Sep 21, 2009 - Day 2: Hong Kong - Guangzhou

This was a day of travelling. With my feet now on Chinese soil, I had my first trip to a good 'ole squat toilet - yes, dark, dirty and smelly - just as I'd remembered them from other countries that use the squat! The bus to Guangzhou drove through some big industrial parts, and areas where construction is taking place in mammoth proportions. ... Then we arrived at the main train station in Guangzhou, only to, yes, you guessed it, queue some more! Even before getting into the train station there was a queue to check passports (Chinese only, us westerners were just let through) and a second queue to check tickets. ... Only then did we get near to the station entrance, where they x-rayed all our baggage, made us drink from our water bottles (to prove it was just water) and punched IDs into palm computers of people who they thought looked dodgy.This was a day of travelling. With my feet now on Chinese soil, I had my first trip to a good 'ole squat toilet - yes, dark, dirty and smelly - just as I'd remembered them from other countries that use the squat! The bus to Guangzhou drove through some big industrial parts, and areas where construction is taking place in mammoth proportions. ... Then we arrived at the main train station in Guangzhou, only to, yes, you guessed it, queue some more! Even before getting into the train station there was a queue to check passports (Chinese only, us westerners were just let through) and a second queue to check tickets. ... Only then did we get near to the station entrance, where they x-rayed all our baggage, made us drink from our water bottles (to prove it was just water) and punched IDs into palm computers of people who they thought looked dodgy....

Aug 13, 2009 - We're home!!!!

We woke up at 5am and checked out of the hotel.We woke up at 5am and checked out of the hotel....

Aug 12, 2009 - US Consulate Appt.

Today Matthew was feeling much better! He's back to his usual self - pushing Dave away, wanting to be my third arm, etc! We woke up early, then had breakfast, went back to the room.Today Matthew was feeling much better! He's back to his usual self - pushing Dave away, wanting to be my third arm, etc! We woke up early, then had breakfast, went back to the room....

Aug 10, 2009 - Sick Day

Today was a wash.Today was a wash....

Aug 10, 2009 - Medical Clearance

Today was a bit better between Matthew and David.Today was a bit better between Matthew and David....

Aug 9, 2009 - Shamien Island=SHOPPING

Last night we had a GREAT dinner! We were going to go to Pizza Hut, but several families were venturing out to an Italian Restaurant about 6 blocks from our hotel.Last night we had a GREAT dinner! We were going to go to Pizza Hut, but several families were venturing out to an Italian Restaurant about 6 blocks from our hotel....

Aug 8, 2009 - Medical Exam

We flew out of Changsha yesterday. It is on the 45th floor that revolves so you have a nice aerial view of Guangzhou. ... We met others in our group - finally! Afterwards, we met back in the lobby because we had to get our kids to the medical exam and visa picture.We flew out of Changsha yesterday. It is on the 45th floor that revolves so you have a nice aerial view of Guangzhou. ... We met others in our group - finally! Afterwards, we met back in the lobby because we had to get our kids to the medical exam and visa picture....

Apr 20, 2009 - What A Nice Car Ride

What i nice car ride back from Wuzhou! It went very quick! then we went to the Guangzhou airport and we ...

Apr 18, 2009 - Guangzhou & The White Swan

We return to the amazing White Swan Hotel in Guangzhou in the pouring rain. ... Thank goodness Guangzhou has a new airport - it is beautiful and nothing like the hanger we landed in in 1997 and 1998! We are scheduled to go on a dinner/river cruise which will take us along the Pearl River. ... Our guide Elvin will stay with us through our visit to Wuzhou and back.We return to the amazing White Swan Hotel in Guangzhou in the pouring rain. ... Thank goodness Guangzhou has a new airport - it is beautiful and nothing like the hanger we landed in in 1997 and 1998! We are scheduled to go on a dinner/river cruise which will take us along the Pearl River. ... Our guide Elvin will stay with us through our visit to Wuzhou and back....

Jul 5, 2008 - Guangzhou

In the morning we were to catch a train for a 2 hour journey to Guangzhou, our frist destination in mainland China. ... We made it to Shamian island, but there didn't seem to be as many restaurants in Guangzhou as HK. ... WE made it to a main street and found somewhere to eat.In the morning we were to catch a train for a 2 hour journey to Guangzhou, our frist destination in mainland China. ... We made it to Shamian island, but there didn't seem to be as many restaurants in Guangzhou as HK. ... WE made it to a main street and found somewhere to eat....

Jun 8, 2008 - Episode 2: Lost in translation

DAy 4: Travellled to Guangzhou. ... nice! DAy 5: Not much to see in the industrial guangzhou, so we decided to move on. ... Booked a hard sleeper train to Guilin.DAy 4: Travellled to Guangzhou. ... nice! DAy 5: Not much to see in the industrial guangzhou, so we decided to move on. ... Booked a hard sleeper train to Guilin....

Apr 16, 2008 - 美麗的中國!!!

Guangzhou hit us like a tonne of bricks. ... basically a long & drawn out game of charades)!! We braved the Guangzhou subway system & we able to find our way around the city relatively easily. ... We ended up staying at a youth hostel on Shamian Island (surrounded by the Pearl River) in the heart of Guangzhou. ... we soon found out that the American embassy is on the island & couples wanting to adopt Chinese children have to live for a couple of months in Guangzhou to prove that they are willing to embrace some of the Child's native culture! Consequently, the island has a Starbucks. ... Apparently, the legend goes that once upon a time five celestial beings in colorful robes, each riding five-coloured goats brought grain to the starving city of Guangzhou. ...