Observations and an Update on JG

It is incredible to me just how hard you sleep when recovering from jetlag. B and I laid down at 2 and awoke at 530. But when I looked at the clock I was sure it was 530am. Once I realized the actual time I was astounded. I had dreamed and felt like I weighed 200 pounds while trying to get up.

So, just some quick observations during our day and a little bit of the night on the town. I already talked about all the staring. It didn't get any better when we went out this evening. While looking around in most stores few people know the meaning of personal space. They will follow you around and stand a foot away, literally. Its very odd. 

There are these market places that sell everything and anything you could want food wise and anything else. But lets talk about the food. Everything is on a stick. And I mean EVERYTHING!!! Scorpions (some are still moving), octopus, bug, crabs, the list goes on and on. The smell is so strong and the people behind the carts are all trying to yell above each other in the hopes you will come and buy from them. 

I am sad I don't like the people or the city more. But I can't worry about that. I will continue to choose joy knowing where it comes from. Also, focusing on the objective. To be united with our daughter. 

Another thing is people are just so forward. They start yelling at you and trying to ask you questions. On the way home from dinner B and I just kept walking. We didn't want to be rude but there is no helping them understand you aren't famous and you don't have anything to give them. 

As we made our way through downtown it was dark and looked like New York (well at least the pics I've seen). 

The worst thing though, was no toilet paper in some of the public bathrooms or worse yet, only a hole in the floor in which to pee.  Luckily, I was warned about this and had kleenex at the ready. Whew. 

Downtown. In about a 2 mile radius there are 3, count them 3 malls.  And we are talking 5 levels of shopping and eating at each. 

Do we have this in America? ;0)

I was not going to ask someone to take our pic. See McD's in the background. 

As I mentioned earlier, the traffic here is insane. What's more insane is  that there are just as many bikes/scooters/motorbikes on the road. No helmets, nothing. And I am not kidding when I say, you are taking your life in your hands on those roads. Plus pedestrians have no right of way here. They will totally run you down and not even look back. 

Market place...see the octopus hanging over the side. You've never smelled anything like it. 

And of course...My man's main place to make life happen for him. :0)

And the best way to end the evening, an update of on our girl. She is still 23.5 pounds and 33 inches. Very sad, though. They shaved her head. I guess that is their way of getting her ready. We also got a ton of info on what to expect while in her province and info on her foster parents.

So, last update for today. Tomorrow we meet our group at 830am and we go to The Great Wall. I am looking forward to that. Trying to enjoy every moment but the truth is, I am just "getting though" b/c Sunday is when things will get really exciting so stay tuned. Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers. We CANNOT do it without ya! Blessings.