the shades. They enforce this nap stuff. Then comes a lovely box with a sandwich, cookie and fruit. Who's hungry? We just had dinner. No soon do they finish giving that out when along comes a cup of noodles. Frankly that was the best food so far. And apparently more is yet to come.
I took gravol and a sleeping pill. I am still awake. KK took double his usual dose of gravol. He is still awake, I remain hopeful that this stuff will kick in at some point. It works at home It works for Nancy's kids. Why not me too? Please? Actually I have trouble falling asleep if KK is awake.
I think Nancy took photos of her luggage. I will try and get a couple when we arrive.
Kang Kang is doing pretty well. He was in anxious question mode for awhile, then settled. At one point he had fallen asleep briefly and woke up teary eyed because he could not sleep. This morning he said he was "worried" about China but cannot articulate fears and denies my suggestions. He is also very excited.
I sure hope our guide is there when we arrive. My Mandarin is quite limited. Although I do have 4 or 5 words.
Yesterday I discovered Skype. For $10 for the month I can use my computer to phone land lines or cell phones in NA from China and also within China.
Ellen Margolese somewhere over the international date line.
Thursday May 8, 2008
We have landed. Kang Kang kept saying "I can't believe are in China." Our hotel is a hutong and is absolutely marvelous. There are about 8 rooms around 2 central courtyards. Beautiful, quiet, Chinese. The kids can play in the courtyard while we sit and drink coffee. That is tomorrow's plan.
Tonight we ventured out to eat at a local restaurant. We were tired so we forgot to ask someone from our hotel, who speaks English, to write down a few items for us. So, we are in this restaurant. We speak no Mandarin. No one there speaks English. Can't quite make out the pictures on the menu. By some extreme stroke of luck I end up with absolutely my favorite Chinese dish, a spicy eggplant. I did get the people in the restaurant to write that down for me. The whole dinner including a large bottle of beer which Nancy and I split, 2 500 ml apple juices, one order dumplings, 1 order noodles, 3 rice and the eggplant- less than $14.
We did not sleep much in the plane but I guess it was enough because I am okay. Kang Kang just fell asleep and it is after 9 pm here so, we should be okay in our adaptation I think. I hope.
Photos will have to come another day. Good night.
The gang in Beijing.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
The Panda Crew
So, he has decided that the stuffed animals going to China are what he hsa termed "The Panda Crew," his webkinz group. They are not the current stuffed animals of interest but he deems them the ones to go to China, for obvious reasons.
Friday, May 2, 2008
5 More days
5 more days. It is 15 minutes before my alarm will go off. I am awake. This is not a good sign. Nancy discovered that Chinese luggage restriction are, well, restrictive. Or more to the point, they have decided to enforce the restrictions. I am not a "travel light" kind of person. Some people go carry on only (COO) so as not to lose luggage. My view is that it is better to bring twice as much as you might need, split it between two suitcases and if one gets lost, well, then you are still fine. That might be a bit of an exaggeration but still...
So, I am frantically weighing bags, rearranging, reweighing etc. Some part of my brain suggests to me to relax and just pay any over weight fees. And I know this is a good answer but the other part of my brain is back to planning about how to try packing things again. It is the 12 pound carry on limit within China that is the problem. I am sure if there was not this to worry about, there would be something else.
People like me should not go away the weekend before a major trip. In fact, people like me should have a week off before a major trip.
Last night I discovered a blog on Chengdu. NPR (USA public radio, like the CBC for Canadian readers) will be broadcasting from there the week of May 19-23) and the blog is on there preparation. I found this comment on traffic in China and found it pretty funny.
"I noticed when I was in Beijing that the traffic lights appear to be "suggestions
of behavior" while the crosswalks are street decorations. I tried to cross with a
large group of Chinese people so I would have company in the hospital."
If anyone is interested, the blog link is:http://www.npr.org/blogs/chengdu/
ellen
So, I am frantically weighing bags, rearranging, reweighing etc. Some part of my brain suggests to me to relax and just pay any over weight fees. And I know this is a good answer but the other part of my brain is back to planning about how to try packing things again. It is the 12 pound carry on limit within China that is the problem. I am sure if there was not this to worry about, there would be something else.
People like me should not go away the weekend before a major trip. In fact, people like me should have a week off before a major trip.
Last night I discovered a blog on Chengdu. NPR (USA public radio, like the CBC for Canadian readers) will be broadcasting from there the week of May 19-23) and the blog is on there preparation. I found this comment on traffic in China and found it pretty funny.
"I noticed when I was in Beijing that the traffic lights appear to be "suggestions
of behavior" while the crosswalks are street decorations. I tried to cross with a
large group of Chinese people so I would have company in the hospital."
If anyone is interested, the blog link is:http://www.npr.org/blogs/chengdu/
ellen
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