Today was our last day in Beijing. We were able to see the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. It was an awesome site. The Forbidden City was built for the Emporer of China during the Ming Dynasty from 1407 to 1420. It has over 900 rooms in many many buildings. Walking through from Tiananmen Square on one end to the North Gate took us over 3 hours. (We stopped alot for that Kodak Moment)
Sheila and I had to say goodbye to our new friends at the Hilton. The picture shows Sheila with Jordan, one of the doormen. He was so nice and interesting to talk with. We gave him our email so we can stay in touch when we come home.
This afternoon, we boarded a plane for Nanning, Guangxi. This is the provincial capital where we will meet Maya for the first time on Monday. The boarding of the plane wasn't as bad as we expected. We've heard that people can get very pushy and almost stampede into the plane. It was actually pretty orderly. The plane was full and our lunch wasn't very appetizing. We went all day without eating a real meal. Snacked alot, and made some noodles in our hotel room. The city of Nanning is much different than Beijing. There is a lot of poverty mixed in with new skyscapers and buildings under construction. Our hotel is OK. Nothing like the Hilton in Beijing. Not even close. The lobby is very ornate and the hotel does have a 5 Star rating in China. I guess they never looked in the rooms. They are a bit dated, but should be fine. There are 2 twin beds that feel like the matresses are made of concrete. There is internet access, for less than $1 U.S. per day.
Monday is the big day, and Sheila and I are a little anxious, but super excited. We pray that Maya is healthy and the transition will be somewhat smooth. We are fortunate to have David as our Guide along with Hannah. David is the head of the Travel for our agency. He has tons of knowledge since he has been doing this for years. By tomorrow night (China time, 14 hours ahead of you guys) We should have a new post on the blog with pictures of our new little girl.
Love Tim & Sheila
6 comments:
We had Hannah as a guide when we were there with Izabel!
Girls are having a great time looking at the pictures and hearing your story - They are so excited to see it all unfold! Kada said yesterday that she wishes she was there in China too - (you could have taken her with you?!)
hǎo yùn!
The grabowskis
Thanks again for the frequent updates. As I'm writing this letter, Grandma S. is on the plane and ready for take-off. Will be only hrs before she arrives. I'm very anxious for her to see all the pictures and comments from both of you.
So near, but so far! I bet time is just flying by now. Hope you get a good night sleep and ready for you BIG, BIG DAY.
Marie
Just another step closer to your new life - how exciting! I forgot how long you said you have to stay in China. We are thinking of you a lot and sending lots of prayers and good thoughts your way. Maya's whole life changes tomorrow - Yeah! Laura
Glad to hear that your having so much fun.I miss you both, and you will have so much to talk about when you get home. Love to read the postings. See you soon.
Grandma Joan
Hi guys its Dino! I've been looking at your blog spot for the last couple of days now, pretty awesome experience you must be having. I will keep you in my prayers today at church, and I know that everything will be o.k., one way or another. P.S. Julie is really jealous that you guys got to see the forbidden city.
How exciting! God has a way of planning our lives and I guess my traveling with you wasn't meant to be. My mother broke her hip (her back surgery was only 7 weeks ago)and had a partial hip replacement on Thursday. I'm missing you, but thankful I was here for her. We're thrilled you enjoyed the Hilton and it sounds like you were able to relax a bit and see the sights. We'll be thinking of you tomorrow. Love you, Debbie & Jim
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