Consulate Appointment

We had an early Consulate appointment; we joined a roomful of about twelve American families all preparing to bring children home. We all took an oath together. I can't remember what I promised, but it was reasonable, whatever it was.  They called our name first, so we got to hand over the last papers and sign one thing, and we were done.  Ruby becomes an American citizen once we make it through the immigration desk at the airport in DC. 

The next stop was Shamian Island, a small island in the Pearl River. The government conceded the island foreign forces in the 1920s, and Chinese nationals were forbidden from entering. The buildings have a colonial feel, and it is peaceful and pleasant on the island. Brides come here for formal photos. Recently the island has been the epicenter of US families traveling to China to adopt. The main hotel there for adopting families has been closed so the tiny rooms can be enlarged, which is why we are at the Garden.

While we played on the playground, we saw some more aerobic retirees doing their morning group exercises.  Women were line dancing, men were playing on high bars, and I saw an older lady playing on a set of monkey bars. It seems like a healthy, social thing to do. One set of sixty-somethings were playing hacky-sack with amazing skill. Men retire here at 60 and women at 55, so they have plenty of time to practice.

We also saw a sign for a forced pregnancy test for women living in the district of Shamian Island. They are required to show up and take the test. Our guide was not sure what would happen to them if they were found to be pregnant without a license.

We did a little shopping, and we were most pleased with one like-minded shop that had reasonable, marked prices and contributes some profits to needy children in China. They gave Ruby an extra present, a magnet of her home province.

As for our parenting progress: we convinced Ruby to sit in the stroller so my back could have a break. She is learning that we are fun but inflexible. She's also warming up to her daddy.  She plays wildly with him in the room, and she takes food from him happily. She even held his hand today (after thinking about it briefly). This afternoon she took a nap with him. It wasn't very snugly, but she did let her foot rest on top of him for a while. He needs lots of encouragement. He told me he looks forward to returning to a world where children like him.  I think she already does.

We also heard that the Chinese-Japanese tensions are worse in other cities. We don't see any protests here today, though the protestors did pull down the Japanese flag on our hotel's flag pole (this is because now some Japanese nationalists have landed on that deserted island both countries claim). Elsewhere protestors attacked all the Japanese-made cars they saw.  This island they are fighting over is about 7 blocks by 4 blocks large, and uninhabited.  Our guide is hoping we leave for home before the US government makes any statements about the situation. 

Today is Monday, and we leave the hotel early on Wednesday to begin a long, full day of travel.  We'll see you soon!