We're here. We made it! We're in China. We're actually IN China right now. It feels so surreal!
I do NOT recommend anyone start their trip to China already having been awake for 24 solid hours. What a mistake that was. I'm about to collapse. But you live and you learn. All I can say is ...I survived it.
The day started off with me running later than I wanted to pick up my sister for our 6am flight. Shocked, right? We made it through the security line at 5:15am. So I thought we were good. Until a TSA worker found my money pouch hidden around my neck under my clothes. I got pulled out and taken for the private more thorough search. Fun. But they were just doing their job. I was fine with it. They saw the pendant I wear with Mia's photo and were very excited about the adoption. A quick hour and a half flight and we were in Dulles. The 5 hour layover there wasn't too bad. We got some breakfast, blogged, hung out. It seemed to go quickly.
But once we got on the plane...it seemed like time slowed down. First, we were delayed due to weather so we sat on the tarmac for about an hour and a half. Then the 14 hour flight...ugh! That's a long long time to sit in an uncomfortable seat. Thank goodness I upgraded to Economy Plus. Those 5 extra inches of legroom were so totally worth it. Really nervous about that flight home with the baby now that I know the reality of what those 14 hours feel like. But we'll survive that, too.
We drove by the "Bird's Nest" on the way to the hotel. Pretty cool to just see it on the street as you're driving by. Our guide, Jacky Yang "not Jackie Chan" told us the Chinese are very proud of the Olympics they hosted and the opening and closing ceremonies. He got us all checked into the hotel and helped us exchange some money. It was so great to have someone waiting at the airport to take care of us. Such a relief. He seems like a cool guy. Just out of university and really sweet.
We're totally wiped out so we ordered room service. Cheeseburger, club sandwich and fries. We're in China and that's what we got. LOL! And it wasn't easy to communicate it either. But we got it. A little different flavor but not bad.
Of course, back home it's actually breakfast time. As you can see by the time stamp on this post. Blogger and my computer both think it's 8:30AM...but it's actually 8:30PM. We're so tired right now I don't think we'll have any problem adjusting to the time difference. Crashing out in a few and heading to the Great Wall in the morning.
24 comments:
Following along and can't wait till you get that sweet baby in your arms.
Glad you're there and getting some rest.
Ni hao ma... hope you have a great time on the Wall... say hi to China for me... hugs... and have an AWESOME time - take photos of EVERY little thing... hugs.
What wonderful memories this brings back. Have fun and enjoy!
My husband and I were in China 4 months ago adopting our daughter. Enjoy every second it goes by fast. I could not sleep for about 24 hours before we got there either but it really helped us get used to the time change quickly.
Cora
HI, A fellow adoptive mom/china adoption blog stalker! LOL.
I didn't sleep the night before we left for China for our first adoption. Nor did I sleep on the plane!
Best wishes to you!
Wonderful! I already love your pictures and your blog! This is going to be a great adventure! And, YES, the flight back sucks...so be well-rested before you leave!!!
The Great Wall is mind-boggling. As you approach it along the way, you start to see this massive "ribbon" of stone and your jaw drops. If they still sell those wind-up small stuffed pandas there, be sure you get one.
Oh my goodness; I am just so excited for you!!!!
Glad that you made it! Honestly though I am not sure the trip would have been any easier had you gotten sleep- it's just a rough trip any way you look at it. Enjoy The Great Wall. I loved being there.
I am so very excited to FINALLY follow you to your precious daughter Mia. Try to rest as much as you can these few days before you get Mia. Easy said than done, I know I didn't sleep for days! It will be so exciting to see your pictures of the first moment Mia is in your arms. So glad you have your Sister with you to share in what is going to be the best day of your life!! Enjoy
Ellen
Glad you made it safely. Yay!!!
I just wanted to tell you that I've followed your blog for a while, and my family is so excited for both you and Mia!
Delurking!! :)
Love the pic of your hotel food... and I sure do recognize the Coke cans!! When I went to China 12 years ago (not to adopt), I actually bought one of those home with me!!
So excited that you are finally in the same country as your daughter. :) I know I'm not going to be a fan when I have to do that long flight.
So amazing to think you are FINALLY there! Am reading and watching and can't wait to see pics of that baby in her mama's arms!!!!!
EEEEEEE!!!!!! So loving seeing this post!! Welcome to China!
So happy for you! Enjoy and yes, being exhausted does help adjust to the new time. We were in China one month after the Olympics (Sept. 2008). It was a wonderful time completing our family. Enjoy and buy as much as you can for your new daughter (shop, shop, shop!!).
Alyzabeth's Mommy for 32 months!
That's the flight we'll be taken. Only the Economy Plus seats were all taken. Joy!
So excited for you and can't wait to watch you hold Mia in your arms.
Thank you! Thank you for sharing...this is sooo cool and so wonderful we can be excited with you! Is everyone staring at Carla's red hair? LOL
So thrilled for you K. Have fun!
Actually not sleeping before you leave and on the plane is a *very good plan* when going from the US to China. You are wiped out at the right time of day/night and may find the jet lag to be easier. Well done!!!
Wow!! Hard to believe you are REALLY there after all this time!! Love the pics, keep them coming! Glad you are finally able to get some rest and sleep!! ENJOY!!
So excited for you!
I also didn't sleep the night before or on the flight over! The first night you're just exhausted, the next two you'll probably wake up around 3 or 4am!
Enjoy every minute. Can't wait to see Mia in your arms-FINALLY!
I am so thrilled for you! I have seen your blog from time to time on China33 and it is amazing! You did a fabulous job on the nursery and I loved every detail. It was fun to see how your friends honored you with a similarly detailed baby shower. We did this trip 3 times and loved it each time. Relax and enjoy...they will take care of everything! Look forward to reading more. Thanks for sharing :)
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