Saturday, June 14, 2008

Touring Hong Kong
















Well, Piper and I went to bed this morning at about 2:00 a.m. after finishing our first post and a bit of Nintendo. She is staying with Melissa and I, while Cole is with Bill, and Shelby is with Linda. If I understand correctly, Cole and Shelby are considered adults and you are not allowed to have more than two adults per room—hence the arrangements. We ended up having a bit slower morning than expected. Originally, we were to start our day with an early tour of Hong Kong with all the families adopting through CCAI (our agency). However, there has been a lot of rain so the tour was postponed until the afternoon. So, we had a great breakfast buffet, with both Western-style foods and traditional Chinese breakfast items. For those that remember the quote, like perhaps Neil or Jon, I think I heard someone say, “You have been here four hours, go home!” A few of us tried congee, a rice porridge, because it is something that Luke apparently likes. I suppose we may help maintain that heritage, although Piper and I would prefer that he just learn to love grits. We then just relaxed in our room and checked the blog. Thank you for the comments—it is really comforting and humorous to hear from home. Shelby and I ventured out for a quick tour but hurried back because of the rain, Shelby’s queasiness at some of the local food items out for purchase, and the persistence of a young man who wanted to fit me for a suit. We then had a dim sum lunch with the other families adopting through CCAI. There are 11 other families, a few of whom are here for their second China adoption, and all of whom are adopting girls. These families are all traveling to one of two other provinces than us, so we will not connect with them again until about one week from now in Guangzhou. We had lunch with a neat family from Richmond, who just moved from Denver, and has a son named Cole. Given the Morton/Awtry connections to those areas of the country, and the common “Coles”, we had a lot to talk about with them. Of course, when you travel with Bill and Melissa, the “natural networkers”, you are not going to have a difficult time connecting with people. So, lunch was great and everyone found some one thing that they were able to enjoy. The entire group then loaded onto a bus for the tour of Hong Kong. We went to Sampan to see traditional houseboats and fishing vessels-get Bon Jovi going in your head and envision a Chinese “Deadliest Catch”. From there, it was off to a jewelry factory. From there, a quick trip to an open market for some shopping, a gelato, a tour of a temple, and the kids’ first exposure to how different toilet configurations can be in foreign countries. At this point, we most of our family was really starting to slow down. Our last stop of the day was Victoria Peak, which overlooks the Harbour and Kowloon. Although a little cloudy, it was still an amazing view of Hong Kong. We saw a few pictures from 50 years ago and the growth and change is phenomenal. We loaded back onto the bus and headed back to the hotel. We were so tired that we passed on dinner reservations at Ruth’s Chris—a decision I regret even as I write to you now. Dinner was marked by Piper sleeping at Bill’s side and Cole with his head on the table. He did try to mumble something that sounded like the guttural beginnings of “blah” but was too tired and it just sounded like “bl”. Shelby was in a new restaurant, which brought with it the “What should I get?” conversation. And Bill, ever the optimist and memory-maker, still wanted to try to make it to a laser light show down by the river. We missed the laser light show and I suspect most everyone was asleep shortly after dinner—Piper and Melissa certainly were. I on the other hand have an outlet for my musings and am too excited to sleep. We get Luke in less than 48 hours! If I think too much about it, I will cry, and that is now how I earned my reputation as “the rock”. So, I think I will end here and get some tissues for my allergies.

Dave, on behalf of The Sleepers

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey Guys!! It sounds like you are having a lot of fun!! We hope and pray that you all are getting caught up on sleep. Piper and Shelby, we hope that you are feeling better!! It's so fun to hear about your experiences so far!! Luke is going to love his new family. Can't wait to meet him!!! We are praying for you everyday!! Love you guys!!

-Olivia and Evan Shawgo

Anonymous said...

Dave...you are luring all of us in with your blog. I think you missed your calling. "U been here 4 hour, Bon Jovi, Networking stories...". There is something for everyone here! I am sure you will hear "3 for Rugaarrrr"... before you come back home also. Have a blast, get a tissue, and remember how blessed you really are!

Trisha said...

Hey its haleigh sounds like you had a great first day. my dad is all into looking at everything me and him are sitting here right now doing this.well hope everything is well and the pics are great. we are praying for you all!! Love ya!!Hope everyone is back to feeling better!!

joyphotography said...

Suddenly my allergies have flared too...Can't imagine just a few hours away from your son! Rejoicing with you and your sleepy family! Miss you all!

Matt and Katie said...

Love you Dave! It reminds me of your "long hair" you talking of these allergies;) You guys all have to be on pins and needles with excitment because I am, and Luke is just my cousin. I really can hardly stand it!!!!!! Have a wonderful time and keep up the long blog, it's all I have, since I'm not there, yet with the details it feels like I am=) Praying!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Hey Pipey...sorry about the bogus grammar. Just checking to see if you are on top of things! haha!

Anonymous said...

Hey Pipey...sorry about the bogus grammar. Just checking to see if you are on top of things! haha!

Trisha said...

oops! so sorry about the multiple message sent. that would be my fault! i should have blamed hayhay, but after the UNproofread message she sent i just couldn't. you gotta love her! back to you and your punkin family...holy guacamole! i still am in awe of all that you have seen in the short amount of time you've been there. just think, lukey-doo will be doing all that with you in just a little bit. i can't wait! dave, keep it coming. you deserve a nobel prize for your blog works! praying for rest, rejuvination and luke's transition! we love you.

Jason, Kate and Tait Miller said...

I was there!!! I got to go to the Peak as well, when I was in Hong Kong a few years ago! Isn't it beautiful? Enjoy the sites and for your sake, I hope the time flies- so you can meet Luke! Love you all!

Anonymous said...

PIPER SAYS HI! AND I MISS YOU! KEEP WRITING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Trying again! J

Anonymous said...

Finally! I have been trying to respond to you all! My blog skills are lacking. Wow, I can't believe what an action packed few days you all have had! We are so anxious for tomorrow and we can't wait to hear all about Luke! Sam, Jake and Libby wish they were there...I am enjoying the pictures from NC. Just kidding, I wish I was there too! Jenny

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