A really loooong day(s)

It all started Thursday our time. We had an 2:00 appointment at the U.S. consulate to pick up Lisi's passport and visa. From there we bussed to the train station and checked our bags and headed to Hong Kong. The train ride was nice but we were all very tired and upon arrival in H.K. we still had a 45 minute bus ride to the hotel. We got to the hotel and they told us to leave our bags and the bell boy would bring them up. By 11:00 I still had no bags and had to go hunt them down. I slept off and on till 7 a.m. then off we went to the airport. It is conveniently attached to the hotel...or maybe the hotel was attached to the airport. They made me check my guitar with baggage. grrrrrrr. We went to the Burger King in the terminal and had some breakfast. Then through security. We moved on through customs then to the gate. Lisi did as well as we could expect through the flight and became a U.S. citizen at our first port of entry in San Francisco. That required a trip through immigration, then we had to get our bags and go through customs, then we had to RE-check the bags, then through security again. There was EXTRA security and I got to be close friends with an agent....he was gentle. Having disappointed him by not concealing any weapons on or in my body our relationship came to an end. Then we went to find our gate to head to Eugene. We made it back fine. Lisi HATES the car seat. We are home. We are tired. The kids are having a blast.

Almost time to head home.

Yesterday was a free day.  We wandered off the island across a foot bridge and found a park.  We saw several older guys doing Chinese calligraphy with water on the sidewalk.  It was cool to watch. There is one picture of their efforts.  We walked around the park and down a side street and just wandered around.  Everything to do with everyday life is so different than what we are used to.  Later we walked to Starbucks on the island and shared a Latte.  We have really enjoyed the experience and had a great time.  Today we had an "exit meeting" and then the U.S. consulate appointment and swearing in ceremony.  Afterwards we met up with some other families for dinner at Lucy's.  We are tired and ready for bed.  We love China, but now we are ready to head home.  Tomorrow we are prepared (or not) for chaos.  We check out of the White Swan at 2:00 and head for the consulate again to pick up Lisi's passport and visa.  Then off to the train station to head to Hong Kong.  Because many people are already traveling for Chinese New Year this may be a crazy ride.  We have 3 large bags 2 carry ons and my guitar I hope to gate check plus managing Lisi and ourselves.  Yikes.  We will not get into our hotel in Hong Kong until 9:00 pm our time.  Then we fly out the next day just after noon and we are supposed to check in 3 hours early.  In San Francisco we have to get our bags, go through customs, then recheck the bags.....ugh.  We also have to go through immigration for Lisi (this is were she becomes a U.S. citizen).  Then...on to Eugene.....I probably will not blog tomorrow evening but will plan on a final word when we get home....

red couch picture

This morning we walked to the clinic to have Lisi's t.b. test checked.  All clear.  We had an easy day just strolling around, napping, and playing with Lisi.  At 3:00 we met to have some group photos done with other Holt families.  You can imagine the result but you don't have to as I have pictures....a couch full of screaming kids.  Lisi looks very cute in her traditional Chinese dress.  After the pictures we decided to stay in.  We have played a lot.  Lisi likes to pretend to feed us and we've eaten lots of pretend food today. Tomorrow is a free day....not sure what we will do, if anything.  Just playing with Lisi is very amusing.