Today our only commitment was a 3pm appointment to do the passport paperwork. (Talk about efficient. We marveled at how well run, quick, and unlike a visit to a government office back home, our 20 minutes at the Entry/Exit office was.) We ventured out this morning to the Guangzhou Book Centre, hoping to pick up some reading material for our new 9 year old. She was less than helpful in identifying books that she could a) read and b) be interested in. We asked for help from staff, but she wasn't forthcoming with them either. Even when asked the question in Mandarin there was only silence for a response. Sigh. We bought a few things, but nothing like the 'library' I had in mind when we walked into the place. I guess she'll be doing most of her reading in English...when she has learned enough of it. Before the trip to the book store we did some of the 'paperwork' I brought from home. Alex was showing signs of the lack of structure we've experienced since we left home, so this morning I announced the new routine. Get up, go to breakfast, come back to the room and do 'school', then go on a field trip, dinner, baths and bed. All three of them happily worked at the desk for a good half hour this morning. Alex and Faith copied sight words, then read what they had copied. They then moved onto worksheets from the Kindergarten review book.
After lunch we came back to the hotel for rest time. Some of us played a few games (Carcasonne!) while others of us napped.
The passport office was quick and easy, and then we were off to a park (our request) to burn off some pent up energy. The kids had a blast swinging, peddling (a fabulous contraption that had wheels, seats, handle bars and peddles affixed to a large metal hoop, so that all the riders peddling together spun the thing around. Biking without going anywhere....perfect!) We then went out for another fabulous dinner. We love, love, love the food here!
Alex and Melinda are all over Faith - they hold hands everywhere we go. M announcing that Faith is her best best friend. Faith seems to really enjoy her new 'big sister' role and is quick to help the others when needed (Melinda was trying to use chopsticks at dinner and Faith reached over to hold the tops together for her as she struggled.) She is as quiet as a mouse, answering questions with a nod of her head rather than any words. It is starting to stress me out. I hope she soon gets up the courage to start using the English they say she's learned since September. I am eager to hear her sweet voice.
Tomorrow we have the medical exam and the TB test read, then we'll spend some time on Shamian Island. Looking forward to it!
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