China Life

As we wait to complete all our official adoption paperwork to bring Elise home, we are keeping busy by exploring the area and meeting up with other adoptive parents. I wonder what Elise thinks of all the change in her life and if she thinks her new home is living in this hotel. While staying in one room gets old for Dave and I, we will miss having eggs, coffee and juice waiting for us in the morning. Elise will miss the endless supply of yogurt, hard-boiled eggs and bananas.

Today, Dave and Elise went down to breakfast before me, our waiter asked Elise where Mama was, she pointed up, as in upstairs, so cute!  I love this waiter, he has been so sweet to us.  He greets Elise enthusiastically every morning, sometimes she is super friendly and sometimes she snubs him, but he never gives up on their friendship.

*****

This weekend we walked back through the market towards the pedestrian street where we shopped for pearls and jade last week.  I had read about a good hot pot restaurant and wanted to try it out. (Nicole if you are reading this, it was your recommendation on RQ!)  Knowing the menu would be in Chinese with no English, I had someone write "chicken" and "noodles" on a pad of paper. When we arrived, it was a little complicated for me to figure out. Fortunately some college students were willing to practice their English with us and ordered all our food. It was our best meal yet.  We have been so fortunate to run into friendly people willing to help us navigate since neither of us knows any Chinese. 

Here's some pictures from our weekend, plus a video of Elise going down the slide in our hotel's playroom. She is so enthusiastic about every experience, she entertains everyone!

We rocked this toy very hard.

Our friend, Emma.

Looking back at the island, as we walk to the market.

The Holiday Inn looming large over the market.

We ordered a whole chicken, they included every part.

Cooking at our table.

A very busy pedestrian area.