We had the closest thing to a normal nights sleep and got dressed and headed up to breakfast. This executive lounge knows how to serve breakfast! They served amazing coffee, many traditional Chinese food items (Jim and Samuel were in heaven), cheese, meats, mango, strawberry and vanilla fresh yogurt, pastries, breads, veggies, an omelet station and pancakes. After last nights dining experience I told everyone to fill up because who knew what we’d be having for lunch or dinner.
I arrived for breakfast as most were finishing up. Zoe left to run to the room before we were meeting in the lobby at 9:30. I ate quickly and then got into the elevator headed for the lobby. You have to have a room key to get the elevator to work, with the exception of the lobby. As I headed down from the 39th floor the doors opened on the 12th floor and Cole and the crew got in. The door closed and then opened again on the 11th floor and we were all shocked to see Zoe standing there. She had never made it to the room. She had been trying to get into room 1112 when our correct room was 1211. She even had video footage of a hotel employee trying to help her get into the room. Thankfully she did not burst into someone else’s room! That girl can not be left alone for a second 🙂
We loaded up and headed out to Jim’s medical appointment. It is in a much bigger and nicer location and building that when we came with Samuel 9 years ago. John said the consulate has also moved locations. Much about this town has changed! It looks much more metropolitan yet with poverty and old China in the alleys. On the way we passed a van of other adoptive families! As we entered the building there was a wine vending machine, never seen one of those before! 
The clinic was much nicer than before and it was a sweet time of talking to other adoptive families and seeing them with their children. We met families with America World, WACAP, Lifeline and Great Wall. Several sweet faces I recognized from waiting children lists and New Day’s facebook page. I could have stayed there all day. Jim had his vision tested. He could obviously see the contrast in colors because he could trace the numbers but he could not say them. John said he should be familiar with american numbers so he felt Jim must not like math…. we shall see. He had a general check up, blood drawn for TB and then 3 vaccines. He was tough!
Samuel’s experience was a little more traumatic 9 years ago. Poor sweet baby!
John took us to an area where we could see the arena they built for the Chinese Games. It was surrounded by high-rises! We walked past the museum and library but it really just felt like a bunch of big buildings. There was a big observation tower/ needle that you could pay to go up in, it has observation decks and the tallest drop ride in the world as well as little carts that travel along a track rotating in a circle allowing you to see the skyline. While I had several kids wanting to try, this mama ( especially after being married to a product lawyer for almost 15 years) was not feeling confident in the safely regulations here. We continued to walk along the courtyard and John wanted to show us a large fountain that does light shows but once we got there it had a tin wall around it and was just cement. Again, lots of useless and empty construction. We had seen enough! We decided to head out for some traditional Chinese gifts. On the way back to the van Cole spotted what looked to be a Chinese version of Propel in a window. HE got his drink and the kids tried some ice cream. As we walked on a group of about 5 young adults came sprinting over to have their photo taken with us. Before we could walk much further two more groups approached. We finally made it back to the van and enjoyed the AC….. it feels like Alabama here! HOT and humid! We are dripping!
We headed on to Shamian Island to stretch our legs and do some shopping. Shamian Island reminds me a lot of Savannah or New Orleans. Old architecture mixed with beautiful gardens = a beautiful stroll. The Island was filled with couples having their wedding photos made and Zoe was in heaven seeing all of their beautiful dresses. We had quite a few people ask to have their photos taken with us here as well. We Had quite a bit of luck shopping and then we decided to have lunch at Lucy’s. It’s not the greatest but it is American food so the kids easily found something to eat. I’m pretty picky about my meats so I stuck with a cheese quesadillia. I’m probably going to gain 15 lbs on this trip eating cheese pizza, cheese quesadillias, pancakes, etc ). I’ll be ready for a big steak when we get home! 
Samuel 9 years ago after shopping on the island 🙂
Recreating photo from 9 years ago 🙂
With John as our guide we took the subway back to our hotel. It was fun to experience another mode of transportation here in China. So far we traveled by planes, train, vans, taxis, and subway! John was surprised it was not more crowded for a Saturday afternoon but we were thankful! We made it safely back to the hotel and had a few snacks in the lounge. From the window you can see inside a huge stadium. They were preparing for a soccer match so Jon Cole was excited. We left him to watch what he could from the lounge and we returned to our room ready to call it a day!
Clearly in this Province or at least the city of Guangzhou they find time to play. Beside the arena there are quite a few sports courts, tennis courts, basketball courts, and soccer fields, all of which have been occupied almost every time I look out of the window.