CANTON HERE WE COME

Well, what an experience, we left hong kong, boarded a bus to china.
at the border, we had to change busses after going through customs again.
We then drove for 2 hours to get to Canton. We stopped off at the hotel, which by the way is very nice, and got ready to go and get the babies.
We drove to the state house and were hearded into a room to wait for our turn. there were about 35 other people there already with babies, some crying other not. We passed a room with babies and nannies. I looked in and saw Emma. She was beautiful. We were asked to wait and the babies were brought in one by one. They were all very beautiful and quiet. When it was Emms'a turn, Julie took her and she grabed onto her glasses and tried to take them off. She is very curious and didn/t cry. She follows Thomas around and seems very taken with him. We then returned to the hotel and were all very exhausted. Went to bed by 9:30 and up this am to finish the paperwork. Thomas and I are staying in and will explore the hotel this morning.
Everyone is well and this is a very stange environment when you don't understand a sign or cross a street. There are cross walks but no cars stop for pedestrians. It's a race across to see if you can make it.... very lovely city.

hello from Hong Kong!!!!

We made it. after a long 16 hour flight, which wasn't so bad. We left Toronto at 10:00am and arrived in hong kong at 2:00 pm (2 am our time).
Stayed up until around 5:00 then crashed. Got up this am and walked around. Talk about culture shock... the people, people and pollution.
We are the minority here and people tend to stare at us.
We took a ferry to the hong kong mainland this am and had lunch at the peninsula hotel, which is the most expensive hotel in town.

The hotel where we are staying now is not the nicest, it's in the middle of a square with many people and shops. Did not have time to shop yet. Took cab and everyone drives on the wrong side of the road as this use to belong to England.
Will post later, We leave tomorrow at 9:00 to get Emma...
Will try to post pictures later.
Sara, no ipod yet. have yet to even see one.!

MADE IT, ON WILMA'S TAIL!!!!

now in Toronto, was shaken up on the plane, but made it safely
Sara and mom, the number in 10-15 not 10-10...

leaving tomorow at 10:00, will try to post on sunday,when we have Emma

The countdown has started!!!!

Last minute packing about done. Trying to pack as much as needed without over packing.
This is a learning experience.
Will be leaving tomorrow for Toronto, then leaving Toronto on Thursday.

packing lightly!!!!

ever try to stuff 10 pounds of sugar in a 5 pound bag(my father's favorite saying}???
I have packed, repacked my suitcase at least 3 times and still need more room!
What do I really need?? Can anyon help??
Maybe the fourth time is the charm. At least I have until next tuesday to get ready.
pratice Practice....
Susan :)

ITINERARY FOR TRIP TO CHINA

Here is a quick look at our itinerary for the two weeks.
Oct 30 Departure from HK for Guangzhou
Guangdong Provincial Office to receive children (3pm)
Oct 31 Provincial Government Office
Passport Office
Nov 1 City Tour and Shopping
Nov 2 Temple of Liu Rong
Nov 3 TBA - Possible visit to orphanage
Nov 4 Depart for Beijing
Nov 5 Canadian Immigration
Beijing Zoo/Summer Palace
Nov 6 Great Wall
Nov 7 Chidren's medical examinations
Shopping
Nov 8 Silk Factory and Pearl Market
Nov 9 Tiananmen Square
Forbidden City
Nov 10 Toronto families have free day
Nov 11 Departure

we have a tour guide for the duration, should be very interesting!!!

Picture of Emma

preparation - preparation

I received the invitation from my sister Julie to accompany her and her husband to China. They are adopting a sister for Thomas, who is my seven year old nephew.
I accepted the invitation and am now packing for the trip. Paperwork... red tape.... more paperwork...