Big Change of Plans

My last post was written on the bullet train from Nanchang to Guangzhou. Getting on the train was a bit of a chaotic mess. Once again we were "those Americans" trying to get 4 big suitcases 6 backpacks, and 4 kids onto the train. They don't really have a great storage place for suitcases so we had a lot of finagling to do. Our guide was able to get on the train with us to help, but it was still crazy. The horn sounded and she jumped off. The 4 hour ride was rather uneventful but the kiddos were a bit stir crazy by the end. Once in Guangzhou we met our new guide, Sara. We rode to our apartment complex which was about an hour drive. We arrived at the sky scraper and labored our suitcases up to the 21st floor. We checked in and went to our room. 

This is probably where I should admit that sometimes I'm a bit frugal. Our agency had recommended that we stay at a hotel called the Garden which is right next to the apartment complex. This is where almost all the adoptive families stay. We thought we would need two rooms at the hotel again and me trying to save a little bit of money, decided that we could do better by booking on our own. OOPS! We went into the 3 bedroom apartment and it was very nice but freezing cold, no crib, and it was all marble flooring. Not the best setup for a baby. I tried to adjust the temp, but it was locked. I went down to the check-in room and asked where our crib was at and they just laughed and said no crib. I then asked about the heat and she replied "maybe tomorrow". The building temp is controlled centrally and cannot be adjusted manually. Ok, so this wasn't going to work. I picked up the phone to call our guide and...the phone doesn't work. I tried to figure out how to call her phone or send a text, but to no avail. We decided to walk over to the Garden to see what they could offer. Dana went into Momma Bear mode and told the people at the apartments that we were cancelling and wanted our money back. We were willing to pay for the night but wanted to cancel the rest. The man in charge was quite understanding (and understood English). He said he couldn't cancel the credit card, but could give us cash back. Deal! Here are some pictures of the room that never was. 

We walked over to the Garden and it was amazing. It might be the nicest hotel we have ever stayed in. I haven't snapped many pics yet, but will post some soon. Here is a view out our window:

The lady at the desk was able to call our guide and get the travel agency price. We had to wait about a half hour to check in. We walked over to a KFC which was a few blocks down. When we arrived, poor Mags fell asleep in Dana's arms. We ordered some chicken sandwiches and waters (Pepsi for Dana). The waters were served boiling hot. The girls needed something that they could actually drink so I went back to the counter to see what the options were. It was as if it was a KFC designed by Dana because there were five taps on the soft drink machine and they were all Pepsi. Guess what girls, you get to try your first Pepsi. Anything goes at this point. The girls enjoyed their Pepsi and we all ate our chicken sandwiches which were a bit questionable. Definitely not chicken breast. We will just think positive and assume it was chicken thigh (shudder!).

As we were walking to the elevators in the lobby Dana turned and saw a bride and her Dad behind some doors about to walk down the aisle. We waited and watched as the doors swung open and she walked down the aisle. I bet the Pengman apartments didn't have that! We walked into the room and there was a huge and collective sigh of relief. This would work! Magnus was still sound asleep so Dana laid him down and he stayed asleep for the rest of the night. Poor little guy was exhausted. 

I took two trips over to the apartment complex to get the suitcases and bags. Finally at about 9:30, we were all settled in and the girls were asleep. 

We are now ready to tackle Guangzhou!