Eliza had a rough day yesterday: constipated, teething, adjusting to lots of new things. We stayed home instead of going on the tour of old-town Chongqing. She loves to be held and bounced. In fact, she insisted on it during all of dinner last night. I'm pretty good now at eating with baby while standing up. Parental skills are coming on fast.This morning things were much brighter. After a mouthful of Motrin, the smiles came back. Just in time for our trip to the Chongqing zoo. Most of our group was able to make the trip. The 30 minute bus ride was an adventure in itself--harrowing and full of new sights to American eyes. This city is know to have some of the worst air pollution in China. Today was particularly warm and thick.
The zoo was a great time. Chongqing is home to six giant pandas. Our tour guide stated that there are now only about 1000 left of the species. We also saw red pandas (from the Himalayas), kangaroos, hippos, and lots of great birds. Our tour group was on display as well. We enjoyed many smiles, questions, and "hello"'s from the other zoo visitors. There were loads of kids there on school field trips who enjoyed practicing their English greetings.
Afterwards, we stopped in to an art gallery where we received five minutes lecture from an art professor on Chinese painting. We purchased a very nice set of four scroll painting that depict the four seasons. We also picked up a few small paintings of old cityscapes applied to the skeletal structure of a banyan tree's leaf. We were told that these are a Chongqing speciality.Tonight at dinner we experience another of the city's specialties--hot pot. It's like hot and spicy fondue with meat and vegetables. My forehead is beading with sweat in anticipation.
4 comments:
You certainly have adjusted! You both look very comfortable! I gotta tell ya, yesterday was a long day for us here too! You see, we are waiting and checking the blog all the time to see how things are going. I understand that this the the bigger deal for you, but not being able to talk to you is driving me CRAZY!!!!! God is Good! You look extremely happy! Love and prayers to you all!
So much fun. Glad all is going well. I had no doubt about your parenting skills. Good job guys!
Steph
Woo hoo! A trip to the zoo! How awesome! Thank you so much for posting all of the updates and photos. It is almost like being there with you! Eliza is so beautiful!
We saw Joe and Julie's posting from earlier about St. Andrew being all abuzz about Eliza, and they are right! You all even made the most recent edition of the church newsletter, photos included! And Steve printed and passed around photos at choir practice this week.
We hope you can sense the good wishes and fervent prayers that are lifting you up and surrounding you! We love you guys!
Lynn and Barb
I've been reading every day - we are so privileged that you guys allow us to be part of this experience. Thank you so much for taking the time to post your pics and add your journal entries!
Eliza is so beautiful and it's so amazing to see you both become parents! I cry every time I look at your entries (my hormones are already crazy enough, thank you!) I can't wait until you guys get home! That nursery has been waiting patiently for your perfect little girl! We miss you!
Love,
Jenn & Eric
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