20 - Goodbye Taiyuan

7/7 Happy Birthday Kelley! love Mom & Dad
Today is our last day in Taiyuan. We actually slept late this morning :-0 it was wonderful! Barry and Jerome, the local guides, met us at a late breakfast. Jerome made certain we had everything in order and delivered our airline tickets for travel to GZ. Barry verified what I said earlier to the Shanxi group--your tour guide is the one to help you with hotel and airline problems. So, don't panic if you can't get ahold of your agency.

We loaded up with bottle water and snacks and walked to YING ZE PARK which is only two block from the front of our hotel. Oh, yeh, Chinese blocks are marked by intersections. So, a block is very long and has many side street turnins. The park was built in 1954. There are cart rides around the park for 5y, children's area rides are 10-15y each. hmmm, I'm sure they received a city inspection somewhere in their past :-) For example, there is a ferris wheel which never stops! So, be quick as you throw yourself and your kids inside! There is a monorail overhead around the kid area for small cars that seat two. Also in the park is a 4D "ride" like the virtual rides at Six Flags and Disney World. There is a large aquarium with shows, a bird sanctuary, and Big Kids ride area with roller coasters, etc.

The park is full of strolling families. One thing I noticed was the lack of screaming and crying children. Sometimes folks would pass us and say clearly "Hello" or "Good Day" This is usually their invitation for us to talk with them as they really like to practice their English. Most people are very curious why two white people are with two Chinese children. This calm, relaxing park is wrapped around a manmade lake with center island of more kid's play equipment. There are paddle boats, small motor boats and large flat boat rides around the lake. We even rode a "log ride." We drew a large crowd as we were the only whites around until later when we met up with other adopting families.

Kate is a little dare devil. It's pushing Cora to keep up with her and not be left standing while lil' sis rides something wild. However, Kate underestimated the swing ride. When it got going, really going, she was howling! They kindly stopped the ride and she was off and into my arms!

In the children's area, we met three other US families who have received their Shanxi children. One sweet mom received the "Emperor" of his orphanage; he was really pushing his way around with his new mom :-) But I think he's met his match. This is her 5th Chinese adoption and 6th child. The other two families now have cute little daughters. We all agreed that we have had a wonderful time in Taiyuan. We are in agreement that it's a very friendly, slow paced city.

We took a cab back to the hotel; those blocks are too long after walking the park. After a brief rest, we set out for the local art institute/gallery that a Chinese friend told us about earlier this week where I found a 3+ foot long papercutting. Again, we found some more treasures.

Today Gerald decided that we'd order in the hotel restaurant. The staff is great and enjoys talking with Kate. The pianist and violinist provided a wonderful setting for our last night. Kate ate a fish and chips dinner and almost devoured it all. Three large fillets and a mound of fries. She can really put away the food she likes. Oh and Baba had promised her more ice cream. I hope she begins to put on a bit of weight before we get home to windy OK! [note: a year later, Kate told us that she ate ALL food put in front of her because that's what she was told to do before she left her swi. Now we know why she threw up the next morning...]

My experience has been that Chinese like to please you. I mentioned to the hotel store clerk that I was looking for local folk art. We enjoyed talking with one another about our homes and families. Later, while packing in our room, I realized our large punch ball would not deflate for the flight, so decided to give it to the store clerk for her 9yo son. When I returned to the store, she had a famous local artist waiting to show me his paintings! I'm glad that she did.

We skipped swimming tonight so that we could enjoy packing for our 6:30am departure for the airport. Our 8:10am flight will take less than 3 hours. We're a bit concerned about Kate's tummy....we will stock up on spare "clean bags" as the Chinese call the air sickness bags :-)

Yes, you're seeing correctly. The above pic is of Green Pea Ice Cream. yum yum