First Day in Guangzhou (Gwon-jo) :)

After meeting our guide Sunday morning, she took us to our driver.  We'll have the same guide and driver for the duration of our stay.  Took us to our hotel...and WOW!! This hotel is absolutely amazing.  When we first started our adoption process, I couldn't wait to stay in the legendary White Swan Hotel.  This is a hotel where most adopting families stay during their time in Guangzhou,  however, it is under a major renovation so that was not an option for us.  Our agency booked our stay here at The Garden, and I have no complaints.  It's a 5 star hotel, and their service is impeccable.  After Lily brought us to our room, I immediately needed a nap.  I stayed while Lily and Bo took a quick stroll to Starbucks (right across the street from our hotel).  I woke up at 8:30 am, and I honestly felt like I had slept all day.  I was up and ready to go!

Bo and I had lunch at Starbucks, and ordered a coke at McDonalds.  We met Lily in our hotel lobby at 2:00, and took a cab to Walmart.  This was an adventure! Our guide is so sweet, but there is a bit of a language barrier.  I told her a few of the things we were needing while still waiting for our luggage to arrive.  I asked her where I could find mousse, gel.....any type of product for my hair (I was using lots of hand gestures while telling her what I was looking for).  My hair is naturally curly, and the humidity here is brutal.  She took me to the shower cap section!!!! I also told her that we need deodorant, and I was gesturing what that was.  It was hilarious! Finally, I asked her where razors were and this took some time to explain.  I finally found a razor, but it's NOTHING like our razors in the US.  I managed to find a tank top, and some flip flops, etc. to get me by.  I was also asking about little swimmers for Caroline to wear in the pool under her bathing suit.  They don't have those here! So...we're making do with what we have.

When we got back from our shopping trip, Bo and I toured the hotel.  They have a beautiful pool area, and a gorgeous garden.  They also have a gym, so Bo was happy to see that!

We then came back to our hotel room and got settled in.  I went to bed at 5:30pm, knowing Monday was going to be full of excitement!!!!

 

 

 

 

One of the many interesting things we saw in Walmart.

 

 

Our sweet guide, Lily.

 

Caroline's make-shift closet!!