Friday, August 25, 2006

Laptop Problems

We have run into computer problems. The laptop screen has gone completely blank on us and all of the files we need for the website are on it. You will have to follow the rest of our journey here. I am typing this on the hotel computer so I will not be able to upload any pictures tonight. We are hoping to be able to borrow a laptop the rest of the trip just to be able to upload a few pictures. Shannon is so upset she sent me down to post tonights update.
Anyway, today was pretty uneventful. We had most of the day free so a few of the couples and us went to the park. It was very beautiful and fun to see the Chinese people just being themselves. We were stopped many times and took pictures with some giggly teenage girls (just like American girls). They were very friendly and fun. After that we took a taxi to Wal Mart to get some baby supplies. No matter where I go I cannot get away from Wal Mart. Ugh! We then went to McDonalds which sounded very good after so many Chinese meals. The donkey meat may have caught up to me because I was sick to my stomach for half the night last night. I actually just think it was all the spicy food I have been eating. I then did about an hours worth of paperwork which was extremely tedious. Last we got some additional information about Sage. We received a picture of Sage the day they brought her in wearing the clothes that they had given to us. We both we teary eyed. We also received her finding add which shows when they tried to find the parents. Very neat.
Last, we had another pizza party. The last one was so much fun that we decided to do it again and we had more fun than we should be allowed.
Sorry, if this is not as entertaining, but writing is really not my thing. While I have the chance I thought I would post a few things that I believe guys would be interested in. These are just random thoughts.
1) You see almost no American made cars here. Most are Honda or Toyota but not brands you see in the states. Most of the taxis are to my surpise either Hyunda Elentra's or Volkswagon Jettas. They must be cheaper here.
2) Staring is not taboo here. It is not unusual if you are on the sidewalk having a conversation for someone to come about a foot from you and just stare. It takes some getting used to because my natural reaction is to always turn to them to see what they need. They just continue to stare. Very weird.
3) All driving signs and stoplights are only a guideline. It is survival of the fittest. They just go until about an inch away and then someone stops. This includes pedestrians and bikes. However, nobody every gets mad because if they are able to cut in front of you it is your fault for letting them!
4) A couple of interesting food items. They do not put Soy sauce on their food. They think it is weird when we ask. They use it only to cook with. They think it is way too salty. Also, they have never heard of Crab Rangoon so it is definately not a Chinse thing. The local specialty here is Pigeon. We passed on it, but I have tried donkey, lamb, and shark. The most disgusting thing I tried was a big hunk of Calamri. It looked like a big fat noodle, but when you bite down juice squishes out and it is very hard to chew. The only time my gag relex was tested.
5) The big sports here are ping pong, badmitten, soccer, and basketball. They have highlights on these every night.
6) They show most of the American movies here, but with Chinese caption at the bottom so we can watch movies on HBO with no problem. They also have ESPN sportscenter with different hosts and highlights.
7) The most popular TV show is "Super Girls" which is basically American Idol with only female singers.
8) The most popular weekend event is karaoke. They like to sing period. At the parks you will see a group of 20 or so singing together impromptu.
9) The vendors here are unbelievably aggressive. They put a toy in Sage's hand we she grabs and then they ask for the money. We also had a guy that walked 3 block with Shannon trying to get her to buy a Rolex for $5. Sometimes it is easier to just pay the $2 or $3 which is the point. Some people beg with their babies.
I am sure I will think of others but these were some random thoughts. Shannon should be posting tomorrow night. Please keep praying for us.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Sorry your computer isn't up and running, but although we missed seeing the photos, we enjoyed Mark's blog entry for today. Very interesting information...especially the staring, which would indeed be very strange. Also, I love Crab Rangoon, and now I'm wondering where exactly did it come from?

We're keeping you in our prayers, and looking forward to seeing you at the airport on the 31st!