july 17, 2011

we leave for hong kong in two days.  this trip has been so bittersweet.  we've seen a large number of adoptive families, both traditional and waiting child programs.  we've seen a large number of families on heritage tours, too.  so many western families with asian children, it's been amazing.  we see their faces and hear their perfect english and just ache for our children back home.  it's been work this time, to keep our minds on the trip and do the things we need to do while we are here.  keep having to remind ourselves to enjoy this trip, this very special trip to benjamin yuan yuan while it lasts.  to be here, in our children's country of birth, and to have returned so many times, makes us very fortunate people.  we are trying to remember that while we look for the 19th to hurry up and arrive...

some photos from around shamian island and from our dinner last night at the cow and bridge thai restaurant here on the island.  after dinner, we ran back to the hotel in a massive thunderstorm.  most amazing was the sheer number of people who were out casually strolling with umbrellas (read: lighting rods) while the storm pounded around them.  crazy people. 

no wonder there is a store on the island that sells both children's dolls and alcohol.  :)  photo below:

photos from around shamian island...

and of course, at lucy's, naturally.  :)  home away from home...

photos from around the island...

this is a fountain in someone's "front yard" and i put that in quotes for a reason, see next photo...

this photo below, is the "front yard" in which the fountain resides...  if you can see through the bamboo, there is a front door in there and the fountain is to right behind the bamboo...  good luck.