Sunday in Guangzhou

Allie slept in til 6:30! Don't know if it's because she was snuggled in bed with Mama, or because there was less snoring in the room, but she got a good night's sleep. We got up and had breakfast at the buffet. Lots of adopting families, but also more Chinese families and business people than I remember from last time. And many of the kids are older, not just babies. After breakfast we headed out to look around some more. When we got outside, it was cold out! So much nicer than the sauna it felt like 4 yrs ago. We went back to Lucky Tailor and bought an adorable pink sweater with ladybug buttons for Allie. Our new best friend Grace sewed one of the buttons back on while we asked her the prices of other items. Still not pushy at all. I bought Allie a gorgeous outfit, white with red roses. And I saw several other things I want to go back for. I need to make a good list of the things I want to buy to put away for Allie and Joshua, and not get too carried away buying other stuff... However, I did get measured for a Mandarin-style shirt in my huge American size. The sweet tailor lady was horribly embarrassed when I told her that, no I wasn't wearing a money bag around my waist, it was just me and my jeans. I made sure she knew I wasn't upset with her. I mean, it is my fault I'm pretty big around the middle, not hers. Allie picked out the fabric for my shirt: pale pink with phoenixes. (only about $30 for a custom made silk shirt. I could probably get a better deal further away from the hotel, but I really like the people at that shop.)

We had seen a playground the day before while we were wandering, so we headed over there to let Allie get some energy out of her system. The locals were fascinated with this obviously Chinese girl who doesn't speak or understand much Mandarin. She played on a see-saw with a couple of different kids. (She was very gentle when a really little boy got on.) She climbed, slid, laughed and played for quite a while. The other parents stared curiously at us, until Allie started playing with the other kids. Then they would smile at her, at us, giving her a thumbs-up when she did something nice or brave. Families are families, and kids are kids...

We took a cab to Carrefour (the French version of Walmart) and did some sight seeing and a little shopping. The store was huge and intimidating. Just figuring out how to get in was an adventure. Allie was fading fast, so we checked out and headed back to the hotel for a nap. In case anyone is wondering, China (or Carrefour in China) is way ahead of us in the recycling and conservation arena when it comes to stores. If you want your items bagged, you have to pay for the bags. Just like some Austin stores has been talking about doing, but haven't switched to yet.

After nap, Allie, Nai-Nai and I went to get our laundry. About an hour and $100 later, we left with our laundry (quite cheap, about $15 for 40 items) and several souvenirs, and a vow to never go back to that pushy saleslady's store again. I got a jade happy family ball, an abacus for Allie (she was fascinated and couldn't stop playing with it), a silver bell bracelet for Joshua (to scare away bad spirits), a silver chain for Allie, a jade monkey for Allie and a jade Rooster for Joshua.

That evening we were supposed to meet our guide, Judy, and our travel group for the first time. We dutifully headed over to Lucy's Bar and Grill and waited for them. After about 20 minutes, we went ahead and ate. Good thing we did, cause no one ever showed up. The poor restaurant manager had a whole room reserved for our party. We thought it was very rude for Judy not to call and let him know that he could use those tables. We also wondered how and when we would finally meet up with Judy, since are scheduled to get Joshua tomorrow right after lunch! She did call our room and tell us to meet her tomorrow in the elevator lobby, half an hour before Gotcha Moment. Wonder how we'll recognize her. Not quite the same experience as last time, with our fabulous guide, who took such good care of all of us, but especially the big sisters before, during and after we were all united with our babies.