Thursday, March 29, 2007

Today in Nanchang 3/29/07







Today we visited Elephant Lake, it was a beautiful, large lake and in the middle of it was a beautiful temple and lush gardens and trails.



Next we went to a large porcelain shop. Jiangxi is known as the porcelain capital of the world. There are beautiful examples in many of the shops here. We bought a few things and will have to be very careful packing the items in our luggage.



When we got back to the hotel, Jim, Shea and Julia took naps and I explored the city with my camera, getting candid shots and many people wanted to pose. I found a beautiful area with pagodas and gardens.



Tomorrow is the day Julia gets her passport. Jim will take her while I show some of our group the gardens I found today.



While in the pagoda/garden area, I saw a fisherman that was in his boat in the river. He had 5 trained ducks swimming nearby. They were diving for something that looked like seaweed but I'm not sure exactly what it was. When they surfaced with this material, he would swoop them up in a net and take it out of their beak and turn them loose to look for more, very interesting.



While walking down the city streets, I saw a child with split pants just squatting and peeing in the middle of the sidewalk. That is a natural thing to do here and you always have to watch where you walk.



Myself and a few other women from our group had another massage today, it's become a daily routine, what the heck...it's sooooo cheap!



Tomorrow we leave at 3:30 for Guangzhou (1 hour flight). While there, we have a medical exam for Julia and receive her immigration paperwork after visiting the U.S. Consulate.



I found a way to view all of your comments and want you all to know they mean so much to us. Please keep them coming...



Goodnight,



Sara

9 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Family! I'm so excited for you and know I am blessed that Julia is now a part of our family. I love you all and look forward to hopefully meeting Julia at the end of April. Kisses to all.
Love,
'Favorite Aunt Jenn'

wishy the writer said...

Sara and everybody! Thanks so much for the wonderful details of your explorations around the city. Your story of the trained ducks is fascinating and paints a lovely picture. I wish I could be there with you to see how he trains them...no, better yet, I wish I could hold Julia and Shae (which I hope to do so in AZ soon!).

Thanks for keeping us all up to date!

Warmly,

Amy (and Lily and Jonathan)

Anonymous said...

Hey Guys! Your stories of the travels makes the wonderlust come out in me! I have forgotten the many adventures one can have off the beaten path. And you have taken a road that is not well traveled by many before you and few will follow! Can't wait to see everyone and hear your stories and see more pictures! Happy travels and safe return. Barbara

Anonymous said...

Sara & Jim
Thanks for keeping all of us posted. Camdyn has really enjoyed the pictures of China & hearing all the news about your journey to Julia. I think it helps her understand her own story. Can't wait to see all of you. We are thinking of you everyday.
xoxoxo
Violet, David & Camdyn

Anonymous said...

Dear Ones, It is so great to hear from you, and know what you are doing. I think our little Julia is just beautiful. We are so thankful for her. I'm sure this is hard for Shea to share attention, but she is so intelligent that she will catch on that you all have so much love for both girls, and Kevin also. I talked to him again last evening.
Love and kisses to everyone. I wish I were there. Love Mom

Anonymous said...

Hello Jim and Sarah,

Thanks so much for keeping us updated. Julia is so beautiful. Caroline and Anneliese are enjoying your pictures. Anneliese is saying "hi julia" and we all are really looking forward to meeting her. Praying that you enjoy you next few days in Guangzhou and that the girls bond together while you're there.

Bruce and Lois (Caroline, Anneliese, and Josiah

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for sharing the journey with us. The photos are awesome, the close up of Julia is adorable! Love you!

Anonymous said...

Dan and I are enjoying the pictures! Julia is a beauty. We look forward to seeing her and all of you soon. Maybe Shea needs me to take her to Barnes & Noble for more My Little Pony books!

Becky

Anonymous said...

Apparently Julia and Shea have several "favorite Aunts." I look forward to reading your blog every day, as it is like reading a very adventuresome novel. This will also provide wonderful info for Julia, when she is older. Anxiously waiting to see all of you in a few days.
Love,
Betty (Another "favorite Aunt")