One day to go

Well, it is almost that time. We are packed from the most part and we are both trying to wrap up loose ends before we get out of here. Our final itinerary was mailed to us yesterday morning. I procured all of the new bills we need for the trip and we are silently entering into general freak-out mode.

I have spoken (E-mail) with people who are in China right now and it is hot and shirt-sticking-to-your-back humid. My hair will be doing the flip in all the pictures we upload. Hopefully, we will get time everyday to let you watch the journey as it unfolds. C went to the doctor today and she has an ear infection. She was given drops but we are going to try ear candles, heard they work well. It is silent right now; I’ve been starting to say my good byes but the reality of our situation hasn’t completely implanted itself to my head. It is a low hum, like Nyquil. My sister called me today; which was nice, people keep asking if we are ready; I don’t think we ever were or ever will be. C’s work people through her a little impromptu get-together on Monday downtown. Things are moving along…

I am really hopinf that we will get to see the hospital where Maya was actually left. Also, we are hoping that the note she was left with will be given to us at the orphanage or when we receive her. Last week we were mailed her finding ad. In China when a baby is found abandoned the orphanage is required to post a description and picture of her when found. This has given us a picture of her when she is about 3-5 days old. I will post it and the translation of the ad when I get a chance.

I’ve included links to the hotel and other sites where possible. While we are in China we will be 13 hours ahead of CDT.

Beijing
Plaza Hotel
Phone: 0086-10-67353366

Date
Time
Events
05.12
2:25pm Pick up Family #5 Hoffmann (2) with UA851 and send to Plaza Hotel
05.13
8:30am Sightseeing Tour to the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Tian An Men Square
05.14
7:55am Families fly to Changsha with CA1343

Changsha
Dolton Hotel (The English link seems to be out of commision)
Phone:011-86-0731-4168888

05.15
10:00am Meet babies at Civil Affairs. Do relevant Paperwork.
05.16
10:00am Shopping for babies
05.17
9:30am Sightseeing tour to YueLu Academy
05.18
9:30am Sightseeing tour to Countryside.
05.19
3:30pm Get passport and Do INS Form
05.20
9:30am Sightseeing tour to a museum
05.21
8:10am All fly to GZ with CZ3375

Guangzhou
White Swan Hotel
Phone: 011-86-20-81886968

05.21
9:30am Pick up family with CZ3375, and send to WS hotel.
05.22
10:00am Taking babies’ visa picture and doing medical examination for the babies. Sightseeing tour to Chen families’ temple in the afternoon.
05.23
9:00am Guide goes to American Consulate to hand in families’ documents.
05.24
3:00pm Families go to American Consulate for interview and get visa in the afternoon.
05.25
8:25am Hoffmann family to Hong Kong to Chicago