Shamian Island and Christmas

Quick Christmas story - Down in the lobby, the hotel has a big Christmas tree set up. They had a Chinese girls choir sing Christmas carols on Christmas Eve. I love to hear the Chinese speak English, or Engrish. Well, they sang Silent Night. These girls, with the biggest smile on their faces, fortunately didn't see me laughing because they sang Swee in Ebony Pee. I laughed all the way to the room.

Below is Shamian Island. This is where we shop and shop and shop. They have everything, good quawity, and good pwice. You wike, I show more. All of the streets look like this. Cross between a park and historic area.

This is the inside of one of the stores. Most of them are packed tight and have very low ceilings. I'm 6'-4", the top of the archways were around 5'-4".

Spencer and Simon had tons of sword fights with 1 dollar wooden swords. Best thing we bought over here. They played for hours.

Yazi is trying on some of the paraphanelia from the trip to Shamian. She pooped big time while there, so some lady laid down her rugs so Chelle could change Yazi. Chelle felt so bad, she bought that outfit that the Yazster is wearing. The hat is another Honey making. Socks, shoes, take your pick, it's all at Shamian, even the Magic UFO and Spencer's silk pants and shirt. He looks quite good. Berry goot qwauwity.

Showing off some more of the goods. We even have a made in China Tshirt with made in the US parents.

She started puckering today. We don't why. She doesn't give sugars or kisses, but she puckers. So don't expect wet sugars Aunt Jo. It ain't gonna happen.

The Tea Room

In conjunction with the museum trip, we also visited a tea shop. When the Chinese have a nice place, they go all out to make sure it crafted very well. The inside of the tea room was beautiful. Thought we might take you on a tour, Spencer is your guide. This is the entrance to the main area from the foyer. The Chinese are very particular about their tea. This ain't your gallon of cold Luzianne sweet tea. This is washed Oolong, Green, Rose, or Jasmine tea leaves served with hot water that is guaranteed to fry your taste buds for a week. The Rose tea was actually quite good, in my opinion.

Spencer is now showing you the fountain to the right of the foyer. Running water always gets me in the mood for tea drinking.

To the left of the foyer are sculptures. Everything is high craftsmanship.

Especially the tea pots. Hand made, it takes three days to make these tea pots. Perfectly sealed without the use of rubber gaskets, the clay lids fit perfectly. The dragon teapot is on the left, the phoenix on the right. Dragon represents male, particularly the emperor, the phoenix represents the female, particularly the princess or queen.

Spencer is demonstrating the proper technique for pouring your tea. The teapots do not spill, leak, or have that run down the side thing that gets all over your counter when you are trying to pour someone something to drink.

Story: The ladies here are enamored by Spencer. I don't think they see very many blond haired blue eyed American boys if they have seen them at all. The lady on the right works at the shop, the one on the left is having tea. They asked if Spencer could come over there with them. They rubbed his face, his hands, his hair and said that he was going to be a superstar. Then, they just held his hands. He was very gentlemenly toward the whole deal. Ladies on the street stare at him. and today, a lady with housekeeping stopped by to deliver something and went gaga over him. Went over to him, rubbed his face, and said handsome boy, handsome boy. I don't know if its good luck for them or what, but he has had an interesting time.

Last post tonight. I'm going to bed cuz it's two in the morning. We will have internet tomorrow. Don't know if we will keep it any more days. I leave you with this picture.

Guangzhou is nice

First pic taken on Saturday (days are running together, I'm not really sure which day is what anymore). We were heading to the clinic and photo shoot for the girls. This was on Shamian Island. That will be important later. We are surrounded by the Po River or whatever it's called, I think it means dirty river. The kind of dirty that you don't live if you jump in.

Sunday was a neat day. We went to the Chen? house then to tea house. Tea house will be in next post. Wealthy family during the ..ang dynasty who had this place built. It is now turned into a folk art museum which has some fantastic art. Spencer and Honey are showing you the entrance into the complex of buildings. Come on in and take a load off.

This was a relief on the side of the main wall to the house. It is extremely detailed. The peak of the roof and the eaves are also intricately designed. Everything is for that matter. Spared no expense.

Honey, you're killing me with the hats. This is a Honey hat. Yazi has officially been honeyed. She wore the Claus hat on this day. Was quite adorable though.

My beautiful wife hanging out, waiting to go inside. We liked the place, ended up getting some neat artwork. By the way, Claus is still hanging out with Michelle.

This is Allie Pannell. I mentioned her in an earlier blog. She wanted to hold Spencer's hand while going to the museum. If she was a few years older, or Spencer a few years younger, Dan and I would be talking about a dowry.

On a roll, and on a nickel

Since everyone is asleep, and since internet access is costing me money, and since I'm cheap, I'll keep going. Last Friday was a wash. We waited around the hotel to check out so we could go sit in the lobby and wait for the bus to pick us up so we could go to the airport and wait for the plane to leave so we could land, walk halfway across Guangzhou to another bus, go to hotel and go to bed. This was Nanning at the airport on our way out. Couldn't let that sunset get away from me. So many places that I would love to have seen in the countryside, time didn't permit, but maybe someday.

A few words about Chinese national flights. The takeoffs are generally quick, not a lot of taxiway time. Pretty much go straight to the runway and gone. The planes are crowded. And then there is the landing. How do I describe such a thing? Dirty pants. Every one needed to change their drawers after that flight from Nanning to Guangzhou. The Chinese do not believe in landing an airplane. They believe in dynamically testing the impact resistance of inplace concrete when in contact with Goodyear tires. They don't land a plane, they hit the runway. Good grief. Actually, the flight from Beijing to Nanning, the pilot didn't hit the runway. How could he when he was comin' in cattywampus with one tire down and the other still off the ground. The plane was racked coming down the runway. This part of the trip is a no gooda. Movin' along...

We have discovered more and more about Yazi almost hourly. She has fear issues or grief issues. Her tongue appears to be scarred where she bites it in her sleep we think to comfort herself. She works that tongue when she is hollering. But, when she is content, it's constantly moving as well. Not a thing in China that hasn't been taste tested by the newest Greer. For those of you wanting to hold her when we get back, something colorful and made of wood will get you first dibs. Polished wood, like furniture. Nothing with splinters, thanks. Also, she is a model, a poser. As seen below, Yazi is showing off a nice line of our children's clothing with this pink striped knickers and PJ combo. Leaves her room to exercise. Chelle says she'll start her own Yazercise classes.

The hotels we have stayed at have gotten better the longer we stay. Generally, by the time families get to Guangzhou, they stay in the White Swan. We are actually staying in the Marriott China Hotel. Kicking nice. We don't have rooms, we have apartments. Two bedrooms, fridge, stove, two full baths, dining room. Some have their own washer/dryer. I had to include this picture below. When so many people need work, you find things for them to do. They have a guy who goes around and all he does is keep the ash trays clean. He picks out trash and ash out of the cat litter or whatever it is. After he is done, he draws the Marriott logo in the ash tray. We living in high cotton folks. The breakfast buffets are killer as well. The fruits are fresher than anything in the states, you name it, we've got it for breakfast.

Saturday morning was medical exam day. We had to go do the customary doctor look at kid and say healthy baby, sign papers and go. In the past, some have waited hours at a clinic on Shamian Island (not sure of spelling). We were in and out, all of us, within about 30 minutes. It was quite nice. Usually, we have something in the mornings, then the afternoons and evenings belong to us and the babies, well they belong to the babies. I'm not sure I remember doing something I wanted to do.

But, if I can get a smile like this, I don't really care what I do. This will melt your heart. Having girls is bad. They get right to you immediately and know how to capture their daddies hearts and eyes.

Hello Betty...anyone out there?

Merry Christmas to all

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Christmas. We are winding ours up actually, it is midnight Christmas Day as I type this. Thought on this day I'd give all of you back home a glimpse of our new friends and diaper pals. On Christmas Eve, we all got together for a little bit, chewed the rag a bit and read the Christmas story. I sifted through pictures to find at least one picture of the families or at least portions of the families who are with us. The Pannells are in the previous blog entry. I currently am looking for a picture of the Swindlers and the Hiers. They actually split from us for a week but are now back with us in Guagnzhou.
Below is Elaine Cunningham with Noelle. Bob and their precious little three old Grace are not in the picture. This was on gotcha day

Fellow Arkansas natives Dixon family with Sydney and their newest Lydia. Grandpa and Grandma Jones are somewhere in the archives of photos. I'll post them later if I get a chance. Also on gotcha day

Found a picture of Luke Hiers with Mama. This little fella will brighten your day. He has the most contagious smile and it is always available.

The Blakefields with Esther. Huddle is about as easy going as they come while Gene reminds of my brother Jordan in some of his mannerisms. BEfore I leave, I've got to record Gene saying Esther's Chinese name, Xiao Pan. Lots of inflection. If I see him in twenty years, that's all he has to say.

Jeremy and Stephanie Wagner with Meilyn. Well, they are from TExas. You know, good things do come out of Texas. So meet the Wagners.

Kirk and Nina Falconer with their oldest Simon and their newest Stella. Spencer is always going around hollering "STELLA"

More from Nanning and Green Mountain Day, posting on Christmas

Thought I'd give you a look at more Green Mountain. I really enjoyed it. Wouldn't mind going back somday. Below is a shot from the top tier of the mountain tower. It was a little hazy that day but you can tell that this is the outskirts of the city to the west. The farmland starts in this area. Interestingly, when we later left Nanning to the airport, you could see water buffalo, or oxen, hanging out in the fields, doing whatever it is that oxen do. I'm sure some form of ruminating was going on.

After the tower, we made our way down a staircase thru the trees to the pond area. There were a few vendors, one of which dresses up the children in Chinese garb, takes a picture, and the moment is saved by Kodak. I grabbed this shot from the side. Some kind of priestly temple wear. We liked the outfit so much, we kept the clothes and left Spencer with her.

Baby Yazi is trying out for the Chinese version of the nativity scene. Or, if that doesn't work out, she'll play Princess Leia in the next Star Wars, or as the Chinese say, Sta Was.


Spencer and Simon Falconer had a good time feeding fish. Cheap fish food made for good entertainment. Wish we had time to try the paddle boats, but never did.

Yazi had a long day and resting in Mommy's lap makes the trip better. Usually, Mommy's lap in a bus is the best thing for a sightseeing day.

Caught the Dan and Neila Pannell playing with their little one, Allie. Hope I spelled that right Neila. Dan would fall asleep and Allie would reach over and wake him up. She would laugh and laugh. She is a hoot. The oldest one in the bunch, two words she knows and uses often are BooYow (not how it is spelled, but sounds, basically means no thank you) which sees says over and over, very cute I might add. Then, Pow which kind of means hold me. So, she'll say Mama pow or DaDa pow and then smile real big. Thought all might like to see the other folks with us. Neat folks and they all have their own story. Videos are available for $19.95.

We've been out of pocket

Picking up where we left off, last Thursday and Friday morning, the internet at the majestic Hotel in Nanning was giving us fits. Couldn't post very well to the blog. So, here are some pics from that day. This first one is actually at the end of the bamboo corridor. We thought we'd all get one for the posterior, I mean posterity. This is a big open field at the top of the mountain.

Spence took some time from playing with his new buddy, Simon Falconer, to get this photo op for a magazine company here in China. Soon, Spence and Yaz will be traveling to a city near you for autographs if you desire. Quick note, I am very proud to call Spencer my son. He has endured several screaming fits during the night, hasn't been feeling 100%, missing the comforts of home, and hasn't complained at all. He has kept this trip entertaining and I'm glad he came.

Yazi and I (Yazi and me? someone will correct I on his pronoun use, he sure.) on the bamboo corridor. Jeremy and Jordan, I have found my next project and I need some help cuz this thing was awesome. We need more stuff like this. No nails or irons to hold it together. It is all made of split bamboo or solid bamboo. Even the floor decking is bamboo spanning between large bamboo posts. Floor was a little spongy and the benches were as well. Made the thing quite comfortable. The Chinese are very aware of comfort and peace. They have many places of solitude and quiet. Course, if I lived in cities of 6 million plus, I'd invent quiet places also. Yazi was pretty good this day.

Even though they look tired, it's cuz they are. Michelle and Mom and Yazi went up to the tower with us boys. Chelle carried yazi all the way up, and Mom doesn't do spiral staircases that go 150' and higher in the air too well. So, way to go troops. That one will earn you a diet coke. This trees behind them are indicative of the area around the mountain tower.

Night story, then green mountain day

As I said previously, Michelle went to my Mom's room to catch some much needed zzz's. I finished blogging last night, laid down, and within 5 minutes yazi was stirring. She started crying hard. But stopped as soon as I picked her up, but she moaned alot. Chelle has thought that she has been cutting teeth, and sure nuf, she was stuffing her fingers down in her month. Stephanie Wagner had given us this Q tip that has one end that you break, its a seal. The vacuum releases, the liquid then flows down to the other end. It numbs the gums. Like Orajel. So I rubbed it on her mouth in the near dark. She didn't like it. She got fidgity so I put the open end in my mouth. No problem, the pokie is on the other end. Well, in all my up and down, lifting moving, etc. I started to wonder if the stuff actually worked. I started drooling on myself, talking like mushmouth and knew she would be just fine. Iba knowba nowba no doba thaba againba.

She crashes, Spence is out, I crash sleeping good. My dreams kept changing. Dad would be preaching and then knocks on the pulpit. I'm driving my car and and the engine starts knocking. Spencer hits me on the head with a bat, I start waking up and realize someone is at the door. It is 5:30 am and there's Chelle at the door. She got about 5 hours sleep, feeling great, rip roaring ready to go, wanting to check on her kids...at 5:30 in the morning. Why? All I wanted to do was sleep. Ah well. So, Yazi starts getting up, and then she helps get Spence up.



We got ready to go to Green Mountain in the southern part of Nanning. Waiting in the lobby is a very happy Momma.

We went and visited Green Mountain Park today in the southern part of the city. Why can't we have parks like this? This place was beautiful, spotless, and flat cool. They have a corridor built strictly out of bamboo. The corridor is about 600' long. The floor is a little spongy. Then, we went further up to the mountain tower located on top of the hill. Spiral staircase in the middle took you up nine floors about 160-180' up. Chelle with baby and Honey made the trip and it was worth it. Beautiful view from up there. Pics are not posting again. I'll try in a minute

I'm up late tonight

I had to call in to work tonight, so I'm up later than usual. It's pushing midnight here in Nanning. Spencer and Yazi are in the room with me tonight. Finally convinced Michelle to take one night and sleep, so she is with Honey tonight catching zzz's. Spencer is pretty stopped up like me, snoring, and very restless. Maybe he'll feel a little better in the morning. The pictures are also finally posting to the blog, so that is why this one is up. I didn't think that I'd be able to get any more on. Pictures are not in order of the day. This is just how they got put on, so deal with it.

Happy happy play time in the room. Momma had yazi in stitches at this point. They were playing in the corner where yazi likes to chew on the head board of the bed. Of course, she likes to chew on everything so the headboard is really nothing new.

The only problem with a hotel is the room gets crowded by the time you add a baby bed, two people and the all their stuff for two and a half weeks. Cabin fever sets in and the natives get restless. So, everyone generally gets together for our morning tour, split up and eat lunch, or eat with a few folk however the kids let us work it out, catch a nap, and then everyone starts meandering out in the hallway to stretch the legs about mid to late afternoon. We all open our doors, the girls play together, Spencer and Simon Falconer get to run up and down the hall a little to blow off energy, and we have a good time. It reminds you of pulling up a chair on the front porch while the kids play in the yard, only we have no chairs, no porch, no yard, but we have kids so we're batting 0.250. Not a bad average. This is actually becoming one of the favorite times of the day cuz everybody is hanging out.

These are the girls who performed at the cultural museum today. It was quite entertaining. During the little dance thing, you dance in a circle with your right hand on the right shoulder of the person in front of you, your left hand on your right shoulder. The guy behind me was fairly short, so he was laughing pretty hard cuz he was having to jump to keep his hand on my shoulder. One of those, you had to be there. These girls were very good to yazi. They talked to her and they loved looking at themselves in the camera.

Here we are in the bamboo tunnel. Stalks of bamboo were interwoven to form a canopy over the walkway. It was quite neat. Oh crud, Yazi's not in the picture. I think we left her back at the hotel.

Now I'm really heading to bed while the kiddos are still asleep.

Good Night to everyone

I'm sorry, but pictures are not posting at all tonight except one. So I leave you for the evening with this one.

Goodnight

Nanning

I haven't really said much about the cities that we are in. Not too many pics on this one probably. So stop reading if you don't care unless there are pics. Kidding.

Started in Beijing. First, the smog is thick, although one day it was somewhat clear. It burns your throat. The city is enormous. New York City I don't believe can hold a candle to its size and scope. It is very industrial looking. Concrete everywhere, no signs of life. While the people are generally nice to us, there seems to be somewhat of a hardness about them. Big city type of hardness. Everything is fast and constantly moving. The type of trip that you want to get off but don't know how. And, this time of year, it is extremely cold. I have already mentioned that.

Nanning on the other hand we love. I would say the whole group likes it here. It is very green. Palm trees in the breeze, flowers blooming everywhere. Clean air, wonderful people. Even though the streets are still very busy, all seem to be at easier pace here. Now its still a big city, 6 million folks I think. But, this area is centralized to the minorities of China. Most of China is of the Han ethnic group, I believe. 90% of China in fact. But, not this area. This is the area of minorities. And it is a wonderful place. More agriculture down here, or at least in the surrounding areas. The weather is wonderful. Granted, the summers are excessively hot and humid, but this time of year is great. This is the area that Yazi is from. All of the girls in our group are from the Guiping area which is about a 5 hour bus ride from here. The girls are full of life, each are somewhat strong willed (you get that way growing up in an orphanage ), but all the girls are doing great. The sleep patterns aren't quite there yet for anybody. I think the Falconers didn't get any sleep the first night (and I mean no sleep) and then twelve hours the next. That gives you an indication of the adjustment the girls are going through.

Yazi is starting to take milk well now. So, maybe she will sleep a little better as well. She doesn't eat much of food food, but we ain't sweating that right now. She's taking milk, so everything is fine.

Spencer is a real trooper. He gets bored a little, maybe a lot sometimes, but he doesn't really say anything about it. He keeps pluggin' along. Today, we went to a minority cultural garden where they performed a dance and song in a gorgeous garden park. At one point, they grabbed several from the audience, Honey, myself and Spencer included, and we got to laugh and carry on like we knew what we were doing. It was a good day.

Chelle is quite tired. She's carrying a load on her shoulders making sure Yazi knows who Momma is. Well, after tonight, she knows. Chelle can get Yazi cackling pretty good, and then she starts grunting, and then she sticks her tongue out. Everybody needs to get used to that. She has a tongue thing going. The Chinese believe that a red thread connects people through time and space and fate connects them somewhere down the way. Or something like that. Well, I believe that God has his hand in tying the thread, and He tied it with Chelle and Yazi.

Mom is doing great. Tomorrow will be a special day. Mom Baker would have turned 100 I believe. So, we hope that as she remembers her Mom, my grandmother, that you all will pray for her. But, I know that being a part of this event in our life is something right out of a Mom Baker family moment. Always willing to take someone in as family, my mother is doing the same. A stranger is now one of her own. Happy day to you, mother.

About to head out

I had forgot to show you all our transportation. It's a little cramped, but we manage. I gotta get me one of these.

Spencer is always watching out after Yazi. He is definitely her protector.

Spencer is showing off his photo skills. He took this picture this morning.

Yazi and Spencer got a chance to watch Cars together. She was enamored by the color and lights of the movie.