China: Day 9

Today was a great day here in Guangzhou, one that allowed for both rest and fun! First, we learned our girl's TB test results were negative, meaning no follow-up needed. Hooray! 

After getting to FaceTime a few family members from back home, we were ready to begin the day's adventures! We also learned that Banks' flag football team won their playoff game last night and is headed to the championship game today. Go Heels!!!

Back here in China, because the day was a "free day," we decided to take advantage and head to Shamian Island, a quaint little island located about 25 minutes from our hotel. We had heard it described as being similar to Charleston, South Carolina. Really? Charleston? I was skeptical but...it was! So green and pretty with lovely buildings and gardens and lots of beautiful history and statues. 

Such pretty walkways!

So lush and green

Just gorgeous!

An old stone carving

Photo op with Daddy in front of some pretty greens

Shamian Island is also known for its beautiful statues, many of which depict children. One statue that is well known to adoptive families is of a woman leading young children. It is sort of a rite of passage to take your adoptive child's photo with the statue. So, that is what we set out to do! BUT Bella was NOT having it. She was really frightened by the statue and started crying as soon as we set her down for the picture. So, we scooped her up and took one with her. She was not pleased...and remained a little unhappy with us for a bit until she realized there was quite a bit to see around the island.

Our best attempt at the photo with the infamous statue 
 

Peeved at Momma and Daddy for making her pose with that ol' statue

 Another pretty statue, this one of a boy reading...

 ...and another, of children playing hopscotch

We continued making our way around the island, soaking in all there was to see. We came upon a little park and were excited to check it out. It was located right next to the Pearl River and offered beautiful views. We also stumbled upon a beautiful, choreographed performance by women dancing with fans. We were captivated by it!

 Entrance to the park

 

 A panoramic view of the Pearl River

 Beautiful trees and Chinese decor

 Such a lovely performance

 

 Loved the bright fans

Time to do some souvenir shopping. But first, a quick family photo :)

Such a trooper, this sweet one

As we continued walking around, we discovered upon this restaurant with straight out of the water "ocean food," as our guide, Lily, called it. There were all kinds of crazy fish and lobsters and oysters and prawns, many of which were types I had never seen! They had all these tanks lined up, and you could come and choose what you wanted them to cook for your meal. Although we really wanted to have lunch there, we didn't have a reservation and were told it would be a long wait; so, we snapped a couple pics of the creatures and then headed down to Lucy's, a little bar and grill that offered...wait for it...cheeseburgers and chicken wraps, among other things. Woohoo! We are such terrible tourists when it comes to local cuisine. ;) And Bella opted for some of Momma's french fries instead of her own rice congee. This girl is going to love America! <3

A few of the (many!) tanks housing the live seafood 

Why hello, crazy looking lobster :)

Luton ladies, ready for lunch!

Delish!

After our morning at Shamian Island, we came back to the hotel to put Bella down for her nap, and Clay and I were able to watch a movie on his computer; so, it was a nice, restful afternoon for us all! 

After Bella woke up, we decided to take her to the pool. At first she was uncertain (I'm guessing it's the first time she's ever been in a pool). But soon, she started to realize that this pool stuff is pretty fun!

Ready for some fun in the sun!

 

Splashing with Daddy

 

Not sure about this pool stuff yet...

 

...oh wait. It's fun!

Please look at how our sweet girl folds her little hands. Whenever she's tired or wrapped up in a blanket (or in this case, a towel), she clasps her precious hands like she's saying her prayers. Melts our hearts!

After a quick bath and a little playtime in our hotel room, it was off to dinner, just the three of us. We walked across the street to this sushi spot. It was really neat because there were tons of different sushi options that continually passed by on a conveyor belt. If you saw one you liked, you could just grab it off and eat it. We ended up ordered off the menu, but it was fun to watch different sushi choices constantly moving along around us.

Sushi!

Bels, enjoying one of her favorite foods: dumplings!

Finally, we returned to the hotel for bedtime. It was such a wonderful day with our girl! And only FIVE DAYS until we head home so she can finally meet her three excited big siblings!