Gouldey Adoption: Beijing

Sunday morning we had a relaxing morning of breakfast in the hotel. Then we went across the street to a very large bookstore without the help of our guide. It was 6 stories high. Some families in our group were looking for Chinese lullaby CD's and thank you cards. We managed to communicate with a few Chinese words and hand gestures what we were looking for. Afterwards we packed up our belongings and Bruce and I explored the hotel a little bit. The Beijing hotel is very large and very beautiful. There was a wedding reception happening in the grand ballroom.

We met Vanessa, our guide here in Beijing at 2:00, checked out of our hotel and loaded all of our stuff in the van. We then went on a tour of the Forbidden City. It was a hot day but it was very interesting to see the buildings and the intricate details of them.

Several times so far we have become a tourist attraction to the Chinese tourists here. On Sat a group of women wanted to get their picture taken with us. At the Forbidden City a young man asked Vanessa if he could have his picture taken with me. We aren't sure why he singled me out of the crowd but he requested permission to be photographed with me! I guess I must look like a celebrity or something!

We then saw Tian an Men Square which is really just a big concrete square. It was hot and we were ready for some relief from the sun. Our wonderful driver in Beijing always shows up exactly at the second we need him - he is incredible! He took us to the airport so we could fly to our provinces. Bruce and I said our goodbyes to the other 2 couples (who happen to be going to the same province - just different orphanages) and waited for our flight which was delayed for 30 minutes.

Once we got past the delay the flight was really quick - about 1 hr which felt like nothing compared to our last flight! Plus I think I dozed off a little. We arrived at our hotel (which is beautiful - way out of our league! we feel like millionaires staying here!) around 11 pm and got our stuff unpacked and settled in. We got to bed late and Bruce finally slept a good nights sleep but I still didn't sleep very well. Please pray that we start to get settled into this time schedule and can get some sleep so we aren't so worn out. Also pray for our health - Bruce still isn't 100 percent over whatever he had going on and occasionally feels light- headed and nauseous.

Monday morning we meet Zeke! We will post pictures as soon as we can! For now here are some pictures of our last day in Beijing.