handsful

Outside our hotel…they say it’s almost Christmas, but we’re not feeling it yet. I’m sure we’ll be warp speed into it once we’re home!

Today we leave Zhengzhou for Guangzhou – our last leg of this adoption trip. Despite being told there is NOTHING to do here in Zhengzhou, we’ve enjoyed our time. Granted, there isn’t much to do, but we made the best of it. For those who will be coming after us…

– The pizza at the Italian restaurant in the Crowne Plaza is YUMMY.
– We forgot suits, but the pool looks wonderful – not sure if any of our families have tried it.
– Walk to the Wal-Mart at night. It’s quite an adventure. Beware of the silent electric scooters, you don’t hear them coming and they’re not looking for you!
– The park down the street is quite nice…a great time for interacting with the locals.
– The noodles at the Holiday Inn Express restaurant next door are good, but full of curry. Spicy!
– When you order food for your baby/toddler, be sure to explain you want SMALL quantities. They’ll send you a huge bowl otherwise.
– We’ve heard that the New Island Coffee House (beside Holiday Inn Express) is good, but smoky inside. And, the waitresses can be a bit pushy about interacting with your child – not in a negative way, but they just don’t understand adoption etiquette.
– Pizza Hut is good…tastes like home. But, they don’t have non-ice drinks to offer you so bring your own.
– If you go to Wal-Mart for some familiar snacks, be careful to check the label. You might accidently buy blueberry flavored potato chips.
– Strollers are expensive, but there is one decent umbrella stroller at the Wal-Mart for around $22.

We have to finish packing, but here are some views of Zhengzhou…

Punch!! This one’s for the kids :)

Gathered around an electronics store, watching TV.

Dance lessons, outside “Times Square”…a nightly routine.

liking the view…

Walk to the park.

This man was calling the birds…we think.

Fishing in the afternoon.

Very friendly man, we attempted to talk to. Thankfully, our lanyard cards explain that we’re in China to adopt this child. It helps some.

He charms everyone.

two-wheeled transportation greatly outnumbers four.

One of our favorites of the hotel staff.

Dylan and our guide, Rita.

Next stop, Guangzhou!