Monday in Guangzhou

The babies had their medical exams today. Pat took Mei Lin and Megan and I took Miyah to the park. Miyah shared her candy with some of the local children and made some friends. We spent a couple of hours there and she really enjoyed this play time.

Pat had paperwork to do with Elsie and the other two families, so Mei Lin joined us at the park after her exam. The exam is really just a technicality. The US wants to hear that she's healthy enough to leave China/enter the US. I've never actually been to the exam with either Miyah or Mei Lin, but that's what I've heard. Last time Megan was sick and I stayed back at the hotel while Pat took Miyah to her medical exam.

Mei Lin loved the slide and is walking so much more.

After the park, we stopped at Starbucks for some coffee and then went to A Gift From China (my favorite store!) to do some serious shopping. I just love this store and love the idea that all their proceeds go back to Chinese orphans.

After the paperwork was completed, all the families went to Liwan Plaza (the Pearl and Jade Market) to shop for pearls. We hadn't eaten any lunch so we stopped at McDonalds. Mei Lin loved the fries and nuggets!


We found some pearls for Mei Lin and a few other things, but we didn't have much time to shop and frankly, that place just overwhelms me! Floors of little shops selling jewelry. We were hunting for a cross pendant for Mei Lin's dedication like we bought for Miyah last trip and finally found it after searching dozens and dozens of little shops. I think it was in the same little shop just outside the plaza.


Then we took a taxi over to Beijing Road for some serious shopping. Beijing Road is a pedestrian street with a lot of nice shopping. Both feet barely left the taxi before a hawker hooked us into following him to look at handbags. My sister, Michele, was hoping I'd find her some bags and I don't think she'll be disappointed as long as we make it through customs!
(Beijing Road)

Then we walked around and shopped a bit. Megan found some shoes and we hit Pizza Hut for dinner.

We were all exhausted by the time our taxi brought us back that evening. Thankfully our girls are good shoppers!