November
2009
    November 22
     Zoe, Beth and Shari go back to Beijing via
    train.
Nov 23 9:30pm  (China time)

It got late last night fast so I didn't write about our train experience and all.  First of all, let
me say I'm continually amazed by how stinkin' helpful the Chinese people are.  They have
bent over backwards to help us.  

For example, several people accompanied us to the train station because we had a lot of
heavy bags and there are a lot of stairs, etc to navigate.  They walked us all the way onto
the train.  As we pulled away, I'm sure I saw a couple of them with tears in their eyes as
we waved good bye.  

We ended up taking the train instead of flying back because an american group foster
home was hoping we could transport a baby for them and the babies cannot fly easily but
can take the train.  But at the last minute there was a mix-up and the babies were not
ready to go.  

I loved the train!  The seats were much much bigger than an airplane's.  I actually had
legroom.  (Amazingly).  It was a fairly new train and we were in "first class" - which was
only a few dollars more for bigger, more comfy seats.  They even had a western potty on
board.  (ahhh).  Zoe watched Apple Dumpling Gang on my computer most of the way
there.  Before we knew it, we were there.  

Hannah's husband met us at the Beijing station and helped with our bags on that side.  
We hopped in taxis and were off to the Holiday Inn Lido.  Amazing hotel.  

Upon trying to check in (long story), Val showed up in the lobby.  Val and I met on one of
the adoption boards and have never met before but it feels like we've known each other
forever!  We'd worked out that we would meet there and surprise our mutual friend Teri.  
We didn't tell her we were coming.  

I'm sure we made a HUGE spectacle of ourselves as we stood there in the lobby
laughing and carrying on.  

2 seconds later we were off in some taxis cross town to the acrobat show.  They had
arranged for really really deep discounts because we were an adoption group returning
to see their roots.  Catching a taxi on the way back proved to be a bit more challenging
than expected.  But Shari and I had been all around China and knew how to navigate a bit
so I helped get the situation resolved.  

Then back to the hotel for a meeting of all the families.  I have a feeling Director Geng
(Taiyuan Orphanage) would LOVE to have something so grand some day and to have
numerous families return.  I'm gathering ideas for such a trip.  

Before going to bed I let Zoe swim for just a bit with some of the girls on the trip.  Such
fun.  Unfortunately, it got all up in her head and she's been congested ever since.  Trying
to get the extra fluid out of her head but she's miserable all day.

Room service of pizza in the room and then off to bed since it's an early morning.  

Pictures to come when I can get them uploaded.
Beth will also be
blogging at
destinyshousechurch
.blogspot.com


    Thanks for joining us on this
    journey!  Should prove to be
    an interesting one.  
To go back to
the itinerary
page,
click HERE