China trip - Day 3

Happy Easter to everyone!

Our days started out early again.  I set the alarm for 4:30am, as we had to be downstairs to check out at 5:30am.  Unfortunately, my body clock went off at 1:30.  I laid awake until 3:00, then gave up and started getting ready.  Jet lag is not my friend.  

We were provided "box breakfasts" by the hotel during the ride to the airport.  Something similar to ham and cheese sandwich (not quite - yick), a banana, and a lettuce salad.  The bananas were the only real edible portion (not allowed to eat uncooked vegetables).  Following the pattern established on our last fight, there were mechanical issues with the plane which caused a delay.  But truly there was no hurry, as we have no appointments today.  I was able to sleep for about two hours on the plane, which was a welcome rejuvenation for my body!  As we descended through the heavy clouds, a lush and beautiful landscape appeared.  The ride to the hotel allowed us to see much of Nanning.  It is tropical, with lush green plants and trees everywhere.  Now we understand why they refer to Guangxi as the most beautiful province.  Wow.  

After a late lunch, we wandered around near the hotel.  We shopped at a local supermarket and found some interesting items for sale.  Dried squid, live frogs in mesh bags, vacuum sealed chicken feet to go, etc.  Even items that seem "normal" are quite different.  Take potato chips for example.  Did you know that Lays makes Mexican Tomato Chicken flavor, Cheese Lobster, Seaweed, Lemon Tea, and Shrimp flavored chips?  Yup.  We found the Mexican Tomato Chicken is actually pretty tasty!  However, we left the others safely stocked on the shelves.  :)  

Numb and spicy hot pot flavor - seriously!

Dried squid - the smell was ...

Live flogs - ready for frying

Fresh chicken feet

The clothes styles have changed since we were here last.  We expected the more conservative dress, but that has been replaced by short shorts, black hose, and high heels for the younger crowd.  Oh, and high heel patent leather tennis shoes in various wild colors are common.  Quite interesting.  I'm not one to keep up with the latest fashion scene, but I'm thinking this may be a China specific trend.  Hmmm.

Lainie's fan club is out in force in Nanning.  Everyone is fascinated with this little western girl with the blonde hair.  People at the airport were bringing their little kids over to her to say hello and wave.  As we stopped in traffic coming from the airport, people on bus next to us pushed each other and pointing Lainie out.  We were crossing the street today, while trying to avoid being mowed over by the traffic.  One guy actually pulled his bike over and stopped to look at her.  Afterwards, instead of riding his bike, he just walked it along the edge of the road so he could continue to stare at her over his shoulder.   Another guy came up to her in the store, stood in front of her, and said "Hello!" as he gave the biggest smile ever.  Lainie's not quite sure to think of all this attention.  She tends to keep her hand attached to either Jad or myself.  

Jaci and Kailee seem to enjoy seeing China.  Nanning is much less westernized, so they are getting a true cultural view here.  They aren't sure what to do when people talk to them in Chinese.  They usually ignore them, then giggle about it a few minutes later.  I'm certainly glad to have them on the trip, as they are big enough to help drag luggage.  :)  We teased them about needing to use squatty potties (pretty much holes in the ground instead of western toilets).  So far, there has always been a western toilet option.  But stayed tuned for a fun-filled post when a squat pot is the only option.  LOL

Like Beijing, blogs and Facebook are blocked here in Nanning.  I'll try to load up some pictures on a future post.  Hopefully that effort will be successful.

Tomorrow is GOTCHA day!  Please be in prayer for Mei and also for us, as we begin our journey into a forever family.

Love to all -