Today we started the day by going to the US Consulate to apply for Abbi's American Visa. I obtained her Chinese passport just before leaving Nanchang. A Chinese passport and US Visa is needed for Abbi to enter the US, however, once Abbi does enter the US she is automatically a US citizen. At the US Consulate I participated in an oath taking ceremony where I promised the information I had provided was correct and that Abbi was my daughter. What a good feeling to finally be able to say Abigail is my daughter. Next, we went back to the hotel to drop off all important documents and to take a photo of all the families
from American World on this trip. After we finished our picture taking session, off we went for more shopping. This time on Shamain Island where there are many shops carrying basically the same cheap Chinese souvenirs. It reminded me of the stores off highway 17 at Myrtle Beach, except here they were selling Chinese souvenirs instead of beach souvenirs and here you can haggle over the price. The White Swan Hotel on Sharmain Island, which is well known for being where adoption families stay while in Guangzhou, has stopped allowing adoption groups to stay there.
The White Swan is now catering to the rich. Reportedly this and the fact that adoptions have decreased, is causing these shops to struggle. After shopping, I left Mom and Dad with Abbi while she took a nap and I went with my guide Amy back to the US Consulate to sign a paper they forgot to have me sign while I was there this AM. Just my luck if something goes wrong, I am in the middle of it, however, this was an easy fix and I enjoyed spending some extra time with Amy. We traveled in her personal vehicle and I noticed a car seat. I asked her how many people in China have car seats and she stated she is the only one. In China, they believe an adult can safely hold a baby should they stop fast. Throughout China due to the large population most people live in high-rises, but I learned from Amy that houses can be bought in smaller cities, however, houses cost more here than in America and after seventy years the property ownership reverts back to the government. This is our last full day in Guangzhou. I am going to miss all of my new friends. |
