A day of touring and shopping, oh my!

A quick post as it's been a long, incredible day.  Some things are best said in photos, so without further adieu..the day started with a tour of the jade factory, followed by shopping.  We really enjoyed the shopping there (hint, hint)...

 

Beginning our great wall adventure, one of many dreams come true on this trip.

 Yes, it really is steep!  Here's the view part way up and on towards the first watch tower.

Karen made it just past the first watch tower and I went to the second.  we both thought about the importance of the trip being tomorrow, in receiving Chloe, so we didn't want to push it further.  Mom had a wonderful time just going a few steps on the wall for the feel of it, and then waiting at the bottom and taking in all the scenery.  Climbing the steps reminded me of hiking the Grand Canyon in the depth of the stairs and the climbing, and yet, it was incredible to think of the thousands of people who spent years working to build it.  The history and culture of China is really a beauty to behold, and to actually absorb.

Then it was time for a grand lunch served family style on a large lazy susan type tray in the center of the table.  While some foods we recognized (can anyone say sweet and sour chicken - yum) there were several that we weren't sure about, tried and liked most of them.  And after a quick visit to the "Friendship Store" for just a little more shopping, we were on to the Summer Palace, a place I've been fascinated with and looking forward to experiencing.  So much of the tourists site in China are more about "experiencing," rather than just seeing.  I'll admit that my knowledge beforehand was limited and romanticized since it was based on reading historical novels which take liberty with the truth.  And yet, the magicalness of the reason it was built and the beauty of it still existed in real life.

 One of my favorite things now is taking pictures of people, especially children.  One grandmother was so happy to have her grandaughters' picture taken with her that she asked Karen and I to also have our picture taken with her grandaughters.  The littlest one had no idea what it was about, but still complied, much to our enjoyment.

China is a beautiful and fascinating country, not just for the historical architecture, but also for its people, some who work so hard to eek out a living.  Living in America, we are truly blessed, for seeing cyclists laden with the huge weight of goods or street vendors, it is only by the grace of God, that I was able to be an American and enjoy the freedoms and opportunity that is so universal for all Americans. 

Sorry for that jaunt, my mind wonders with appreciation to be able to experience the gift of adoption, and also for the opportunity to be allowed to adopt a child from this beautiful nation and hope to give her the love she deserves from a family and the freedoms she will be able to have as an American.

Tomorrow is the day, and for my dear family and friends, when you wake up on Sunday, Chloe will be here.  And my life as a mother with a daughter of my own will begin...our stories and futures to be ever twined together...