Totally Senseless China Thoughts & Stuff

• In 16 days we could count on one hand the number of pregnant women we saw.
• Getting around Shamian Island is a snap. Walking is easy and you won't get lost.
  
• You will need a taxi to get to the Pearl Market. Short ride. Cost about 10-12 Yuan or a buck fifty American. The ride is fun :)
  
• When at a restaurant. Put a few of the small paper napkins in your pocket or purse to use for toilet paper when out and about.
• Your agency guides will tell you who, when and how much to tip. Listen to them.
• Vehicles have the right of way in China. REMEMBER that.
• The Chinese people are extremely friendly. Show respect. If you learn to say anything in Chinese. Learn to properly say Thank You.
• When giving or receiving paperwork, a bill, a business card, cash, etc. Use two hands.
• Yes. You will be stared at. Smile. Nod slightly.
  
• Parents encourage their children to try out their English on you. You can see the pride in the parent's eyes.
• Pack light. Unless you are in rural China. They have it. They sell it.
• The contrast between privilege and poverty is striking. Much like where we live. Just on a much larger scale.
• For all the traffic madness. Take notice of how few dents and scrapes you see on the cars and buses. Amazing.
• Make friends within your travel group and ask to share their photos. You'll be glad you did.
• Pack a SMALL Tupperware container to take food back to your room for the little one.
• Going through airport security is a major hassle. Don't get upset about it. It is what it is.
• ALWAYS have bottled water with you. And DRINK it.
• I took 3 shirts. 3 pairs of shorts. 1 pair of shoes. Everyone in your Travel Group understands.
  
• Be on time for Group activities. It is a major pain waiting with your little one when ready to go.
• Take the time to tell your spouse you love him or her each day of the trip.
• If you haven't ordered new uncirculated money from the Federal Reserve through your bank. Do it now and remember to order small bills as well. 1's, 10's and 20's. Don't ask your bank to do this. Politely but firmly tell them to do it. They can have the money in 3-5 days max.
• Yes your baby is going to cry. Yes others will hear it. Yes you will handle it.
• Your trip to China is not a vacation. You understand this. Family and friends may not.
• Buy stock in the makers of cheerios.
• Alyzabeth's city has a population the same size of all of California. Yes, you read that correctly.
• You are representing America. Remember how we say we wished sports figures were better role models? Well this is your chance to walk the talk.
• When standing in a line. Don't lag behind the person in front of you.
• Your agency guide is your lifeline. Don't abuse or take them for granted.
• Only 2 families in our large Travel Group visited their orphanage. We chose not to visit.
• Cars and buses are constantly blowing their horns. Day and night.
• Many of the city plazas have HUGE LARGE SCREEN TV's and music blares from everywhere.
• Witness the Chinese culture without comparing.
• At least sample the variety of different foods.
  
• Our hotel rooms were more than adequate.
• If you enjoy wine. Prepare to drink Great Wall. The local beer was quite good.
• OK, I admit to not sampling the Ostrich Tongue at breakfast.
• The beds are firm but not so we couldn't sleep.
• The beauty of the Chinese people will take your breath away more than once.
• Hotel staff for the most part understand and speak limited to fluent English.
• Take a baby carrier to hold and support your little one while walking. It is THE bonding tool.
• Take yogurts from the hotel breakfast back to your room. It will most likely have a small refrigerator. If you have a toddler. Don't forget the straws.
• Back to the wine drinkers. We found "foreign" wine but it is not prevalent.
• If the baby sleeps. You're missing a BIG chance to do the same.
• If it's raining. Check with your hotel. Most offer the use of a free umbrella.
• I wish we were younger and qualified to start the paperwork for a second child from China.
• If you're not suffering from Jet Lag on your return home. Then you really didn't go to China :)
• We saw dogs. Only 1 cat.
  
• Buy a baby room monitor (day/night video) off Craigslist. Save some money and sell it when the time comes you no longer need it.
• Pack a baby spoon.
• We never experienced a problem connecting to the Internet or posting to our blog on Blogspot.
• If you do not have SKYPE on your computer. Download it. It's FREE and the best way to see and talk to those at home while in China!
• Red envelopes are available in China should you need them. Ask your guides.
  
• Each of our hotel rooms was set up for us to plug in our electrical devices without the need for a converter.
• You see cars and buses everywhere but not gas stations.
• We'll never forget our Group singing Happy Birthday to Alyzabeth.
  
• Coffee was served warm but never hot.
• Expect smoking wherever you are eating and staying.
• Walking The Great Wall is NOT EASY! The uneven steps are killers.
  
• Most of the hotels have Business Centers if you need to copy anything.
  
• The basements of department stores were usually grocery stores. Baby stuff was located on the 5th or 6th floors.
• Check your strollers at the plane gate.
• We celebrated a "Happy Hour" each day at the same time in a common area with other families. We all looked forward to the down time together.
• Red Couch Photos are indeed great. Just not mandatory. Some little ones do not need the added stress. You make the call.
  
• The street hawkers were persistent but easily enough to rebuff.
• Fog is often smog.
• Guard the bottle you get from the orphanage with your life!
• Order chops, etchings, drawings, etc., as soon as possible in Guangzhou. It takes a full day for the items to be made before pickup. You pay upfront. Save your receipt.
• Journal daily. Record each day briefly describing what you did along with your thoughts and observations. This will be a gift to yourself for years to come.
  

I've bored you enough.
Suffice it to say that the experiences are immeasurable. While photos and video have captured our time there together. The real memory of our journey wakes up each morning with a smile and her arms out stretched.
This will truly be a trip of a lifetime for you. Savor it. Immerse yourself in it. Expect the unexpected and be open to all that is new and different. You will become the cultural tie for your son and daughter with your experiences.
Embrace and Enjoy so to later share those treasured experiences with them...
peace
fm

Playing ball with Nana :)