My Public Awaits

My Public Awaits
Originally uploaded by mc10672

We had only one task today: wait in our hotel room until 12:30 Rui turned in our paperwork today to the consulate and she said she would call if there were any questions. There were none. This worked out well because David woke up with a slight fever so we all took naps and hung out until about 2 pm, when I took Gracie for a walk in her 120 Yuan stroller--to drop off and pick up laundry. Our preferred shop is "Susans Place" which is tucked in an out of the way spot either in a Chinese embassy or some sort of military compound, and we have to pass a Red Army guard. Sometimes they say hello, sometimes not.

We then went to purchae water, and finally I located a Thai restuarant that we missed going to - Cow and Bridge. I also paid a visit to one of the entreprenueral ladies - Hebe's shop to purchase an outfit for Gracie. I'm buying a few things, but we really need to step it up tomorrow to spend the rest of our Yuan; because I guess its pretty worthless to exchange back into US dollars. In "I wish I had my camera now" moment - there were police recruits marching in front of Starbucks , and someone like an army captain teaching some Jr. High school students how to stand at attention and march.

By the time we came back, David was feeling much better, but Gracie and I went down to the Swan Room - sponsored by Mattel, the same one who gave us our "Going Home Barbie" (with little chinese baby). Gracie mostly watched the other kids, and tried to boss around one of the older and bigger kids, landed on her head again after tumbling over a little plastic table, and generally had a good time.

We went out to dinner at a new place "Station" with a few other families - it was very good - like Lucy's, it has outside seating ... pizza for me and David tonight. Gracie had congee and dipped her french fries into it. I fed her most of the time, but then she wanted to take over so I gave her a little plastic spoon and she worked on trying to feed herself. We were outside, and she had a bib, so I just let her go for it. We had a wonderful walk back to the hotel - again the nights are just perfect - walking along the Pearl River - where the boats go by - which are all decorated in neon - there are also neon light tubes along the river, and some of the hotels across the way are lit up Vegas style.

So we took no pictures today, and tonight we are too tired to start packing, so we'll do that tomorrow morning, because we may need to purchase another suitcase. The big packing is getting a one year old across the world, with enough Cherrios, diapers, formula, rice cereal, toys, blankets, and clothes - just in case we end up spending the night in Korea or something. I think she'll be fine - as long as we all stay healthy.