Friday, February 09, 2007

Beijing - revised with pictures

We arrived safe and sound last night in Beijing. Our flight was delayed by about a half hour and so that made it even later. The flight wasn't great and we were thankful it was only 2.5 hours long. Samara was over tired and was fighting sleep. She cried for probably about half of the flight and then finally gave in and fell fast asleep - what a relief. We're really not looking forward to the 13.5 hour flight home to Toronto.

We checked into the hotel just after midnight and then still had to wait for our luggage. We were all asleep as soon as our heads hit the pillow (or the matress in Samara's case) and we even slept in a little. We made it down to the restaurant for breakfast with just enough time to eat before they put everything away.

We have also realized that we were really spoiled in Guangzhou. The rooms there were huge - they're maybe half the size here in Beijing. The bathroom in our Guangzhou room was probably bigger than our whole Beijing room (maybe a bit of an exageration - but not much). The weather was way warmer there - hot really - and it's quite cold and windy here (although not as cold as Canada I hear). It doesn't help that at this point we've had enough. We're tired of living out of suitcases and we're feeling really cramped in this small room. (I'll stop the pity party now). It's been really great to experience the chinese culture and see so many things here but we are so ready to go home. Only five more sleeps!

It's about 1:30 now, Samara's sleeping and we have a little more paperwork to do at 2:30. Then we're off to check out the silk market with a few of the families that are here with us.

Blogger is now letting me upload pictures so here they are:









Here are a few from this morning. We discovered the panda toy in the Beijing suitcase and Samara loves it! Thanks Aunt Deese.









9 comments:

Calico Sky said...

I bet Samara's siblings are getting more and more and more excited! Not long now.

The Robertsons said...

I can so relate to your comments about the smaller room. Really, that hotel is not the best to accomodate adoptive families (and all their luggage) and the restaurant doesn;t have many high chairs (okay so that's my pity party). I can also relate to being ready to come home by that point- keep smiling guys because that feeling will get stronger as the days progress. But hey, you'll soon be on that plane home. The days in Beijing are fun though- the shopping is great and the tours and you have free time to wander and explore on your own. If you have any questions for us, please let me know.

Kathryn

Anonymous said...

Karen her sweater you made is adorable!!!Wow every day she smiles more and more..I think she knows she will be soon home with her her new Big Sister and Big Brother,and they are counting the days for sure!!!So enjoy the silk shopping today!
Hugs & Kisses xoxo
"The Home Team"

Anonymous said...

YOU KNIT THAT!!! I knew you sewed but you KNIT TOO??? All I've been making all this time are scarves, scarves, and more scarves. It's time we hung out a bit more, eh? I need some lessons :)
cw
ps. good job on the sweater :)

M and M said...

Great Pictures!! Yup it is cold here!! However, you might just have missed the worst of the coldness!

Enjoy Beijing.

Jill and Jaap said...

5 more days till you are home! Can't wait to see updates with your children and how happy everyone here will be to see you guys!

Anonymous said...

Dearest Karen and Mike and Samara (of course Corrie too)!
Carla and Glen were here for lunch and shared with me how to e-mail you on the blog. What do I know. With so much excitement reading of your experiences, our thoughts and prayers have been with you since you left. Since I didn't know what a baby bjorn was, you didn't expect me to know how to reply to a blog did you? Can't wait to see you back safely in Hamilton. Enjoy the last few days. I know there are two precious little ones waiting here to see you. Love t & j.

t~ said...

Her smile is delightful!

my3 kids said...

Hi Karen,

A friend sent me the link to your blog as she was amazed how much little Samara looks like our daughter. Our little one is 2 now but what a resemblence the 2 girls have.....wow!!Maybe once your home we can share a couple pictures. Our Emma is from the same province but different SWI. Anyway Samara is soooo cute! Enjoy your last few days and hope your thoat is better soon.

Janice