Happenings Update

Yesterday we made it to the jade and pearl markets.  Aron told us that much of the jade for sale is fake but looks very real.  There was one store in particular that she likes because of the owner's history in the jade market and the store's certification level.  It was a lot of fun looking through the different grades of jade and figuring out which look I liked best.  Watching Aron negotiate the best price for us was a highlight too.  She is so kind and fun but I'm sure glad she is on my side!  The masses of people continue to leave an impression on us.  The landscape is one apartment building after another.  We look out our hotel window and see cranes everywhere building higher and higher.  The population in the immediate city of Guangzhou is over 10.3 million and it is only China's third largest city.  To compare, Philadelphia's city population is 1.54 million.  As is our custom, Matt got an ice cream treat for enduring shopping.  Anna seemed herself again (as far as we could tell) and Matt was much, much better so we opted to go on the dinner cruise.  There were two other adoptive families on the cruise that we were familiar with and had a great time talking with them.  The one family is currently living in Shanghai and the other is from Texas.  The Texas family adopted a now 14 year old boy who is deaf and mute.  They were in a race to finish the paperwork and complete the provincial side of his adoption before he turned 14 because in China after age 14 a child is ineligible to be adopted.  This boy was such joy and his family so amazing that we couldn't stop watching them.  They were ordinary people but truly living an extraordinary life.  Oh yeah, seeing the lights of the city was neat too :).  

Today we had our Consulate Appointment and completed the final step in obtaining Anna's visa to enter the US.  Aron treated us to dinner at the Guangzhou Restaurant and it was by far the best food we have had since we have been here!  She is originally from Inner Mongolia and therefore has a taste for food that is very similar to ours.  BIG relief since she was treating and therefore ordering.  In China food is ordered and served family style.  It is considered cold and rude if you order your own platter.  The most "interesting" dish she told us about was Tiger and Dragon Fight.  Use your imagination and ask us later if you are right.  It was equally wonderful to have an extended period of time to talk with her.  

Tomorrow we are picking up some last minute souvenirs and packing for HOME!!!  Friday is almost here!!!!!