Last night, we went to the Flower/Bird Market, though it was raining. Jr stayed in the hotel with Judi just in case so just Dad, me , and Jazmin went . I thought it was very cool, lots and lots of stalls with everything imaginable. There weren't many flowers this time of year, but just a really good look at the not-so-flashy parts of China. Then we went into this upper-scale store right around these tiny little stalls , literally from rags to riches. Did I mention I love the shopping here?? We got some really great deals; Jerry is a great haggler and he and I were getting on the same wavelength of what I wanted to pay. He says I am a "crazy shopper"!
After that, we went to Pizza Hut! Their pizza was wonderful and nowhere near as greasy as the USA's. Their menu also has salad, shrimp, soup, hot cocoa, etc, etc, We had a 9" pizza (6 small pieces), one hot cocoa, one yummy twin berry smoothie (a must try!), soda, and grilled cheesy chicken and rice dish, and a bowl of mushroom soup with chicken all for 184 RMB!
I'm going to run now, we're going to visit the Green Lake Park one last time, then get ready to fly to Guangzhou. I will miss Kunming, but ready to move on. I had a bit of self-pity last night, worried about how much this was affecting Jazmin, that now our ordered lives have been turned upside down; but I realize it could have been much, much worse, so I am very thankful that she is healthy, happy, and full of fire! I keep thinking, I'm 40 and she's only 3 - I can do this!
Consider stepping "outside the box" and adopt a child...it will not only change that child's life, but yours as well.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Money exchanging....and more
Wanted to post this before i forget; the Grand Park will cash up to $300 in American Traveler's checks each day. We went to the bank the second day we were here and it took forever and they charged a 7% fee, so use the hotel, they charge a much smaller fee. In Nanning, the hotel wouldn't do traveler's checks at all, so it really depends on where you are. If you have traveler's checks and the hotel won't do it, then the main Bank of China is also the only bank that will do this. Overall, we've had no big issues with our money; we brought mostly T/Cs.
Went to the Kunming orphanage today. It was very clean, and nice, of course, we saw the best parts. There were a few kids around, and those with moderate to more severe special needs. One girl was very sweet and pretty, about 8 or 9 in the physical therapy room; she waved goodby to me when I waved to her.
Judi led the tour and remembered everywhere she'd been during her week back at the orphanage; she even found the room and the bed where she slept. She seemed subdued though still walked with her typical swagger. Then we went to her finding place. Jazmin asked what it was, so I explained; she was very quiet on the ride back to the hotel, so later I'll have to talk with her privately to see what she's thinking.
Once back at the hotel, Judi let Dadddy pick her up and for the first time, put her arms around him and grabbed onto his shirt. She'll do this briefly and then she's down and off again! Wow, it's an experience keeping up with her; she has no sense of danger or fear; just barrels into everything head first. Jazmin said today she was thinking what it would be like when we get home, if Judi would not mess up her stuff. We'll have to work on that really hard. I've learned the Chinese words for "be quiet", "that's enough", "bathroom", "no", "nap", and more. This trip has certainly improved my Chinese vocabulary! The language barrier has not been as big an issue as I thought; she's gotten the idea of how to show us what she wants, and I'm learning more with my little book and the internet to communicate with her better.
Got her down for a nap fairly quick today; now my thoughts are beginning to turn to the long flight home; how on earth we'll get her to sit still for that long!
Went to the Kunming orphanage today. It was very clean, and nice, of course, we saw the best parts. There were a few kids around, and those with moderate to more severe special needs. One girl was very sweet and pretty, about 8 or 9 in the physical therapy room; she waved goodby to me when I waved to her.
Judi led the tour and remembered everywhere she'd been during her week back at the orphanage; she even found the room and the bed where she slept. She seemed subdued though still walked with her typical swagger. Then we went to her finding place. Jazmin asked what it was, so I explained; she was very quiet on the ride back to the hotel, so later I'll have to talk with her privately to see what she's thinking.
Once back at the hotel, Judi let Dadddy pick her up and for the first time, put her arms around him and grabbed onto his shirt. She'll do this briefly and then she's down and off again! Wow, it's an experience keeping up with her; she has no sense of danger or fear; just barrels into everything head first. Jazmin said today she was thinking what it would be like when we get home, if Judi would not mess up her stuff. We'll have to work on that really hard. I've learned the Chinese words for "be quiet", "that's enough", "bathroom", "no", "nap", and more. This trip has certainly improved my Chinese vocabulary! The language barrier has not been as big an issue as I thought; she's gotten the idea of how to show us what she wants, and I'm learning more with my little book and the internet to communicate with her better.
Got her down for a nap fairly quick today; now my thoughts are beginning to turn to the long flight home; how on earth we'll get her to sit still for that long!
Another day gone by...
I had to look at my last post to remember what we did yesterday! The days tend to blend into one another and are going by so slowly, I feel as if we've been here forever. I'm glad, because this is a beautiful city and I just love to watch the people. There are not so good parts of course, but it's all part of the experience. Today we did the Kunming zoo, and to be honest, it was no great shakes. There were some little amusement rides we let the girls do a bit, but that was it. It kind of made me a little sad, because the animals don't have the elaborate enclosures we have in the US for our animals.
After the zoo, we headed back to the hotel and just had lunch and nap again. Then Jr and I took the girls to just sit on the street by the hotel and blow bubbles. That was a big hit; I even remembered the word for bubbles from when I first heard it in 2004; it's pronounced "pa-pow"; have no idea how to spell it.
Back to the Bluebird for dinner, another 210 RMB (the cheese pizza's kind of high, 68 RMB for a little 6-slicer, but good for 2 or 3 kids, maybe not older ones with big appetites though! Fish and chips,hamburger, fries, chef's salad are all good, and I absolutely have to recommend the fruit salad; they drizzle it with chocolate and peanuts so it tastes almost like a banana split without the ice cream; yum, yum!
Sent out our laundry today too; it's going to cost 400RMB; ouch! But we have a lot just because of all the girls' clothes; Jerry said the hotel would have been $100!
Judi continues to be a challenge, not so much in any bad respect; she's just so full of energy and adventure, it's hard to keep her still! We have to really work to get her to sit at a restaurant table for any length of time, and occasionally we'll but heads over something she wants, but so far, with persistence, it's coming slowly. She is such a happy kid and up for anything, so that makes it a little easier.
One thing I absolutely recommend is the Dynamic Yunnan show; an incredible display of minority tradition, dance, and song; don't I sound like a commercial? But it was just incredible; if you do nothing else in Kunming, do this; it's worth every panny. Seats are 400, 300,or 160 RMB; we chose the 300. I think the 160 would have been just fine, too, but we had great seats. The show is loud, so if you have little kids, cover their ears, and make sure they go potty BEFORE the show! For me, there was an added bonus; Judi of course got extra tired and by the end of the show, she was finally holding me in return and laying her head on my shoulder; I felt this was very good progress; I think she's still not totally trusting us quite yet. Then before bed, when we all asked, she willingly gave us all goodnight kisses! So sweet! Tonight was probably the first time I didn't feel like I was just "babysitting"; that she was really ours and we were hers. I've taken the advice of others before me and just do what Moms do; I know the deep feelings of love and trust will come in time on both sides.
Tomorrow we go to the orphanage; I'm a little worried how this will affect Judi; will see how it plays out.
It's late now, so good night!
After the zoo, we headed back to the hotel and just had lunch and nap again. Then Jr and I took the girls to just sit on the street by the hotel and blow bubbles. That was a big hit; I even remembered the word for bubbles from when I first heard it in 2004; it's pronounced "pa-pow"; have no idea how to spell it.
Back to the Bluebird for dinner, another 210 RMB (the cheese pizza's kind of high, 68 RMB for a little 6-slicer, but good for 2 or 3 kids, maybe not older ones with big appetites though! Fish and chips,hamburger, fries, chef's salad are all good, and I absolutely have to recommend the fruit salad; they drizzle it with chocolate and peanuts so it tastes almost like a banana split without the ice cream; yum, yum!
Sent out our laundry today too; it's going to cost 400RMB; ouch! But we have a lot just because of all the girls' clothes; Jerry said the hotel would have been $100!
Judi continues to be a challenge, not so much in any bad respect; she's just so full of energy and adventure, it's hard to keep her still! We have to really work to get her to sit at a restaurant table for any length of time, and occasionally we'll but heads over something she wants, but so far, with persistence, it's coming slowly. She is such a happy kid and up for anything, so that makes it a little easier.
One thing I absolutely recommend is the Dynamic Yunnan show; an incredible display of minority tradition, dance, and song; don't I sound like a commercial? But it was just incredible; if you do nothing else in Kunming, do this; it's worth every panny. Seats are 400, 300,or 160 RMB; we chose the 300. I think the 160 would have been just fine, too, but we had great seats. The show is loud, so if you have little kids, cover their ears, and make sure they go potty BEFORE the show! For me, there was an added bonus; Judi of course got extra tired and by the end of the show, she was finally holding me in return and laying her head on my shoulder; I felt this was very good progress; I think she's still not totally trusting us quite yet. Then before bed, when we all asked, she willingly gave us all goodnight kisses! So sweet! Tonight was probably the first time I didn't feel like I was just "babysitting"; that she was really ours and we were hers. I've taken the advice of others before me and just do what Moms do; I know the deep feelings of love and trust will come in time on both sides.
Tomorrow we go to the orphanage; I'm a little worried how this will affect Judi; will see how it plays out.
It's late now, so good night!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Good morning!
Forgot to mention we didn't eat lunch yesterday, between all the snacks I bouht at Walmart and the oranges and bananas Jerry brought us, we were set. Got the girls down for a nap, Jaz was zonked when we got back from the village, but Judi takes a while to be convinced she's tired. She finally did take about a 2 hour nap.
We went to the Green Lake park, what a beautiful place! So serene, simple, and uncomplicated. Jerry said since people retire early here, (some as early as 40!) they come to the park, play music, majhong (don't think I spelled that right) and dance. There was music playing and large groups of people just dancing. Interestingly enough, I saw a lady there with a little girl with Down's Syndrome.
For dinner, we went to a restuarant; when we asked Jerry the name, he said "Chinese Restuarant"! Ya think? But it was very nice and had a garden in the middle of it; we ate in a glass solarium area. We had a pork dish, chicken with peanuts, egg rice, bamboo shoots, and a really ornate fruit plate; lots of food for all 5 of us, and only 204RMB. But make sure to tell them not spicy! I bit into something and my throat was on fire! We did a little more shopping and I got a great backpack to tote around water and snacks and such for only 40 RMB. We also got some chopsticks for home.
Got the girls to bed again around 9pm, but as usual Judi took awhile to settle down. Jazmin was upset because she couldn't sleep, but since she has to share a room with Judi, she's got to learn to go to sleep with her in the same room. So I told her to count sheep until she fell asleep, and that worked. Judi finally fell asleep once I got settled in.
Dad's got a cold now, probably from Judi, so he may not go to the zoo this morning. We're going to do laundry today and go to Pizza Hut tonight for a little Western flavor.
Zaijian for now!
Whoops, forgot to mention one little thing........at the restaurant, I took Judi to the bathroom, got back to the table,then of course Jazmin had to go. I took off, not remembering Judi would want to go. Apparently,she tried to follow me, and Jr gently picked her up and brought her back to the table. She was NOT happy, but didn't tantrum, just big crocodile tears. I got back and soothed her; she's still not big on hugs, and she finally warmed back up to Daddy when he let her have a little sip of Sprite (which she loves, so we really have to limit!). So she's just learning how far she can go with us; we figure we can't let her run completely wild; she really needs to mind because of the traffic and amount of people here. I have to laugh at Jazzy's experiences with the squattie potties! She will NOT do poo-poo and waits to get back to the hotel; Judi is a pro of course. I make it a point to go before we go somewhere; just can't get down that far very easily!
We went to the Green Lake park, what a beautiful place! So serene, simple, and uncomplicated. Jerry said since people retire early here, (some as early as 40!) they come to the park, play music, majhong (don't think I spelled that right) and dance. There was music playing and large groups of people just dancing. Interestingly enough, I saw a lady there with a little girl with Down's Syndrome.
For dinner, we went to a restuarant; when we asked Jerry the name, he said "Chinese Restuarant"! Ya think? But it was very nice and had a garden in the middle of it; we ate in a glass solarium area. We had a pork dish, chicken with peanuts, egg rice, bamboo shoots, and a really ornate fruit plate; lots of food for all 5 of us, and only 204RMB. But make sure to tell them not spicy! I bit into something and my throat was on fire! We did a little more shopping and I got a great backpack to tote around water and snacks and such for only 40 RMB. We also got some chopsticks for home.
Got the girls to bed again around 9pm, but as usual Judi took awhile to settle down. Jazmin was upset because she couldn't sleep, but since she has to share a room with Judi, she's got to learn to go to sleep with her in the same room. So I told her to count sheep until she fell asleep, and that worked. Judi finally fell asleep once I got settled in.
Dad's got a cold now, probably from Judi, so he may not go to the zoo this morning. We're going to do laundry today and go to Pizza Hut tonight for a little Western flavor.
Zaijian for now!
Whoops, forgot to mention one little thing........at the restaurant, I took Judi to the bathroom, got back to the table,then of course Jazmin had to go. I took off, not remembering Judi would want to go. Apparently,she tried to follow me, and Jr gently picked her up and brought her back to the table. She was NOT happy, but didn't tantrum, just big crocodile tears. I got back and soothed her; she's still not big on hugs, and she finally warmed back up to Daddy when he let her have a little sip of Sprite (which she loves, so we really have to limit!). So she's just learning how far she can go with us; we figure we can't let her run completely wild; she really needs to mind because of the traffic and amount of people here. I have to laugh at Jazzy's experiences with the squattie potties! She will NOT do poo-poo and waits to get back to the hotel; Judi is a pro of course. I make it a point to go before we go somewhere; just can't get down that far very easily!
Monday, March 2, 2009
New day...
What a wonderful, stupendous day! Last night, we went to CrossingBridge restaurant and had local Yunnan food. A big bowl of soup and add-ins and noodles for only 29 yuan! We got 3 bowls but could have got by with one really; very cheap place to eat! My Dad even ate a fried bumblebee! I wasn't that brave! We went to bed last night around 9pm, and finally got Judi settled. We also did the FIRST BATH! She absolutely loved it! For a girl who apparently has never seen anything modern, she is taking to all of it like she's been around it her whole life with a joy and bounce in her step that I still find amazing! I keep waiting to see if this is the calm before the storm; I can't help but think this is too good to be true.
She slept til about 7am, then we got up, with her not appearing to be feeling well. She coughed a lot last night. We debated about going to the Minority Park or not, but Jerry said if we went to the orphanage doctor we'd be there all day! So we decided to bundle her up in 4 layers of clothes and go. She never coughed once and loved it; she really loves the car rides! She's calling us Ma-Ma and Ba-Ba all the time now, and is also responding to Judi. She never really seemed to respond to anything, even WangRou, so we just dropped it and started with Judi. She is such a firecracker; did I say that before? Jerry is translating some for us, and the things she says are hysterical! We were in the car and wouldn't sit down, so Jr tapped her on the leg. She whirled around and rattled off some Chinese; Jerry said it was "What I doing??". Just too funny! Then we were at the Minority Park and a guy was in a swing going across the lake, again she rattled off; this time it was "If you fall in the lake, I will be happy!" Oh, boy!
The Minority Park was awesome and I loved, loved, loved the shopping stalls! Got two gorgeous outfits for the girls; they were originally 200 RMB apiece, but Jerry (the guide) and I got them down to 100 RMB for BOTH! I could have shopped all day, but would have needed an extra plane! I also recommend paying for the little bus, for 200 RMB per group, they take you around, you get off and see what you want, then get back on, and off to the next village. Wonderful and you don't get tired of walking that way! Then we went to a teahouse, which was way cool and very interesting. Jr bought some tea that's supposed to help with weight loss that's been aged 8 years.
Jazmin is experiencing a little jealousy and is making sure that whatever Judi gets, she gets, but she's not being bad about it, she's been so great about helping out. Most of the stuff Judi has let us do is because she saw us do it first with Jazmin. She even knew about brushing her teeth; so whereever Judi has been, I feel she was well taken care of. Her sense of humour for an almost 3-year old is really incredible; she gets it totally when Jr teases her and plays with her.
It's about 4pm here and we're off to Green Lake Park and then to eat again. Will post later with the juicy details!
Pictures!
This morning, after we all slept til 7, we ate breakfast and met Jerry at 9. We went to the Civil Affairs office to do the paperwork, it was crazy! I was concerned Judi would think she would be going back to her Chinese ladies, and she did start to cry a bit at the end, but came to me willingly when it was all done and waved goodbye to them without a tear! We then went to the police station to apply for her passport and then back to the hotel. Lisa, Kunming is a beautiful city! Tremendous architectural masterpieces next to old, dilapidated apartment buildings. Even Jazmin has commented that there are so many "poor" people! Our room is great and plenty of space for the five of us (see my pictures below). The Bluebird Cafe is great; we had lunch there again today and after some explaining, you can do "take out". At 3pm, we are going to the bank, then to Wal-mart and then will eat at the CrossingBridge restaurant. Lisa, I will post how much it runs. At lunch, Jerry brought us a huge bag filled with bananas and oranges, so we have lots to snack on! Also, forgot to mention when Jerry met us at the airport, he gave my Dad and I a dozen roses each! Can't wait to see what a Chinese Wal-Mart looks like! Then tomorrow, we're doing the Minority Village. I still want to get out and just walk around, but am leery because of how Judi runs ahead of us; we've really got to work on that!
We also got Judi's care package back and from the expression on her face, I don't think she ever saw it, but at least we have it now.
The girls are sleeping now, thankfully! They are both bundles of energy, and Judi has to "encouraged" to stop and slow down; she's so funny, though, and all girly girl! Loves the purse and bag we brought and is a pro on the Leapster already! Remember, this child grew up in the countryside and never saw anything like this, but has it figured out already! Her facial expressions and looks she gives Jr just have me in hysterics; she's pegged him as a softie, so he realizes now he can't be the "fun and games" guy all the time. What I think is cool is that even when we tell her no or stop her from doing something, she'll pooch out those rosebud lips, but doesn't melt down, knock on wood! So far, today's been awesome!
This is Judi at breakfast this morning. She loved the buffet and would parade me around pointing at what she wanted. Both girls thought the hotel restuarant's play area was cool. Judi has the coolest laugh! Jazmin wants me to refer to them as my China Cutie Pies, so that's what they are!
On the playground!
We also got Judi's care package back and from the expression on her face, I don't think she ever saw it, but at least we have it now.
The girls are sleeping now, thankfully! They are both bundles of energy, and Judi has to "encouraged" to stop and slow down; she's so funny, though, and all girly girl! Loves the purse and bag we brought and is a pro on the Leapster already! Remember, this child grew up in the countryside and never saw anything like this, but has it figured out already! Her facial expressions and looks she gives Jr just have me in hysterics; she's pegged him as a softie, so he realizes now he can't be the "fun and games" guy all the time. What I think is cool is that even when we tell her no or stop her from doing something, she'll pooch out those rosebud lips, but doesn't melt down, knock on wood! So far, today's been awesome!
This is Judi at breakfast this morning. She loved the buffet and would parade me around pointing at what she wanted. Both girls thought the hotel restuarant's play area was cool. Judi has the coolest laugh! Jazmin wants me to refer to them as my China Cutie Pies, so that's what they are!
On the playground!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Gotcha!
It's 9:30 and do you know what I'm listening to??!! My new daughter laughing at my husband's antics in the bedroom when she's supposed to be sleeping. This is a miracle, guys, because up to now she's been one terrified kid! This was our day: we got to Kunming at about 11:35 am and met Jerry. He told us we would get Judi at 2:30 and that (get this!) they were bringing her to our hotel room! Then we discovered we needed the government fees in 4700 RMB so we had to rush to the bank and then went to eat at the BlueBird Cafe (it's great by the way!). We had a good lunch for about 200 RMB and it's right outside the hotel.
At 2:25 Jr and I looked at each other and couldn't remember if they said to meet in the lobby or they were coming to the room; I was so nervous I couldn't sit still! Finally, a little after 2:30 Dad went downstairs and sure enough here comes a knock on the door. They walked in with Judi; she is absolutely precious! She came in very nervous, remember we were told she knew we were coming and was ready??!! I don't think so! She sat on our couch but wouldn't let me or anyone touch her. She played with the stuff we gave her, but when the first lady left she started crying. She stopped again and kept playing but wouldn't maintain eye contact. Finally, we all came over to the desk and signed some stuff and the last lady and our guide slipped out. Judi didn't notice at first, but THEN she did. What ensued next was the temper tantrum of all eternity! She threw herself at the door, screaming and crying. She was also reaching for the door knob and the thing that locks the door. I stayed next to her, but she tried to slap and kick me away; I said "bu" at this point and she stopped trying to do that, but didn't stop screaming. Finally, about 30 minutes later, she wound down and settled back on the couch. Everything we gave her, she stuffed in that one corner of the couch and put a pillow over it. She's got a cold, too, and is on some kind of Chinese herbal medicine and guess what, amoxicillin!
After a while, she lay down, but suddenly popped up and looked at the window. She crawled up over the couch, laid across it and the window sill (we're on the 12th floor) and screamed for her nanny. I can safely say there appears to be nothing wrong with her intelligence! The things she can do are amazing! She does everything herself, even made up and took her own medicine; but she finally did let me put her water bottle top back on.
We had Dad and Jr go out and bring back food and I got her to eat a little; she kept going back to our couch and laying down. Then about 8pm we had a breakthrough! I got our Jazzy and her's matching pajamas out; it took a while, but she finally chose to change. She came to us in beautiful clothes, but 4 layers! She took all her own clothes off, but let me help put the jammies on (Yeah!!!). THen we laid the girls down in their sleeping bags. I got on the computer and all of a sudden I heard something incredible; she was laughing! She hadn't even smiled up to then! I snuck in and Jr was making her laugh by pretending to snore funny. Then they got into a pillow fight, Jazzy woke up, and now it's 10:30pm and we're all playing! She's still a little leery of me, but that will come; she appears to be a Daddy's girl right now. We're going to try to get these firecrackers to bed cause we're wiped; a long, emotional, up and down day! By the way, Judi's got the cutest little voice!
At 2:25 Jr and I looked at each other and couldn't remember if they said to meet in the lobby or they were coming to the room; I was so nervous I couldn't sit still! Finally, a little after 2:30 Dad went downstairs and sure enough here comes a knock on the door. They walked in with Judi; she is absolutely precious! She came in very nervous, remember we were told she knew we were coming and was ready??!! I don't think so! She sat on our couch but wouldn't let me or anyone touch her. She played with the stuff we gave her, but when the first lady left she started crying. She stopped again and kept playing but wouldn't maintain eye contact. Finally, we all came over to the desk and signed some stuff and the last lady and our guide slipped out. Judi didn't notice at first, but THEN she did. What ensued next was the temper tantrum of all eternity! She threw herself at the door, screaming and crying. She was also reaching for the door knob and the thing that locks the door. I stayed next to her, but she tried to slap and kick me away; I said "bu" at this point and she stopped trying to do that, but didn't stop screaming. Finally, about 30 minutes later, she wound down and settled back on the couch. Everything we gave her, she stuffed in that one corner of the couch and put a pillow over it. She's got a cold, too, and is on some kind of Chinese herbal medicine and guess what, amoxicillin!
After a while, she lay down, but suddenly popped up and looked at the window. She crawled up over the couch, laid across it and the window sill (we're on the 12th floor) and screamed for her nanny. I can safely say there appears to be nothing wrong with her intelligence! The things she can do are amazing! She does everything herself, even made up and took her own medicine; but she finally did let me put her water bottle top back on.
We had Dad and Jr go out and bring back food and I got her to eat a little; she kept going back to our couch and laying down. Then about 8pm we had a breakthrough! I got our Jazzy and her's matching pajamas out; it took a while, but she finally chose to change. She came to us in beautiful clothes, but 4 layers! She took all her own clothes off, but let me help put the jammies on (Yeah!!!). THen we laid the girls down in their sleeping bags. I got on the computer and all of a sudden I heard something incredible; she was laughing! She hadn't even smiled up to then! I snuck in and Jr was making her laugh by pretending to snore funny. Then they got into a pillow fight, Jazzy woke up, and now it's 10:30pm and we're all playing! She's still a little leery of me, but that will come; she appears to be a Daddy's girl right now. We're going to try to get these firecrackers to bed cause we're wiped; a long, emotional, up and down day! By the way, Judi's got the cutest little voice!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)