Visit to Shamian Island

When we first heard Julia was from Guangdong province our first thought was an entire trip on Shamian Island.  Every American ends their trip in Guangzhou because the U.S. Consulate is located in Guangzhou.  When we traveled to adopt Katie in 2006 we stayed at The White Swan Hotel on Shamain Island.  It was gorgeous.  The island was beautiful with lots of shopping, restaurants, and parks within walking distance.  The U.S. Consulate has since moved and The White Swan is closed for renovations.   So no stay on Shamian Island.  But we did get to visit and do some shopping. I got squeaky shoes, chinese dresses, folk art and more.  We enjoyed trying some tea at Susan's place.  Then we walked through the park.  Katie and Julia had fun on the playground.  Later we had lunch at McDonalds.  Julia had her first Happy Meal and of course more ketchup.  Julia and I went back to the room and took a nap.  Katie and Dan went swimming at the pool.  Then we went out to dinner with one of the families from our group.  

  Statues on Shamain Island

  The White Swan under renovation

 Trying the tea at Susan's place

  

 Our new friend Samantha

Katie Miles sick of Chinese food.  LOL.

Looking back and moving forward

Friday morning we went to the Guangdong Museum.  It was a very nice museum and we got to learn about Guangdong people and life.  After the museum tour we went to visit Julia's orphanage.  We were told because of the bird flu that we wouldn't be allowed inside but we could walk around outside and take pictures.   I was disappointed I wouldn't see her room and classroom.  She spent most of her little life in that place.  She spent the last 7 months in foster care but prior to that she in the orphanage.  Since we weren't going inside and she has been adjusting to us pretty well we all went to visit.  I am so glad we did because the Nanny that took care of her when she arrived at the orphanage at 5 months old came out to say good bye to her.  Julia fell asleep in the van ride to the orphanage.  She wasn't very happy when we got out of the van and she woke up.  The Nanny kept trying to pick her up out of the stroller and she was shaking her head no.  The Nanny picked her up anyway and she was mad.  Screamed.  The Nanny told us that she has a big temper.  LOL.  After the visit to the orphanage we took a ride to Julia's finding spot.  She was found at 5 months old by a pond outside of a hospital.  We went to the hospital and looked for a pond.  We only saw a fountain so maybe that was it?  We took photos of the outside gate of the hospital.  All I could think of was her birth mother and what a heart wrenching decision she had to make to give her up.  I silently promised to love this child and give her a wonderful life.  Hoping that her birth mother finds peace in her heart.  We looked back at Julia's life prior to coming into to our family and we are ready to move forward.  What a privilege that we got a little glimpse of her life before us. 

Later we went to the pool.  Katie is really enjoying the pool.  We ordered Papa John's and it was delivered right to the hotel.  Julia liked the pizza.  She is a great eater and will try anything.  Katie used to be like that.  All of a sudden Katie is picky.  

Before bed on Wednesday night

 Guangdong Museum

Katie ribbon twirling

 Outside of Guangzhou City SWI

Nannies waving good bye from the window

 Julia's Nanny

Lollipop and Daddy made it all better 

 Gate outside of hospital....finding spot.

 Later back at the pool there was a photoshoot

 Julia playing ribbons while Katie swam.

 Dinner by the pool

 Bedtime

Night Night