We left the house at 3:30am on Thursday morning for a 6am flight. After boarding the plane and sitting for 30 minutes, we were all asked to de-plane for a potential mechanical problem. Well, we waited, and waited, and waited (with next to no information). We were finally told we could board and we took off over 2-1/2 hours late! Thank God we had a long layover in Chicago. As it was, by the time we stopped at the restroom and made it to the gate, the plane to Shanghai was already boarding! Close call.
About 30 minutes into the loooong flight to Shanghai, Alex said "I want to be in China now". Well, that's not a good start for a very long flight!
Actually, the boys did awesome! Everybody took a nap in the afternoon, and slept again in the evening before we landed. Alex was even able to see a live volcano from one of the back windows! Lot's of snacks and tvs on the back of every seat really helped.
Everything everyone said about the heat in China is true. It is HOT! Even at 5 in the evening when we were walking around, the sun felt so hot. We saw many people carrying umbrellas for protection. It's as bad or worse than Atlanta and Houston.
Pedestrians do not have the right away in China. Even if you have a green light, you need to watch out. If a car wants to go, they absolutely will not wait for you The bikes and scooters are even more dangerous as they are on the road and the sidewalks.
After a walk, it was back to the hotel for a snack and bed. Both Alex and Tyler were asleep by 7:15. Michael, who napped the most, took a little longer. Hopefully everyone will sleep through the night and wake up well rested in the morning! (I can dream, can't I!)
At the Shanghai Pudong Airport
Michael really enjoyed not having to sit in a car seat in the van!
A little bit of green in downtown Shanghai
Our Hotel
Across the street from our hotel.
Which way should we go????
So glad to hear that the boys cooperated on the flight and went to sleep reasonaly well. Hope you and Ruben were able to sleep as well. Best of luck with Lily on Sunday. Celeste
ReplyDeleteSo glad you've arrived! Rest and enjoy! I'm so excited for you.
ReplyDeleteWendy Cater
Hi Debbie! So glad you made it to China in one piece! I am surprised you had the time and energy to post to your blog. The traffic is crazy in Nanchang. The signals and stop signs are just a suggestion. The cars and scooters will drive on the wrong side of the street to get past the car ahead of them. And the pedestrians are all over the place. When we would walk across the street to get to the bank near our hotel, we would pair up with a local so we could get across! Haha!
ReplyDeleteWe're at the Victory Hotel now. You'll love it. Very nice room we have. Your suite with 2 bedrooms will be enough space for all of you.
As for restaurants, no worries about not being served. The staff will stand over your shoulder waiting for you to go through your menu and order.
:-) If you want a good laugh, go to the Chinese restaurant at the hotel in Nanchang. At first we were very uncomfortable, not knowing what to order, esp with the waitresses standing at our table, but in the end we were full of giggles because it was such an interesting experience, for the servers and us! (however the Chinese food there is very different from what we're used to.)
-Elise
SO glad to hear that you're there safe and sound! Can you believe you're finally in the same country as your sweet Lily?!? I am watching for updates like a hawk and am SO glad to see some pictures of your travels!
ReplyDeleteMany prayers are going up for you and your family for the next few weeks!
Love ya,
Amanda
I can't believe you are THERE! I have butterflies just thinking about it. :) You are so close to Lily...how exciting. I can't wait to hear all the ins and outs of Nanchang. Keep us all posted!!!
ReplyDeleteNikki
Glad you made it safe and sound. Won't be long now until you finally get your little one!
ReplyDeleteWoohoo girl! You have made it!!!
ReplyDeleteSo glad that you have that beautiful group of boys with you. Lily is going to LOVE them!!
Nicole