We had a quick Skype call with Kimmy this morning before and after her Girl Scout meeting. She was very happy because one of the girls made a special card for her & Kelley. Kelley was awake and close by, so Kimmy shared it with her over the computer. Kelley is intrigued by all things Kimmy. I hope Kelley feels the same way when she meets her in person...I think she will. I hope Kimmy can live up to her expectations...I think she will.
We ate another satisfying breakfast at the hotel buffet and then had some "chill" time while we waited for Anna. We visited the Shanxi Museum this morning and learned about some of the history of the Province. We saw ancient money, porcelain, jade, architecture, operas, Buddhas, different Emperors, artifacts and other interesting stuff. All of the temples that were built years ago are made of wood and no nails. The Great Wall is to the north and protects China from Mongolia. There are two or three other walls inside Shanxi Province as the second and third line of defense...amazing! Kelley was amazed by a video/audio display of an opera as seen in a village. She also liked the actual life size prehistoric displays. I bet she will like the Natural History Museum in Cleveland. The Tang Dynasty worshipped a fat Buddha; which means rich. That's what we are with Kimmy & Kelley in our family.
Kelley was rather subdued today...happy, but not wound up like yesterday. She was intent on playing angry birds, fish farts, doodle draw and looking at pictures & video of Kimmy on the tablet. Sometimes she had troubles with her bad thumb, but she worked it out. She is determined! After lunch and a short rest we ventured out to the local park behind our hotel. There is a big lake that winds around and plenty of space to stretch out and relax. Kelley enjoyed walking around and feeling the sun on her face. We were told that she loves to spend time outdoors. There were people exercising, little kids playing, old men fishing and couples holding hands. We also found a pond with ducks & koi. Anna said that there really isn't any wildlife around...unless you count the street dogs. After 30 minutes or so we ventured back.
Kelley developed a little chest cough on Wednesday and we didn't want to keep her out too long. Anna called the orphanage and they contacted Grandma, who said there was no cold on Monday. Anna heard it and said it is probably from the air conditioning in the room. She also suggested no medication, unless it gets really bad. The children's medication in China contains antibiotics and they don't like to use it unless it is really necessary. We turned the air conditioning back and the room temp up. By dinner time it seemed to be better.
We had dinner again at the hotel restaurant. Dan ate all of his meal, Kelley ate half of hers and I ate 5 bites of mine. Hainanese chicken & rice is not my favorite. Secretly, I think they will be happy when we are gone. The stuff at Wanda Vista has been wonderfully friendly & helpful. But, the hotel is designed for business men and from what I've seen, we have the only child...who only half listens when we call her. She knows her name, but I doubt we have the right pronunciation, even though it is close. She is good, but runs & jumps thru the lobby and carries on at times. We've spent time in the room, just getting to know Kelley and we always seem to be here when the cleaning ladies want to clean.
After dinner we attempted a bath, which quickly turned into a meltdown and screams for Nye-Nye. The sobbing carried on for an hour till she cried herself to sleep with both of us holding and caressing her. We did get her hair washed and her body somewhat clean (at least 3 days since her last bath). It was like we washed every Grandma smell away from her. (Grandpa was a smoker and that was kind of our intent.) I did take lots of happy pictures & videos of her from earlier today and yesterday to show Grandma. Tomorrow is my trip to her orphanage and village with the camera. Dan will stay with Kelley back in the room for some more bonding time. She is starting to take very strongly to him...just like Kimmy. She doesn't object to me, but I think likes him better because his games are sillier than mine.
After Anna picks up Kelley's passport, we will head to the airport for the last part of our trip. It is around a 3 hour flight to Guangzhou, where the US Embassy is located. Dan is afraid that the airport will scare Kelley into another crying frenzy. I know it is something that she must work thru and there isn't anything we can say to comfort her at this time. I just hope it doesn't happen in front of thousands of strangers. Shopping in Guangzhou was my favorite part of the trip four years ago. That is the place to buy souvenirs for the girls, friends and family and to get our laundry washed (it is time). Everything we need is within walking distance and most shops speak good English. There is also some sightseeing planned...a zoo trip and river boat cruise (can't wait). The weather will be much hotter, so it will be hard to live with the air conditioning turned down/off in the room. The streets and shops are covered with large shade trees and there is a nice breeze off of the water. I can spend time shopping with Kelley, while Daddy cools off in the room. We will be staying at the Garden Hotel tomorrow night thru Tuesday night.
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