I love Aunt Bia Bia.
I like riding my bike to my cousin's house.
I like playing with Cousin Luke.
Ruby and I will be best friends.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
We made it!
I have not been posting the last few days because it has been a whirlwind!
On Friday, MingGe was sworn in as a US citizen, along with about 10-15 other adoptees. Although it was very short and very anticlimatic (compared to the paper chase we have lived and breathed over the past year) there was not a dry eye in the house. We were in and out in about 1/2 hour and went immediately to the train station.
The train ride from Guangzhou to Hong Kong took about 2 1/2 hours. Since the train left at 4:50, we were able to catch some daylight and enjoy the views. It was amazing and I think John enjoyed both of our train rides more than any other attraction we visited in China.
I know Hong Kong is now part of China, but we still had to go through a customs process upon entering the City of Kowloon. I think it is something like Puerto Rico which is owned by the US but still has its own customs process.
We took a car to the Disney Hollywood Hotel and checked in. The kids were very excited and MingGe quickly became a Mickey Mouse fan. The Disney imagineers have been to work in Hong Kong. Like Florida, there are "hidden" Mickeys everywhere (three circles of the size of Mickey's heads and ears) - the lights, bedspreads, bathrooms, floors, elevator buttons, everywhere. MingGe wanted to show us every one!
On Sat, we went to the park. It is smaller is size and scale then Florida, but is the same idea. There is a Main Street, with bakery, stores, City Hall, and a restaurant at the end. FL has three restaurants in the same area, by comparison. You can walk through the castle to Fantasyland but the castle is about 1/3 to 1/2 the size. MingGe Jack and I went on Dumbo first. Dad took pictures. I have spent several hours trying to retrieve them off the camera we got in China, but I have not had any luck yet. This was actually special for Mama too because I have never been on Dumbo in the US. The lines are always too long! MingGe loved this.
Jack and MingGe were one of the first guests of the day and received a Star Guest sticker and a certificate with their names on it - very similar to the Year of a Million Dreams Magical Moments certificates that were awarded in the US. Throughout the day they received about 50 other stickers with the the Disney characters! MingGe would march them right over to Baba for safekeeping in his bag!
We went on Winnie the Pooh next. At this point MingGe really started to get what this was about and would run to the next attraction. Asking to go on everything, regardless of the age or subject matter!
Later in the afternoon, we went back to the hotel for a dip in the pool. It was a little chilly so we had to stay inside. MingGe was not interested in venturing off the steps with Jack or I, but she was very content to sit on the entry stairs and giggle and laugh with Jack. After an excellent International Buffet dinner at Chef Mickey's we all fell fast asleep.
On Sunday we went back to the park to visit the attractions that we missed on Sat. MingGe really had a thing for Mickey Mouse himself at this point and managed to get her father to buy a good sized Mickey stuffed animal in a leather jacket and jeans. We like to call him NYC Mickey. She definitely has a thing for black.
Sun afternoon the outside pool was open. The pool had a huge zero entry area, so MingGe was able to swim around with her hands on the bottom and jump in play in depths that she was comfortable with. We had a wonderful time. She loved it when Jack came over so she could splash him!
Since we all enjoyed Chef Mickey's so much the night before, we ate there again. The only problem was it did not open until 6. We were done swimming by 4:30 and MingGe was hungry! Dad to the rescue again. As we started to melt down, Dad brought MingGe to the lounge for some chicken wings. She was a new person and saved but one wing for brother Jack. We had another great meal at Chef Mickey's including a birthday card and song from the staff to celebrate John's birthday. MingGe knows the words to Happy Birthday and continued to serenade the entire restaurant during dinner. Although there were some verses for John, there were many for MingGe. She was adorable.
We had to leave the hotel by 7:30 on Mon for our long trip back to the US, so it was early to bed for the Daley's on Sun night.
Our flight back was LOOOONG. The leg from Hong Kong to JFK was 15 hours and 9 minutes. MingGe was unbelievable. She slept, played, ate and was really better than anyone could expect. She was rewarded when we got to NYC with McDonalds chicken nuggets and fries. She was very happy and did not complain when we waited 2 hours and then got on another plane for Boston. Man, are we lucky.
She, John, Jack and I all talked and stayed awake the whole ride home from Boston (1.5 hours). When we arrived, MingGe and Jack ran from room to room. MingGe was very excited. She met the cats and was a little scared at first. She actually gave Gabby a little pat before the night was over. By tonight she was not crossing the room to the other side to pass, but she still did not want any of them sleeping on her bed!
Reality and being overtired hit at bedtime. MingGe was scared and was upset for about 15 minutes. Per her request, Jack slept with her and Baba comforted her until she fell asleep. We are so proud of our little girl and her big brother Jack. They really were amazing during our big adventure.
Coming up tomorrow, our first day in Kennebunk - Walshes, Walshes and Walshes!
On Friday, MingGe was sworn in as a US citizen, along with about 10-15 other adoptees. Although it was very short and very anticlimatic (compared to the paper chase we have lived and breathed over the past year) there was not a dry eye in the house. We were in and out in about 1/2 hour and went immediately to the train station.
The train ride from Guangzhou to Hong Kong took about 2 1/2 hours. Since the train left at 4:50, we were able to catch some daylight and enjoy the views. It was amazing and I think John enjoyed both of our train rides more than any other attraction we visited in China.
I know Hong Kong is now part of China, but we still had to go through a customs process upon entering the City of Kowloon. I think it is something like Puerto Rico which is owned by the US but still has its own customs process.
We took a car to the Disney Hollywood Hotel and checked in. The kids were very excited and MingGe quickly became a Mickey Mouse fan. The Disney imagineers have been to work in Hong Kong. Like Florida, there are "hidden" Mickeys everywhere (three circles of the size of Mickey's heads and ears) - the lights, bedspreads, bathrooms, floors, elevator buttons, everywhere. MingGe wanted to show us every one!
On Sat, we went to the park. It is smaller is size and scale then Florida, but is the same idea. There is a Main Street, with bakery, stores, City Hall, and a restaurant at the end. FL has three restaurants in the same area, by comparison. You can walk through the castle to Fantasyland but the castle is about 1/3 to 1/2 the size. MingGe Jack and I went on Dumbo first. Dad took pictures. I have spent several hours trying to retrieve them off the camera we got in China, but I have not had any luck yet. This was actually special for Mama too because I have never been on Dumbo in the US. The lines are always too long! MingGe loved this.
Jack and MingGe were one of the first guests of the day and received a Star Guest sticker and a certificate with their names on it - very similar to the Year of a Million Dreams Magical Moments certificates that were awarded in the US. Throughout the day they received about 50 other stickers with the the Disney characters! MingGe would march them right over to Baba for safekeeping in his bag!
We went on Winnie the Pooh next. At this point MingGe really started to get what this was about and would run to the next attraction. Asking to go on everything, regardless of the age or subject matter!
Later in the afternoon, we went back to the hotel for a dip in the pool. It was a little chilly so we had to stay inside. MingGe was not interested in venturing off the steps with Jack or I, but she was very content to sit on the entry stairs and giggle and laugh with Jack. After an excellent International Buffet dinner at Chef Mickey's we all fell fast asleep.
On Sunday we went back to the park to visit the attractions that we missed on Sat. MingGe really had a thing for Mickey Mouse himself at this point and managed to get her father to buy a good sized Mickey stuffed animal in a leather jacket and jeans. We like to call him NYC Mickey. She definitely has a thing for black.
Sun afternoon the outside pool was open. The pool had a huge zero entry area, so MingGe was able to swim around with her hands on the bottom and jump in play in depths that she was comfortable with. We had a wonderful time. She loved it when Jack came over so she could splash him!
Since we all enjoyed Chef Mickey's so much the night before, we ate there again. The only problem was it did not open until 6. We were done swimming by 4:30 and MingGe was hungry! Dad to the rescue again. As we started to melt down, Dad brought MingGe to the lounge for some chicken wings. She was a new person and saved but one wing for brother Jack. We had another great meal at Chef Mickey's including a birthday card and song from the staff to celebrate John's birthday. MingGe knows the words to Happy Birthday and continued to serenade the entire restaurant during dinner. Although there were some verses for John, there were many for MingGe. She was adorable.
We had to leave the hotel by 7:30 on Mon for our long trip back to the US, so it was early to bed for the Daley's on Sun night.
Our flight back was LOOOONG. The leg from Hong Kong to JFK was 15 hours and 9 minutes. MingGe was unbelievable. She slept, played, ate and was really better than anyone could expect. She was rewarded when we got to NYC with McDonalds chicken nuggets and fries. She was very happy and did not complain when we waited 2 hours and then got on another plane for Boston. Man, are we lucky.
She, John, Jack and I all talked and stayed awake the whole ride home from Boston (1.5 hours). When we arrived, MingGe and Jack ran from room to room. MingGe was very excited. She met the cats and was a little scared at first. She actually gave Gabby a little pat before the night was over. By tonight she was not crossing the room to the other side to pass, but she still did not want any of them sleeping on her bed!
Reality and being overtired hit at bedtime. MingGe was scared and was upset for about 15 minutes. Per her request, Jack slept with her and Baba comforted her until she fell asleep. We are so proud of our little girl and her big brother Jack. They really were amazing during our big adventure.
Coming up tomorrow, our first day in Kennebunk - Walshes, Walshes and Walshes!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Thursday Morning - Guangzhou - Phone Calls Galore
After MingGe woke up Dad turned on the computer. We immediately got a video call, via Skype, from the Walshes. No sooner did we answer than Uncle Jamie, Aunt Linda and Reagan called, followed within seconds by Auntie Ali!!!!!
John was so excited to talk to someone from his family that they could barely get a word in edgewise! It was so great to see them too! We will have to continue to use Skye when we get back to the US.
The Walshes showed MingGe their new baby chick - Chic Fil A.
The Daleys from New York showed MingGe their new cat and the Zeas showed MingGe their dog.
It was so nice to actually speak with and see some of our friends and family back in the US. We miss everyone very much.
I am not sure she knows what to think about our fascination with animals. For many here it is dinner! Actually, one of the specialties in Guangzhou is pigeon, mmmm. We were actually commenting as MingGe spilled some chips in one of the squares in the Forbidden City that in the US we would be surrounded by pigeons. They are noticeably missing from the parks and squares in China. Things that make you say hmmm hmmmm hmmm.
Tomorrow we check out of our hotel and go to the US Consulate. MingGe will be sworn in as a US citizen tomorrow afternoon, March 13, around 3:30 PM! We will go to the train station directly from the consulate to catch our train to Hong Kong. We will spend three nights there before heading home on John's birthday - Monday, March 16. John is very excited to have a 36 hour birthday this year, since we will be traveling east. It is certainly one he will never forget as he brings home the best present of all - his little girl.
D
MingGe's First Plane Trip
I cannot believe how well MingGe did on the flight over. She ate, drew pictures, read and took a nap. She did not like her seatbelt but did wear it for takeoff and landing, as instructed. When we were on our final descent and I said we're on our way down she shook her little head and said no and pointed up at the ceiling! She did not want to go down.
Our guide Bob met us at the airport. He took us to the Holiday Inn Shifu. It is right in the city with one of their major shopping streets right outside the door. Lots of restaurants and stores - plenty to see!
On Wed we had to go to the clinic for MingGe's physical exam. This is required for the consulate. She had to get 4 shots?!?!?! Arghhh. Under the old rules, you had to submit a notarized affidavit that you would get the required shots when you got to the US. Under the new Hague rules, they must all be taken before being issued a Visa. Since they are required for school, I am not sure why they put the kids through this. MingGe, of course, knew exactly what was going on. As soon as we entered the clinic she started shaking her head and wimpering )-:
Her only words we in Chinese - translated to NO SHOTS!
She watched everything and did not cry until the last one. It must have hurt. Her arm is still a little sore today. She also slept almost 12 hours last night - which may have been a direct result of the shots.
After the clinic we walked back through the animal market. There we saw lots of cats, dogs, fish, etc... Jack was enthralled with the scorpions - good soup stock - turtles, eels, frogs and snakes. MingGe is very timid with the animals and not at all fond of the slimy ones. Wait until she goes to camp and the boys are catching buckets full of toads!
We also walked to a playground on Shaiman Island. Jack and MingGe played on the equipment and got an ice cream for the walk home. If you are all worried that I am going to spoil my little girl I do have my limits - no more than 3 ice creams per day!?!?!?! Actually after getting her shots she could have had anything. Mama couldn't even go in - Dad and Jack had to hold her hand and watch. I was the same way with Jack. I always had to leave the room when it came time for the shots. Some things never change!
We decided to eat in the hotel this evening because MingGe announced at 4:45 "I'm Hungry"!
When she sets her mind to it we have figured out we need to take care of things pretty quickly or things get ugly! She and Jack had a great time visiting the buffet numerous times.
Even though I was dreading the medical exam, MingGe, once again, was a trooper. Except for that part, it was a great day. MingGe has been singing, laughing and playing like a typical 4 year old. I know she still misses Auntie Migyeong and Auntie Elaine, she seems to be adjusting the the crazy family she has just joined.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Guangzhou and Ali
We are heading to Guangzhou today to finalize the adoption on the US side. This will be MingGe's first plan ride. Bringing lots of gum, hoping her ears will take it.
Before heading out we got a video call on the computer from Auntie Ali!!!
Boy was MingGe excited. She played, brought items to show her and laughed and spoke to her, Antonia and Niko. She even said bye bye and blew kisses to her! I told Ali I am now number 8 in the pecking order behind, Jack, Baba, the 3 cats and her!
If any other family members have a camera on their computer and want to download Skype to their PC, it is free! It only takes about 5 minutes. You create a username and e-mail it to us and we can "call" you. Our userid is jjdmdaley - for john, jack, danelle, mingge daley. We would love to get your call.
We did buy a cheap camera last night, so I will try to post more pictures when we get to Guangzhou.
I am so happy to hear MingGe laughing!
D
D
Beijing Day 3 MingGe and the Market
We started the day touring the Forbbidden City. It took about 1.5 hours just to walk from one end of the City to the other. There were large halls, one for resting before important ceremonies, oe for dressing, one for the empresses, etc... Since we had two children, we will read more about it later. There is alot of symbolism and history, but the kids were more interested in running and skipping their way through the squares. MingGe only wanted Jack's hand and she was very quiet, but she was running and skipping, so think she was ok.
In the afternoon we visited the pearl market. This was amazing. Floors of pearls just tied together in big bundles. Of course all of the ladies took a big interest in MingGe. She was very interested in the girls making the jewelry and the tools, she got some gems, a pearl necklace a small jewelry pouch and a silk purse as gifts from different ladies she befriended. Baba bought MingGe and I some beautiful pearls. We will save MingGe's to give her on her 16th birthday. We also bought some beautiful gifts for the women in our family.
After touring the market MingGe was giggling and happy. We went back to the hotel and she played with all of us! She let Mama help open things and draw pictures with her. We went out for noodles and an ice cream for dessert. MingGe was joyful and singing.
Did I mention she knows all the words to Twinkle Twinkle Little Star? I am sure we have Auntie Migyeong to thank for that one. She was also singing Old MacDonald.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Beijing Day 2 The Great Wall
In typical John fashion, he befriended a man at the hotel from the Ukraine. This gentleman travels to China several times a year for work. He is a toy salesman. Anyway, he arranged for a car and guide to take us to the Great Wall, Mutianyu. Badaling is the more common destination for tourists and John had been there on his last trip. He said it was teeming with very aggressive vendors and wall to wall people, no pun intended. Parts of the wall were actually crowded. Mutianyu on the other hand is known for it's more natural setting and beautiful vistas. It was spectacular. There were very few people. We took a cable car up and down, just hiking a short while on top of the wall from tower to tower. We also tried calling Auntie Ali because we thought she might be the only family member still awake at 10:30 PM!
Our guide was Jennifer. MingGe took a step back today and grabbed on to Jennifer for dear life. It may be that she was also scared. She has never been in a cable car and some of the steps on the wall were half her size. She was not interested in doing anything but leaving. After taking some pictures Jennifer, MingGe and I sent John and Jack on a short hike. We waited on a scenic overview where the cable car station was located. It may have just been a language attraction. MingGe understands much of what we are saying, but can not talk back so I am sure it is comforting to be able to have a conversation with someone!
After the Great Wall we went to a Cloisine factory. They walked us from room to room and we could see each step in the process. A small vase the size of a water bottle takes about 2 weeks to complete! I was not a big fan of this style of pottery or jewelry but I am glad we stopped there. It was very interesting and I liked many of their designs. We also enjoyed an authentic Chinese lunch at their restaurant. It was great.
The drive back to the City was about 1.5 hours. MingGe did take a nap in the van!
Back in Beijing we went to the "Blue Zoo". I was expecting a very small aquarium with some fish tanks. Boy was I wrong. It was a great aquarium. The best part was a 300 m moving conveyer belt that took you through a huge fish tank under arched windows. There was many species of fish and sea life. It was awesome.
MingGe turned into the happy girl that we have seen over the past week. She let me zip her coat and hold her hand on the stairs. When we went back to the hotel she played with Jack and I like before. Two steps forward!
We went for dinner at a rest right near the hotel. It was great. MingGe likes shrimp so we ordered Shrimp fried rice. She could not resist even though she was getting tired. Back at the hotel we played for a short time before hitting the hay at 7.
Although we took a step back at the beginning of the day we ended on a happy note. As she and Jack held hands and skipped back tot he hotel, John and I looked at each other and said "thank God" at the same time.
Tomorrow we will be visiting the Forbidden City, Tianamen (sp?) Square and the Pearl Market.
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