I’m writing in our journal as Kevin and Alexis are taking their afternoon nap! The weather finally broke and sunglasses were in order for today so we are taking advantage of that. There is a really pretty park in the center of town strategically located near Wal-mart where every adopting family goes to! It is like spring and everyone is out walking around, families are with their kids, children are flying their kites and you see the tourist like us taking it all in. The best part is seeing the trees in full bloom which we are hungry for after a long winter. Alexis enjoyed her first major walk in the park and also took in some shopping to pick up a few items we forgot. Since there is no air conditioning the stores get very hot and she was a trooper. However, even the best of shoppers need to take a nap some time!
The afternoons are set aside for lunch and a much needed nap to keep her on schedule so we took a break before heading out to see the Buda temple located near our hotel and walk the street markets. It’s like attending a food festival downtown where all the local merchandise sell food samples, however this is much more unique. It really gave you a flavor of her country and as Americans we definitely stood out in the crowd. Everyone stops to look at Alexis and make sure she is doing OK which takes you off guard at first, but it’s customary with the children being adopted. They were all happy for her and definitely commented about those checks. Even in a different language you know what they are saying just by the way they touch the baby. Don’t worry Danielle; there are plenty of checks for squeezing and lovin’.
This is a short message today, but we continue to enjoy the many messages we have been receiving from family and friends. It really does make our day!
One note for those of you planning to visit a Chinese city, the streets are much busier and crazy than we expected, requiring you to constantly be aware of what’s going on around you. This includes automobiles, bikes and pedestrians. Being a pedestrian gives you no right of way and you must be alert to the cars and bikes whizzing by you. Their driving style makes for an interesting cab ride and one that Kevin has decided that he is better off not watching what they do. New York cab drivers have nothing on these guys!
