The view from home

As mentioned in the previous post, we are on Shamian Island at the White Swan hotel.  Our room is facing the city and the photo is out our window on the 11th floor... cool green roof eh?

You can see the great architecture in the neighborhood.

The streets are mostly walking, no more playing frogger like in Taiyuan.  It is quiet, I have yet to hear a horn honk!

We got up this morn and went to our included breakfast, which was pretty good... a big buffet with everything from eggs to order (yum :(  )  to steamed chinese buns with bean paste, I had a big breakfast... one highlight was proscuito ham.

Our side of the hotel faces the city, and the other side is right on the Pearl river which is bustling with barge / ship activity.  In the distance you can see the giant cranes of the port.  It is fascinating to watch all the ships and ferries go by.  So much so that I have been requesting to move to a river view room... the front desk says none are avail, and if so they are an additional 100 rmb per night... (about 15 dollars).  I am hopeful they will move us, the city view is charming; but, the river view is just cool.

Anyway, following breakfast, we met with all the other 24 families to go for visa photos and the required Dr. visit.

Families have such a range of children, ages and special needs.  One family we are friends with has an albino baby... she is just precious.  Anna gave them a sun shade blanket we brought, and they were very appreciative.  Another family has a baby with a major cleft, cute as could be... but a couple of tough surgeries in front of that little one.

It was very nice to see everyone, and here their stories.  One really friendly couple are having the same bonding trouble that we are, so it was especially nice to talk with them and confide in one another.  We went out to dinner with them this evening... their little girl is 3, beautiful, used to have a cleft and has her some of her fingers fused together on one hand.  She only comes to him, like Elsie only comes to me.  They are  a great couple, traveling with 3 biological children, and are from NW Arkansas... Neighbors!