Saturday,
October 11, 2008
OFF TO GUANGZHOU
Today, which also happens to
be daddy’s birthday, we are off to Guangzhou. The day began
early as we were to meet Sherry in the lobby at 6am.to go to the
airport. The early rise did not seem to bother Anna Claire. She
did not wake up fussy and as soon as the cheerios come out
nothing else seems to mater. Our flight was to leave at 8:30am.
When we arrived at the airport Sherry got all of our group and
luggage checked in and then pointed us to the Starbucks kiosk
before going to security. Have I mentioned our Starbucks
addiction and how much we have missed it? This is a tea culture
and it is hard to find a cappuccino.
The security checkpoint was very efficient and took very little
time, unlike in the states. The part of the airport where our
gate was located was very nice and bright, with high end shops.
Anna Claire enjoyed riding around in a buggy looking at
everything until our time to board for her first plane ride. The
flight to Guangzhou is around 2 hrs. 40mins. And we were
concerned how she might handle this but she did great. She ate a
little bit of her breakfast, played with her toys, got a little
fussy at one point and then fell asleep. She didn’t seem to have
any ear pressure problems so this was another hurdle crossed.
The airport in Guangzhou was very nice, much like the one in
Beijing. They both were very contemporary in style, futuristic
in architecture.
We were met after picking up our luggage by Amy, our local
guide. When all the other families arrived we were taken to our
bus and a 40min. bus ride to the hotel. Our new home for the
next 5 days is The China Hotel, a Marriot property. This hotel
is at least 4 times larger than our Beijing hotel and the rooms
much nicer. Unlike Beijing, the air actually works in the rooms
here. The room is larger and there 6 down pillows on a true king
size bed. The bathroom is marble with a large walk-in shower
area containing a large rains-shower head. VERY NICE!
Once we settled into our room we had lunch in the main grill and
then went out for some walking. We ran into our new friends ,The
Crawfords, upon returning. They had found a pastry shop not far
from the hotel and had Mark a birthday cake made. These guys are
great. The cake was covered in local fruit as mark has developed
a fondness for the local grapes and dragonfruit. We found the
Starbucks in the hotel and they helped us with plates and forks,
ordered some coffee and everyone dug in. What a great birthday
present so far from home. I hope the picture of the cake does it
justice.
We are glad to be in Guangzhou for a change of scenery. The
weather here is much warmer and I think this will help Anna
Claire. Each day she seems a little more happy and content. She
has been with us now just over one week and she seems to be
settling in. Thank you again for all of your thoughts and
prayers.
Mark, Christy and Anna Claire |
Anna gets her hair washed
Anna crinkles her nose
Daddy's birthday cake
Mama and Anna Claire in lobby China Hotel |
