May 16th, Around Guangzhou - US Consulate.
On the 14th, the kids were all rounded up and brought in for their medical exams. Bella didn't like it one bit, but there really wasn't much to the exam, it was more to verify that each child was what they were supposed to be (i.e. girl, boy, toes, ears, etc).
Today was our consulate appointment! We were told in no uncertain terms that we couldn't bring bags, cameras, video equipment, our sound man or boom or any other such things. We tucked a diaper into our pockets and crossed our fingers.
The appointment was very, very easy. We hung out in a room (about 70 of us) until an American gentleman came in and said "Please raise your right hand." We did. "Do you swear that you have answered all questions and supplied all documents truthfully to the best of your knowledge?" We did again. He then beamed at us and said "That's it!" He hung around to talk with some folks a bit, but we were happy to get pretty much this last official business over with and just wait for our entry visas!
We headed back to the White Swan and made our way to the Swan Room. This is a room packed with toys and fun stuff to do. We also said goodbye to a friend we had made through our DTC group (the July Dragonflies). Lori and her Daughter Oliva were heading home that day.
Bella had a grand old time, and for the first time since we'd met her, she didn't cry when we placed her on the floor. I think she was having too much fun to even notice!
We spent a good deal of this day hanging out in our room and doing a bit of shopping. Shopping, ah! We're neither of us shoppers but it's so hard not to when on Shamian Island! We had a silk blanket made for Bella, bought a ton of outfits, some for when she'll be five or six, and many, many gifts for family and friends.
We also bought a huge suitcase, which we'd need after all the other stuff we purchased! So much for "almost COO"!
The White Swan is massive. To get an idea, there are several indoor ponds in and around the lobbies, one of which includes a three story waterfall. It was a 5 star hotel, but truth be told, we still enjoyed our stay at the Holiday Inn more. Hefei's hotel had been perhaps a little bit frayed around the edges, but the rooms were huge, the staff incredibly helpful and when you heard a baby cry or laugh, you knew it was someone from our group. Here in Swanland there must have been three hundred babies alone! Breakfast was quite a site!
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