Our first full day in Guangzhou started early!  Mom (Ann or Gran) and I could not stay up  more than 7:30 p.m. last night so that means that we were awake by 4:00 a.m.  The beds are SO HARD that we had to try all kinds of things to get comfortable.  Once up and about, we Skyped with Art, Lisa and the boys (my brother and his family) and enjoyed talking and visiting with them.

It is during the call that I realized how bad my math must be!  We are 14 hours different on Central time, not 12 hours that I thought.  Oh well, that just makes it more difficult to determine the time back home.  It was a rather humorous discussion trying to figure that out!  Let's just say math is not my strong suit!  LOL  I set my iPhone to display both times so now I can remember.

Mom and I went down for the White Swan breakfast buffet.  WOW was it good.  I had eggs, ham, bacon, etc.  But I tried rice noodles (just okay), and fried milk (pretty good).  Had some fruit and a muffin too.  We were stuffed after breakfast and I fell asleep back in the room for 2 hours.

Then we decided to explore the island more.  We found lots of the "famous" places to shop - Jordan's, Andy's, Jenny's, etc.  We bought some fun items in Jenny's place.  She is a Christian and I really enjoyed visiting with her.  Her mother lives in Maggie's city  of Huazhou and taught me about the items that her city is known for.  We got some beautiful Cloisonné ornaments and a few small items for Maggie's family days in the future.  Kris (friend from Orlando),  I also purchased the 3 pj's that  you wanted!

We took Sharon's advice (friend from Orlando) and found the Chinese Medicine shop and got foot massages!  OK, they do not just massage your feet but your whole body!  OH MY GOODNESS it was awesome.  70 minutes of Chinese torture that felt awesome.  It was just heaven and only costs $11 each.  I might do this every day!

Then we ventured, rather slowly, due to the wobbly legs, to Lucy's to eat lunch.  I had a Chicken Quesadilla and mom had fish and chips with fries.  They all were really good.  One hard thing for me so far is to find a diet coke!  The 7-11 did not have Coca-cola Light and Lucy's didn't have any.  I finally located some at the Deli Shop next to the hotel.  HEAVEN!

Mom went back to the hotel and I walked around some more.  I found the Christian church where they have an English speaking service tomorrow at 11:00.  Mom and I are going to attend in the morning.  I can't wait.  When I located the church, they were having a wedding inside.  I stood outside and watched a little, it was very pretty.

It is amazing all the brides we have seen on the island.  They were all over yesterday getting their pictures made.  Some of the dresses are just beautiful and some were interesting but all the brides were beautiful.

One disappointment is that the island is under major construction.  Just about every building is covered up with scaffolding and getting a face lift.  It is very dusty and noisy and not pretty at all.  You can't see any of the buildings.  The parks are still awesome and we have spent some time just strolling around those.  I found the park that Maggie will love to play in and we will frequent there.

I was given my Going Home Barbie today.  It is so precious.  I will attach a picture below.  Some other pictures of our adventures are also below. 

Two more sleeps until I get Maggie!  I am getting so excited now and am loving to see all the adopted children in the hotel.  Please keep praying and thank you for all the encouragement in emails.  I promise, mom and I are reading every one it is just hard to reply back to each one.  Love to all,

Tricia

Tricia in LAX before our flight to Guangzhou

  Mom on the computer in China
   Our bathroom with bottled water for brushing teeth - notice the green duck tape on the faucet so we don't use it.  (Yes Starling, I found Lime Green duck tape)


  Maggie's crib! Food area  View from the room.  The Pearl River Going Home Barbie  Tricia's Massage Girl

  Mom's Massage Girl