Flights - lax, china post Beijing

We are a few days behind but wanted to still post this information for future references.

We flew from colorado to lax - last time it seemed like not such a big deal - we must have landed right next to the international terminal and our Cathay flight was in the first building you got to. For lax it has to be the worst laid out plan I have ever seen. You leave the terminal you fly into - go outside and walk the corridor until you find the heading for your airline.

Most of the china flights are in the very first terminal ( which is still a good 1/3-1/2 mile from where we landed).   I was dumb and had Brahms backpack. I also had my camera bag and large purse. I decided we should carry 2 days worth of clothes after hearing several people with delayed bags. We were dying before we even got out of the first terminal. Luckily we found a luggage cart left curbside and I loaded up the bags and Brahm. I am also glad we had a 4 hour layover. It took about 1 1/2 hours to get to our 2 gate and I walk fast once we had our cart.

We went in the first international terminal ( we landed at the 9 on a clock and say the first is at the 12). Went inside found out it housed all flights for china except air china. I was so thrilled I had chosen the elevator and kept my cart. We went up to the 4 the floor and out onto the street again. We had to go building 2 they said. The building were in reverse order and I wanted to cry when I next saw building 3 ugh.

By the time we spotted building 2 we were at the 6 on the clock face or basically we had walked just about the perimeter of lax. Although we had boarding passes we found out we had to re checkin.

Supposedly there is a shuttle but no one could tell me where to get it or what it looked like.

So far we have flown united, Cathay and air china and we have not seen a huge difference that would make me say yes pay more for this airline.

Air china has TV in the seat but we couldn't find the vides game remote. The seats laid back like on us planes versus cathays that lower portion moves forward. They also have these little metal footrest that fold out and with a backpack under were perfect!  Food was fine and similar to cathays flight last year.

Beijing -
I'm not sure if I mentioned but we brought 2 dish pack size boxes of donations for starfish foster homes. I checked before leaving and knew that Beijing airport has a china post inside. What I didn't think of was - oh yeah they don't call it china post. So here I am with 2 carts ( they are free which is nice). Brahm can push one but not see over. We walk the stinking airport with no success. I finally am told first floor - but there are 2. The bottom 1st floors has taxis and I think screw it I will have the marriott concierge help me. Except I find out it will be 600 yuan and knew marriott already said not to pay over 100.  Back inside we go for one last try. Finally find a younger girl who points us in the right direction. 

We head down where it looks like everything is closed and I know it has to be after 6. I start praying they are open. And they are!!  People they were so nice. Wrote out the forms for me,  they do open the boxes to check contents. Then reaped them. I sent slowboat and both boxes were only $45 combined. Best part I had no yuan and they were able to take my dollars!  Here is the pic to show if you want to find china post. It is on 1 f not B and past where you see the opening downstairs for taxi. 

Got to the hotel finally for 98 yuan - I still only had dollars and the bell hop ran in and exchanged my dollars for me. Guess I should have taken care of that before leaving home lol

Guangzhou Marriott

Ok first let me apologize for the pictures but really I just forgot until we were walking out the door.

We had a suite and a regular room across the hall. Now we love the Marriott and if I had had a choice on the number of rooms we could have done all of us in the suite but it did give some room to send children tired of being together in separate rooms (trying to look for a bright side!)

I'll start by saying we arrived at the hotel about 10 pm. I had called earlier in the morning knowing it was a late checking telling them we wanted to use out Marriott points to upgrade. Everyone seemed to speak perfect English and I got a confirmation this was ok. Now leet me tell you we started this journey with an American express card for points but then switched to a Marriott points card this summer once we realized our agency didn't take Amex. I had enough points to pay for he upgrade and probably some nights if they hadn't figured out our itinerary on fri night before we left weds morning. I guess I just didnt have that fight in me.

Anyhow got to the hotel at 10 pm and no they haven't upgraded told us we already paid they can't upgrade us, I was ticked, our new guide thinks I am partially a freak, so we go look at the adjoining rooms. Yeah no way in h@ll can you get two cribs in that room without taking out the desk - which is attached to the wall. So I don't let anyone enter and ask for the manager. I know I have over 100000 Marriott points and when the heck will I is them with 3 kids 5 and under. I ask her where she suggests I put two cribs and this is unacceptable and I called this morning. By now our guide thinks I am a freak and my husband thinks she is going to never talk to us. After some time we get our suite with a room across the hall.

People the difference is HUGE!! Well worth the upgrade and did I mention I am elcheapo on hotel rooms!

BEDS are awesome by china standards. I don't think I could have lasted on another concrete bed. They aren't the usual Marriott soft but the comforter and pillows are.

The suite has a door to the bathroom as the showers and everything are glass.

The 4th floor has a little playroom and then a huge outside area with swingset for the kids to play on it made for a perfect quick one parent adventure.

Breakfast is awesome! We all found items we lived and the pastry chef was awesome. Of course we all loved the French toast and the littles liked the noodles the man made when you first enter. Oh and the bacon yum!! They also have lots of highchairs - stitch says sorry for the plates Marriott.

Pool is also on the 4 th floor but neurotic daddy was so worried someone would get sick - heehee that'll teach him!

There is a street mall on the lobby floor which has a grocery ( didn't use) and Starbucks (fabulous!). If you continue down this little mall and out the doors there is a 7-11 where we got beverages everyday!

We also toured the block ( a big one) and if you continue down the street past the 7-11 you will get to Lola's bakery (you will see a sign across the street for creative hair). It is awesome and we fed the kids several times with the hotdog pastries and the ham and cheese croissants. But ask what's in it because one gorgeous one had fish - so glad I asked! We walked down the street after Lola's and went to the little market for the big bag of sweet rice cookies the kids like and the red milk with the baby on the front Cav came to us drinking.

All the way down the street before you head back towards the Marriott is a tea. House. It was wonderful and they were so kind. We kept emptying the cup and they kept filling (I think I already wrote this post Lol)

Everyone knows the Marriott only as the china hotel. Although it wasn't on the island if you crave soft beds it is worth that alone as I don't think I could have done another week.

ok I think the pictures are going to load
1. Awesome map we found in subway of things around you
2. Play area
3. Suite
4 & 5 regular room
6. Lobby
7. Suite
8. Playground
9 &10 suite
11 bakery sign and street

Sorry they ate so out of order, I'm on my iPad and have to use the blogger app which doesn't do pictures in order

Home!

I am so thrilled to be home!
I loved parts of china, I could even imagine living there for a time, but 7 people all living in hotel rooms, no kitchen, and constant appointments can wear on anyone!
We left hong kong at 8 am on the 23rd which was 8 pm on the 22nd Detroit time, and arrived home in Colorado springs at almost exactly 8 pm MST on the 23rd. Fom what my math challenged brain can figure out this was almost 36 hours of travel give or take a few. The flight from hong kong really went well, no screaming, crying just lots of trips to the bathroom but that was fine as we needed to stretch our legs. Thank God for seat tv's that even our new little ones watched. We couldn't find any in Chinese but seemed ok. They also are already iPad and leappad pros which helped.
They did great on the 2 hour car ride home. We had bought some of the pleasant goat movies in Guangzhou so we put those in the DVD player before putting them in their carseats. They did great. I also think that having them use the 5 point harness in the stroller since day one helped.
We were exhausted but thrilled to be home.
This morning started with me having bronchitis and sinus infection, cavanaugh barfing twice, princess I think has pink eye and little mans finger is infected where had been complaining of a splinter. Our new rice maker that someone bought for us is defective and just about all that could have gone wrong did while we are gone. However by noon I made my first batch of congee which Cav actually ate, and figured out that they both like ramen noodles oriental flavor!! For some reason this just made me laugh. The kids are playing and we actually found an old matchbox set which Cav is in love with.
I could have sat down and cried this morning but I felt so blessed, when I was looking for clothes that might fit Cav I I accidently opened up the wrong box for the rice cooker and found clothes for both kids, the Chinese rice a friend had brought by could also be made by stove, and of course RQ had congee recipes. I had tobramycin on hand for the trip to china for the pink eye. Friends came over with prepared food for tonight and helped shovel ( figured out the snow blower) before we got home. Due to the holidays Target was open late so that Chris could run out for a high hair and playpen for Cav to sleep in. I do have to laugh that we are such firsttimers at this adoption thing. We prepared for an almost 4 year old not factoring in his delays at all. I am not one to ask for help but through this last part of the process relying those around me has been at the for front.
Although Cav will take some time, as he is freaked by all the animals AND stuffed animals, he is also a constant reminder how much we take for granted, even the small things in our life. And on the dawn of Christmas is this not one of His most important lessons we should learn.
Merry Christmas from our little bit larger family, and our much larger hearts!

Hong kong

Yeah we have started our trip home! We spent the day at the park across the street from the Marriott - think central park - it was beautiful. Then we took the CTSbus which picks up right at the Marriott, to Hong Kong. We were able to get tickets directly to the airport and since our hotel (regal) is connected it was by far the cheapest and dare I say the easiest way to go. We are one to many to just rent a van and if we took the train we were worried about being split up in two taxis for the $50 ride to the hotel. Luckily, no one had to use the bathroom during the 4 hours total door to door. We rode a greyhound type bus from he Marriott to the china border and then transferred to a minivan for the rest of the way. You can drive FAST in hong kong. The hotel doesn't really have many options for kids food so we ended up with room service at 10 pm but at least hey should be ready for a nap during the trip tomorrow. At least adult beverages are free on international flights. Actually Cav did great on the bus. He did start crying at one point but we think he was just tired and didn't know where he was. Poor little man I sure wish I knew more mandarin to comfort him during these times.

Poor FeiFei we are wondering if she has a food allergy, second time we gave her a pasta that she almost immediately threw up. Ugh I have no idea on this - I haven't heard of food allergies in the adopted children from china and since we received minimal information about her. I guess I will try to email the foster mom when we get home and try and ask her. I have to say that sweet girl has fit so well into our family. I am sure she is scared to death with all of the changes around her but she is a trooper for the most part. I am really glad that the big kids are home from school until the 5th so they can continue to be a constant with her.

Our plane leaves tomorrow morning at 10:45 bound for Detroit and then to Denver. Please pray that all goes well for all the kids. Little man is having some issues going from very much the baby to the oldest of the littles. He adores the new kids - especially FeiFei but also is having many issues which makes traveling that much harder. Oh I can't wait to be home!

We figured out that we could add the ergo to the back of the double stroller to help hold little man and give him a "seat". Works great, we get a ton more stares and I am thrilled he is only 27 lbs!

Red couch photos & US Consulate

We began the day with our 8:30 appt with the US Consulates office to take our oath and finish our paperwork. Some unnamed child was beyond a grouch - we had to go before breakfast I think and routine seems to be better for him.

After the consulate & breakfast! we went back to Shamain Island to finish some shopping - Squeaky shoes! FeiFei definately has the wide feet common with dwarfism. Striderite shoes are typical the only option, but the cheap leather squeaky shoes fit perfect so we bought enough for hopefully the next year or so!

We also had to stop and get the customary red coach pictures. The white swan is amazing!!

We also made it to the herbal & pet market. We saw lots of fun things and of course princess girl begged daddy for each animal!!

After dropping the kids off at the hotel for some down time we walked past the 7-11 and along the large city block looking for a grocery store. We found a wonderful bakery that made pastry wrapped hotdogs which the kids loved. A little further we found a small grocery type store which had treats for our long trip home. Lastly, we ventured into a tea shop and tried both green and jasmine tea. We bought both teas, a couple little cups and a few pots. It truly was a wonderful experience but I think that you aren't supposed to leave an empty cup as they kept refilling! The jasmine you count out 25 little flowers and the green tea is 5 mg I think or a small scoop.

I think we have everything packed including all of the squeaky shoes. Praying Cav handles the flight home!

Guangzhou metro & safari

What a fun day we had! We rode the metro from the Marriott hotel all the way to the safari park. It was easy ( I have explicit directions below) fast and best of all only cost 48 yuan total round trip for all 7 of us ( 3 little kids were free). This basically made going to the safari park economical enough we could go versus 2 taxis or renting a van for the day. Besides no traffic, it was awesome!

The safari park is incredible. Probably one of the best things we have done as a family. It was a cross between Disney Animal kingdom and Jurassic park - ok no dinosaurs but at times I felt
Like we were in the movie!

A note for parents who haven't adopted before. Cavanaugh FREAKED. He freaked at the plants, the animals everything. Remember he came from
A porter orphanage so I think his experiences in the world were null. We were totally no prepared for this - I mean who freaks out over plants? We finally gave home a crispy cookie thing and put a sweatshirt over his head. I sure wished we had thought to bring a blanket but this was the best we could do.

I am so proud of him. He totally turned it around. We tried to get him touch the plants, understand that nothing would hurt him but he wanted nothing to do with us or his environment. After a bit we noticed he was playing in the stroller with FeiFei - looking at the map. He then started noticing his environment and by the safari part he was actually interacting. Best of all he was interacting
With us and actually laughing. For all we know he was saying we were morons but at least we finally felt like the little boy we came for was reaching out to us! Fascinating to watch and heartbreaking at the same time, a child 3 1/2 years old not having the slightest experience with the world we know.

Anyhow, this was definately a bucket list day! Consulate early tomorrow morning as our trip begins to wind down!


Specific metro directions to the chimelong safari park, Guangzhou

This is a copy of the current map of the subway system. Marriott hotel is off the light (bright) blue line, your first transfer is where this line meets the darker blue line, and the last transfer is onto the orange line 3 stops from the end (not sure why it is all one word on this map)

http://www.chinahighlights.com/guangzhou/map/guangzhou-subway-map.htm
The metro station is right outside the Starbucks located in the food street wing of the Marriott hotel. This is the line 2 and you are at Yuexiu Park.

You will see machines as you enter the main lobby type area that look like ATMs. They are the 'ticket' machines these are actually touch screen and the metro charges different prices for how far your trip is. Touch the "Hanxi Changdong" circle off of line 3. It will enlarge so you can be sure to click on the right spot. Then for # of tickets there are squares for up to 6 tickets I believe. Make sure you have 5's & 10's with you!! Insert the money and little round coins and your change are dispensed.
When you go through the turnstile you will wave the coin over the sensor. Make sure you keep the coin for the end of your trip!

1. You want to take the train heading toward sun yat-sen (right side of the track) if I remember correctly. Each time you get on a new train you will want to look closely at what the next station is after the one you are at. This will tell you which one of the two trains to get on. It is not hard and is very well marked but make sure you have a map with you.

2. At Changgang (they will also say connection to line 8) you will get off and follow the signs for line 8 trains (or follow the crowd.

3. At Kecun you will get off again and transfer to line 3 ( just like step 2)

4. At Hanxi Changlong you will get off and follow the exit signs for "E". You will begin to see the wall pictures change to safari park ones. As you emerge go towards the information signs. You will see the big blue buses to you right of the information kiosk or the bus shelter. Don't go with anyone outside the building they are not with the park. The bus will take you right to the front gate

Going home is the same but once you return to the Yuexiu Park station you want to head toward the D exits. Both D1 & D2 get you outside next to the Marriott. The one with stairs is next to the Starbucks, and the one with the escalator is closer to the front door.

We traveled with 3 small children, 2 older kids and my husband and I. Not a single time did I get on the subway did someone not give up their seat so I could sit with the little ones. I did carry one (non walking) child in a carrier, and the other two by hand. We carried a folded up double stroller until we got to our destination.

Church on Shamain island & pictures

We spent the morning at the church on Shamain Island (where most of the kids appointments are). I have no idea about the history of the church or how it can hold services but I can tell you two very important things - 1 it was packed with those worshipping and they seemed to keep coming in. 2 worship especially the songs, in any language, calms the soul. We actually lasted an hour with not to much disruption.

When we left I saw a young couples praying over a tiny baby, you could almost feel the intensity of their prayer. It occurred to me either the baby was Sick or they were preparing to abandon her. This was only our impression but as many passed by them they were so intent, so sad, praying fervently over this tiny baby girl. Please pray for them.

Tomorrow is our TB tests and they look pretty good. My pictures are limited today due to battery issues, but we bought the darling squeaky shoes for FeiFei ( minus the squeakers). They were only $5 a pair and are comparable to bear feet or other boutique brand leather shoes! And they fit her wide feet!

Stitch aka cavanaugh is doing better. He slept from 4:30 pm yesterday afternoon straight through to morning. I am sure the disruption of his schedule has been hard on him. You can almost see him trying to be better - like putting his garbage in the trash can and looking for approval. I do have to say that he is incredibly agile despite the significant malformations of his legs. He "walks" so fast on his knees. Although I am sure it makes others around us uncomfortable, we let him down especially where there are slick marble type floors. We have gotten a few comments but truthfully people have been so kind here.

Pictures of us
Between FeiFei's dwarfism and cav's legs and little mans big eyes and traveling with 5 kids we get lots of stares and requests for pictures. We are fine with it, and the girls LOVE little man - in fact he got a calling card from one girl today! He has been so good about it and says hi to most people in both English and Chinese. Our big boy was outside the shoe shop today and received 6 requests for pictures in the span of about 10 minutes. Such an interesting experience!

I realized today that Christmas is in a week. There are Christmas decorations up everywhere and look like throwbacks from the 60's but we were told that they love the decorations and the idea of Santa but not the real meaning of Christmas. It makes me very sad. These are the small things that truly make me long for our home. Things may not be easier for a while and we anticipate a long road ahead for Cav but we at least have the freedom to live our lives in peace.
Gotta love the lady in the Christmas getup getting her pictures done on the island!