Sunday, October 21, 2007

Friday-Saturday Train Ride






I know that many are wondering if MinMin changed clothes for the consulate appointment on Friday. Well....she did and she didn't. I laid out nice clothes for her, and both Richard and I put on nicer clothes. She folded up the clothes, put them in her suitcase, and got out the regulars. We got the others back out and laid them back on the bed. Since she had been sullen all morning, we decided that we weren't going to win on the nice clothes, so I pulled out a different shirt and jacket than the normal and gave her a choice. Of course, she picked the pants and jacket. So, not the nice clothes, but at least not the same ones as all the other days.

Friday at 4:00 we arriveed at the US Consulate to pick up MinMin's passport with her US visa inside. That was a very quick process, as there were so few families here during the trade fair, and we were out of there by 4:30. The train station was just a block up the street, so we headed that way. Our train left at 6:00. We had a soft sleeper, which is a room, about 6' by 7', with four beds, two upper and two lower. We got settled in, and fortunately for us, no one else joined us.

Let me tell you, 21 hours for 3 people in a 6' by 7' room is a great bonding experience! We got out the UNO cards, and played game after game, after game. MinMin LOVES to win at UNO, and she especially LOVES to beat Richard! She kept track of who won all the games, and loved it when she was ahead. Three hours of UNO later, we crawled in our bunks for the night. Sleeping on a gently moving train under a nice comforter is not a bad way to spend the night.

The next morning we took our time moving around, but once we were up and had some coffee (instant that we took with us) and breakfast, out came the UNO cards again. This girl would not let us stop playing UNO until we arrived in Beijing that afternoon. If we weren't playing UNO, then she was taking silly pictures with the camera.

We arrived in our hotel, made sure that there was internet before we checked in, and headed out to the street to eat. We went to the same restaurant that we went to three years ago when we came for LiAnne. It is three stories underground, and a huge bunch of restaurants together, where you can find any Chinese food you want. It was quite good. Back in our room, we got out the computer, only to not be able to connect. Seems like, yes, they do have internet, but you have to pay--and quite expensive. Richard headed back out to check out another hotel, and made reservations for tonight, since we had already paid for one night at the first one.

7 comments:

Chelley said...

oh how it warms the heart to see pics of Min Min smiling!!!

Unknown said...

These are the pictures we have been waiting for. How wonderful to see a big smile on MinMin's face. It is heart warming to say the least. Starla and Richard, you are doing a beautiful job of teaching MinMin about love. We will be praying for her heart to be ready to leave when you head to the airport. I would think she would be looking forward to flying for the first time. So glad to hear from you. Love you!

Anonymous said...

Oh! There's that toothy grin. It's so sweet to see how she and Richard are bonding! Laurie

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful smile she has! I'm sure it warmed your hearts to see it! I think you are doing a wonderful job with MinMin. Hang in there - and God Bless. Marie

Mike and Barb said...

I agree, it's wonderful to see a smile! Keep up the nurturing and loving...
Barb

Charlotte said...

What a wonderful trip you are having ! Hate to see it end, all your fans want to see more of "Life with Min Min ", lol. So does the little ones at home too !
Pray for my CA tomorrow, hoping I am leaving in 12 days, 11 days tomorrow ! Woohooo ! Guess what too ? I will be in GZ with Barb from QT3 too !

Charlotte
www.rachaeljanew.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

aww, looks like i didn't do a good job...
very nice pics, thank you!