Today was a travel day.
So, instead of leaving you with no pictures, or the horribly underexposed and unfocused pictures from our bus trip, I’m going to post more pictures from our adventure yesterday at the park. Since they pretty much don’t need an accompanying explanation 😉
We have arrived in Guilin. And are now settled into our hotel here which is quite nice, has soft(er) beds and *insert trumpets blaring* has internet access that doesn’t drop out every 37 seconds. I am so grateful I have my itty bitty laptop because neither of the hotels have had a computer in the room. But I’m going to give my mac daddy desktop the biggest, fattest hug when I get home.
The bus ride here was surprisingly pleasant. I was hesitant to change our plans from the train to the bus because, well, a train sounds just nicer than a bus, doesn’t it? But due to the large, ahem, volume of our luggage, it was recommended that we travel by bus, in order to be assured all our bags would arrive when we did. So the bus it was… a 5 hour ride that ended without incident, nor necessitation of a barf bag. Suh-weet. It’s the little things sometimes, isn’t it?
But our actual arrival at the bus station was the most anxiety provoking incident this trip. At least this side of the Beijing airport. We were given specific instructions by our Nanning guide for our arrival into Guilin: get off the bus, grab your luggage and stay right there to wait for our Guilin guide. So we did just that. Except, no one mentioned that we’d be mobbed like the Jonas Brothers. And not because we’re pretty.
We did arrive early. At least that’s what I kept telling myself as a growing crowd of people surrounded us, with one particularly stern looking gentleman within one foot of my face, staring. Just staring.
How early did we arrive? Where the heck is that guide? Why does my dang iPhone have no service anywhere in China? Why didn’t I pay more attention to that Rosetta Stone?
Ladies, men, young and old, asking us questions (I assume), pointing to Vivi, or just flat out staring. It was seriously painful for a couple of shy folks like Asher and myself. And although my head knew that culturally, staring and getting in another’s grill is considered perfectly acceptable, and that no one meant any harm, my fight or flight response went into full deployment. Of course, I proceeded to neither fight nor flight. All I did was stand there and pit out my shirt like Old Faithful.
At last our guide arrived. I wanted to jump into her arms and hug her. Vivi had become very anxious by all the onlookers and sweet Asher, who is normally cool as a cucumber was undoubtedly ruffled.
We’re such small town goobers.
So here we are, settled and praising Him for a virtually incident free travel day. And looking forward to a yummy dinner with the Trowers who run An Orphan’s Wish 🙂
So glad you made it safely, Stefanie. I would have been freaking out with all the staring, though. Hope you all have a lovely day!
Oh, MAN…I would have been a basket case…but you, well, you are the poster girl for "never let'em see you sweat!"
The images are gorgeous…either you're a really gifted teacher or Asher is going to be the next Richard Avedon.
Keep 'em coming……..
xoxoxo
Dita
wow. that would make me sweat as well!
LOVE, love, love seeing all the sweet smiles on little Vivi's face.
enjoy your time!
From your previous post, that barf bag didn't sound all that little…
And the crowds? Y'all did great, I know. I remember even my gregarious husband feeling very uncomfortable in Nanchang during a particularly… er… close encounter.
You have such great story-telling ability. Hilarious story-telling ability! I feel as if I am there with you. I remember sitting in the Nanjing airport on the floor on our first trip with our travel group and our children and feeling like we were the center of the universe to all of the locals that were surrounding us. It was quite uncomfortable. I'm glad your guide finally arrived and saved you from your fan club! 🙂
Oh, I am loving these photos of Nanning. The park there is just so beautiful. I can't believe we were there just six months ago. It's great to see Asher in these photos, too. And may I just say, he is rockin' the camera like his Mom. These are amazing photos to capture your first days together. I love looking at Vivi's beautiful face. I'm just so happy for you! She seems to be doing so well! Praise the Lord!
I was waiting for those Asher/Vivi pics!! Must be some wonderful to have them together – just think soon there are going to bunches more!!
Blessings for a safe trip, Ashley
I had to laugh even though I'm sure laughing was the furthest from your mind! Maybe they thought you were a small portion of the Pitt family or something. I have enjoyed your posts and pics sooo much. Thanks for taking the time during your trip to keep us all informed! I'll keep prayin' your way.
Dear Stefanie,
I know how you feel!! About two years ago we went to visit the local fish market in the south of Guangdong (Xuwen). Well, all the people of the fishmarket came to look at us…. We felt like celebraties (uneasy ones that is..). Enjoy your time in China.
Love, Kirsty
I bet they were trying to figure out if you were Angelina Jolie or not. 🙂
Great pictures!!
Okay, I'm a newbie at all this so I don't quite understand. Why the crowd and the staring?
Dear Stefanie,
Love the picture of Asher and Vivi looking at the buttons on her jacket, so sweet!
Beautiful pictures and I remember that park in Nanning how lovely it was. Thanks for letting us share your joyous journey with your family. I'm guessing it's all uphill from now on…and your stories make me laugh!
Whew!…sounds like quite the stressful situation! But, you handled it gracefully & beautifully…although as I was reading your account, I kept wanting to give all 3 of you a big HUG!!! 😉
Oh boy!!! I would have been a wreck!! So glad you made it safe and kind of sound:)
You describe the situation so well coming off the bus…I felt like I was right there with you. That must have been SO uncomfortable but it sounds like you handled it perfectly. Vivi looks so content and you and Asher are taking some great photos:)
So good to know that I am not the only one that can "pit out a shirt".
Enjoy your time…
You are so funny. I, too, was sweating out by your description of waiting for your guide! I would have wanted a big ole' hat to cover up my blonde hair, immediately (would that have helped?!!) 🙂 So glad the trip was without (much) incident and that you are hanging with the Orphan's Wish folks!
It was your pretty blonde hair ya know. 🙂 And the fact that you might be "kidnapping" a Chinese child. Hmmm. Bless your heart. I would have reacted the same.
The pictures are beautiful! I love her pink coat. Sweet.
hahaha. aw. man i would have been freaking out too. vivi is looking adorable! i'm glad you guys are having a good time. love you and miss you!!!
So glad to hear your trip went well:) We had one of those "in your face" encounters in Hefei, Anhui. We were supposed to meet our guide at the "door with the star" at the department store. My 9 year old son, 14 month sweet China baby & I waited at the wrong door. Everyone kept rubbing my son's belly like he was a little Budda or something:) Funny now- not so much then!
Thanks for sharing your journey with us!
Karen
Bet you won't be wearing that shirt again by just febreezing it for another day! 😉 Not that I would EVER do that while traveling in China. SERIOUSLY I would not. The staring does make me very uncomfortable too.
OK, she is seriously ADORABLE!!!
beautiful pics! so excited you are in Guilin!! can only imagine the crowd that gathered- ugh! Sounds like a two to three shirt day! Hope you brought extras!
The large volume of luggage? Heh heh. Glad you guys made it safe and sound.
Oh wow…I LOVE the photos!!! Gorgeous! You crack me up with your pit sweat comments. haha
I LOVE reading your posts Stefanie!! You ought to write a book! The pictures are fabulous….and it is so fun to see smiles on Vivi's face!….she is just darling!!
Oh that last picture… priceless. Glad you made it out okay. Seems like your Iphone should have an app for situations like.. maybe next time. 😉
hugs~
Amie
Ahhhh those moments in China…you do get used to it eventually! 🙂 Vivi is absolutely gorgeous!
OMGoodness Stef!…seriously, where do you come up with all your verbage!?… "All I did was stand there and pit out my shirt like Old Faithful." You just crack me up! I seriously let out a burst of belly laugh as I read that line…too funny!!! And it created a GREAT visual, let me tell ya!! 😉 At least I'll know to prepare my kids for the 'staring' when we travel. I can see them starting to squirm after awhile, too. And my Dawson is very much like your Asher…usually cool as a cucumber!
I'm really glad to hear that the trip went well, though. Yes, it is these 'little things' that sometimes we are the most grateful for. The photos are great; and that Vivi…I could just stare at her all day! 🙂
OOXX,
Tanya
So thrilled to see your little Vivi in your arms! She looks sooooo sweet and soooo happy! (You too!) Beautiful photos!