China Disneyland

Please do not spit
Originally uploaded by mc10672

We are on Shamain Island at the White Swan and its darned wonderful. Its so unlike Nanchang that my first impression is that it seems like a Disney version of China. But first, how we got here: Grace was wonderful during her first plane ride, (China Southern) perfectly content to play with a waterbottle, an empty cookie container and three of her stacking cups--and of course, we kept her fed with Cherrios. In fact, all the kids were good. We also got to make her a bottle on the plane, using hot water from our thermos - sort of a practice run for our long trip home.

Guangdong Province is the richest area of China - its close to Hong Kong and Shamain Island shows quite of bit of its British influenece, with lovely 19th century buildings, gardens and signs cautioning people not to spit. The US consulate used to be here - the big attraction is now the White Swan Hotel where we are staying, and the adoption business, with lots of baby shops and eating places. It is right on the coast, so the smog is miminal and the temperature is like the LA coast. The frist thing we all did is march down to Lucy's - an American style cafe- and ordered hamburgers--the kids being so good in their high chairs --then we went for a walk, which was supposed to be just a look around, but I ended up buying 3 baby outfits.

Afterward, the group came up to check out our room - which we had upgraded - sort of a gift to ourselves since the plane tix didn't end up costing as much as we had budgeted - it has a separate living room separated by French doors - sort of like the rooms you see in the movies. And while you still can't drink the water, the floor is so clean I almost kissed it. Then I put down Grace and she had a great time crawling around and playing with her toys. We have lovely neutrogena soap, and two ladies came in to turn down our bed and lay out a "good night" mat by our bed - we have a deep marble tub and shower, TV in each room, 2 bathrooms, and of course, a decent crib--photo has been uploaded so you can see.

Grace fell asleep about 7 pm -- after having a great time jumping on us and giggling - and I took a long hot bath, boiled some water for tea, and we are in our robes and our White Swan slippers, thankful for our safe trip so far, and for clean floor in our room and of course, our little Grace, who continues to delight and charm us. She is one cute kid and we are lucky parents.