Day 15 The Long Journey Home

Today, we began our journey home. We elected to break it up partly because we wanted to simplify the connections heading home (want to try changing planes in Beijing with a 40 minute connection, a new baby and not enough sleep?) but mostly to make one long long long (but oh so simple) flight through Newark, NJ so that Grandma would have a chance to spend a few hours with her new granddaughter. We took the train back to Hong Kong, which was both more comfortable and faster than flying, once you take into account all the time you waste in airports. Through the train windows, we got to see a little bit of southern China on our way through, and it is obvious that the Chinese people cultivate just about every available acre. Almost all of the workers we saw were doing the labor by hand – including six men we saw carrying a huge concrete block that was part of the railroad construction that is underway.

Sarah had a great time on the train. So far this trip she’s ridden in a car, van, bus, train and plane. If we could work in a bicycle, a boat and a dog sled, we’d just about have them all. She is really a wonder and we are so happy that God has added her to our family.

Jordan and Sarah are really hitting it off as well. Once we got to Hong Kong, we visited “Snoopy’s World” again at New Towne Center … what they call “the busiest mall in the world”. Sarah dropped Daddy’s hand and went over to take Jordan’s as they walked through the park. She does have a way of melting your heart – which simply shows that she’s related to Jordan. In fact, several people have commented on how much they look alike. Weird, huh?

We will certainly miss the friendly Chinese people we have encountered throughout this trip. In every city, people have said hello and stopped to talk with us. Maybe we’ll try to take a little bit of that home with us.

Day 3 Touring Hong Kong

In order to help us get adjusted to the time change so that we can be well rested when we met Sarah, our adoption agency CCAI has us spend a full day in Hong Kong before we (as they say) “go to China”. We started the morning by wandering around a little on our own, including a trip to, yes, Starbucks! (click on any of these pictures to enlarge them)

We took a little time to set up Skype and call home (and so that we can do video conferences after we get Sarah) and to relax a little before going to meet our tour group.

Our CCAI rep Matthew took us on a tour of Hong Kong. It was pretty cool to go on a tour that was not run by a for-profit tour company – we wandered around Hong Kong getting a flavor for the area, not just stopping at all of the tourist traps.

First, we had a Dim Sum lunch. In this, they serve you small helpings of 8 or 10 different noodles and dumplings (most of which we had never even heard of before) around a large table for 10 or 12 people. The real purpose of the lunch in Chinese culture is to gather friends and family members together, so the food is served slowly over time rather than all at once. It was very good, and it was fun to meet the people we’ll be traveling and adopting with this week.

Next we went to Aberdeen city, which is home to a floating city of boat people. Each family has several boats – a house boat, a fishing boat, a small boat to go around the harbor, etc. Some families have lived and died on their boats for 150 years, only coming on to land when absolutely necessary. We took a Sain Pan boat ride around the harbor and through the boat people city. Jordan loved being on a boat, and Lynn and I just sat back and enjoyed the scenery.

Next we went to a jewelry factory, where they showed us how jade and other jewelry are hand-crafted. They also had a very expensive showroom (we passed).

Then we went on to Stanley Market, which is an old housing area where they have set up street stalls and small shops. Over time, it’s become a huge market that winds up and down streets and alleys and is very cramped. We found a few small souvenirs, and had a fun time looking through the crafts and merchandise.

Next, we went to Victoria Peak, at 1300 ft, the highest point on Hong Kong island. We climbed a tower to look out over the city as it was getting dark. It was hazy so we couldn’t see very much, but is was fun all the same.

Finally, it was a ride back through downtown Hong Kong and back to the hotel. Nobody on the bus opted for a night trip into town – we all basically came back to our rooms and crashed out on the bed. Jordan was in bed by 7:00, which of course meant he got up at 4:00 this morning. Hopefully we’re a little better adjusted to the time change, but I think naps will still be crucial this week. We’ll probably get fully adjusted to being here in time to fly back home (grin). Oh,well – it’s well worth it!

Day 1 & 2 Changes in Longitude

We left home Thursday morning for a 24 hour trip which went almost according to schedule. The only trick, is that we arrived in Hong Kong Friday night when our bodies said it should be Friday morning. Despite cramped coach seats, dehydration and airline food we arrived safe and sound.

We took a walk around the cafes in the area last night and saw plenty of fish. Of course there is always McDonalds, 7-11 and Circle K, so I’m sure we’ll find something to eat.

Due to the time difference, Jordan (who slept the most on the plane) woke up at 2 AM and got daddy up to fix the TV and switch it to English. Thankfully I managed to get him back to bed, but even so we were all up at 4 AM (I’m writing this at 5:30 AM). We’re off to tour Hong Kong today and then off to Hunan Province tomorrow afternoon.

We’re all very excited about being in China and being much closer to Sarah – we CAN’T WAIT!!