A Visit to the Countryside and First Trip in Airplane to Guangzhou

We visited a small village (population is ~210) in the countryside during our last day in Nanchang. The village is similar to the one where Olivia was born. The peasants who live in the village are very poor but seem to be very happy. There is no electricity or running water. They collect their water from a community well for washing and drinking. For food, the peasants raise their own livestock and grow their own vegetables. Here are some pictures from our visit.




Olivia took her first airplane trip today, October 31st, to Guangzhou which is located on an island in southern China near Hong Kong. It seemed to not bother her one bit but Laura and I are still not looking forward to the 15 hour flight back home.

It is very nice where we are staying and much different than Beijing or Nanchang. The temperature is similar to southern Florida with temperatures in the 90’s. It is also much more quiet here with parks where Laura and I and take Olivia for some bonding time. Even though the Chinese do not celebrate Halloween we still wanted to do a little something with Olivia. Attached is a picture of her at the airport….check out the skull and cross-bone shoes.

One thing you can bet on while visiting China is the variety of foods you can choose to eat. From vegetarian to all different types of cooked meats. Overall, the local foods have been excellent. The few pictures shown from the buffet are braised turtle, chicken feet, and fish heads. I have tried the turtle which I find to be very good with the exception that they make it too spicy for me. I also ate fried intestines by accident......it did not taste so good. As far as street vendors, we have been warned to stay clear because 99% of the time they only sell cooked dog or cat. I am still on the look out for a street vendor selling insects because I would like to try scorpion on a stick before I leave. On an important note, Olivia is beginning to eat on her own (somewhat). Here is a picture from that experience. Good times.

Xiang Hu Park

Yesterday morning they took us to Xiang Hu Park. Xiang means elephant and Hu is water, the park is named this because it has a lake in the shape of an elephant. Here are some pictures during our walk.

We did did some necessary paperwork today and then took a trip to the local Wal-Mart. It was massive and had three floors to it. We picked up more diapers and food. But we also picked up a stroller which Olivia seems to really like, so does mom because it is giving her arms a much needed break. After the trip to Wal-Mart we did some heavy napping and we all actually went to bed early and got some much needed sleep.

Adoption Day

First, I wanted to let everyone know that Laura and I made the adoption official today (1st Picture). We went to Nanchang's government Affairs Office yesterday to have our adoption interview and pay all of the necessary fees. It felt good to unload all of that cash I have been walking around since we have been in China. Olivia is definately "Mommy's Girl" and is stuck to her like velcro. I am good to have around while I am putting food in her mouth but that is about it right now. The orphanage director who supervises the foster care families told us that she has only been held by women and lived with a family where the foster mom and her grandmother spoiled her rotten. Because she was left by her original mom, now moved away from her foster mom and is now attached to Laura, Olivia stresses out that she will lose her new mom the same way when she is not in the same room or when Laura is not holding her. We have been working on this by having Laura leave the room for short periods of time to allow time for me to bond with her. After the cries wear off she ends up falling asleep on my belly. Olivia has a red birthmark on her left cheek which is common with infants in China. The orphanage director originally thought it was a scratch when they found her abandoned oustside in front of the orphanage. We think it gives her some character.


Mommy's Girl

Day 4 Bonding with Olivia

Tired, Long Day

Mom knows how to make me laugh!

More Nanchung

Olivia came from the countryside located near the very poor agricultural city of Nanchang. They have been hit very hard by the current worldwide economic conditions. Back during the time when China was run by Mao from 1949 to 1976, he recruited all of his warriors from this City.
We are staying in the Jin Jiang Hotel which is very nice and caters to foreigners. I have attached some pictures of the City. Don't miss the post from earlier today when they placed Olivia in our arms!