We Made It to Shanghai!

We arrived safely in Shanghai and everything at the airport went very smoothly.  We had a nice layover in Japan.  It was raining hard and reminded us of Seattle.

We got to our hotel late but were a bit wired so it took us all a while to settle down and sleep.  Our room is very nice and Kevin realized that this is the same hotel he stayed with his brother when he came to get Luke.  He says that there has been some significant remodeling.

Our first day in Shanghai, we spent with our guide Summer.  We went to Old Shanghai which was so busy.  Lots and lots of people.  This week is a national holiday.  They are celebrating the beginning of the communist party in China.  So there are lots of people out and on holiday.  We were able to find a silk factory where we bought a silk comforter.  This is to replace the one Kevin bought 7 years ago.  We have loved it but it is falling apart.  We were thrilled to find a new one and at a reasonable price.  Summer took us across a street into a residential area.  There we found a small shop where I found a nice piece of luggage that will be more convenient than my brief case.  The area was a little sketchy and I was a bit nervous once I realized where we were going, but it all worked out in the end.  I think in the future we will stick to more mainstream areas.

We went on a river cruise and then stopped for lunch.  Everyone but Catherine loved the food.  Catherine wouldn't even try it even though it was just noodles and rice. She is going to be a hungry girl for the next two weeks!  We took a walk on The Bund which is a promenade along the river where the Brittish offices were.

By the time we got back to our room we were all exhausted.  Luke actually fell asleep at dinner.  Kids were asleep by 7:30 and we were lights out by 8.  Of course Luke was up at 4:30 a.m.!!  So now, at 8:15 a.m. I'm ready for a nap.

Today we are relaxing until about 1 p.m.  My camera broke so we are going to buy a camera and an electronic translator.  We are going to go to Nanjing Road where there is more shopping.  Not that we are buying but it is fun to look around.  Tonight we are heading to an acrobat show.

Tomorrow we will meet up with Chuan Sun, the law student that was going to work at my office and live with us this summer.  We are then going to the Shanghai Children's Welfare Institute.  This is where Luke lived for about a year before coming home.  Apparently several families have been denied the ability to go there even when adopting lately, so we feel fortunate to be able to go.  Stephanie will arrive tomorrow night and we can't wait to see her.  

That's all for now!  Will keep you updated!

Molly