Formerly "To China For Kelly"

When I originally set up this blog, it was to chronicle our trip to China to adopt our daughter, Kelly; thus the title, "To China For Kelly." But now that I've decided to keep it up as my on-line scrapbook/journal, the title needs updating.
Inspired by my girls, who, despite their ten year age difference, both love lollipops and lip gloss; it is now titled, "From Lollipops to Lip Gloss." This is not to leave my son out, who also loves lollipops, but isn't too big on lip gloss, understandably!

Friday, June 6, 2008

Rain in Hong Kong

Since our formal tour was cancelled, a group of us decided to head out and see a bit of Hong Kong on our own. The original plan was to check out the museum. Here we are in front of the museum. I title this first picture below, "The Museum Visit That Wasn't."

Because of the heavy rains, the museum was closed. Hong Kong classifies rainy days with their weather forecast as follows: yellow for mild, red for heavy, and black for torrential. Today was a "black rain" day. Schools and businesses close down- so there was not a lot of activity around town today. It made it nice for us to explore and see some sights without having to contend with crowds, but we got drenched. Here we are with two other families who are also adopting- everyone has been very nice and easy to be around.






You can see some of the flooding in the streets below me. We were on a semi-covered foot bridge. Lots of lush greenery around... very beautiful, especially in contrast to all the buildings everywhere.




It's harder to see in the pictures, but if you look, you can see the contrast of the more modern, sleek buildings next to the older, more run-down buildings.



More flooding... the rain has since let up and the water levels have gone down.




We are staying on Kowloon Island, which is all behind me in this shot...






Caleb- dad took this shot for you... he thought you'd like it. That's a statue of Bruce Lee. Notice the trash barge in the bay behind him? That's Hong Kong Proper across the bay.





You can barely see Hong Kong's skyline behind Clint because of the mixture of clouds and smog. It's completely different at night. Everything is brightly lit like New York. Apparently they do a laser light show every night here over the harbor- we hope to check it out tonight.






More flooding...






A pretty little play area/Tai Chi park in the middle of the city... we assume this little lady works for the city- she and a few others were sweeping the wet streets around the park. We don't think she wanted to be in the picture... she started to scurry away when she realized Clint was taking this picture.






This is the view from the sidewalk in front of our hotel. The laser light show is supposed to be right out over the waters just beyond that arched walkway.


I wish I could better share my experience of Hong Kong with you so far. Pictures are one thing, but when you're taking it all in with every one of your senses, it's quite another. The smells are most unfamiliar to me. Everyone who knows me well knows how sensitive I am about smells. We walked down one street and they had some sort of meat cooking- it was hanging in the window, and the smell literally gagged me. I've smelled that same distinct smell elsewhere here- there's a certain spice they use in their cooking that is very aromatic, but that was the strongest I've smelled it. To me, it smelled like spicy, fried, rancid meat.

I can't tell you how wonderful it was to walk into Starbucks this afternoon to that familiar smell of freshly ground coffee! As much as I'm enjoying the experiene of so many different sights, sounds, and smells of Hong Kong- I realize how much I do love the familiar.

9 comments:

~natty and barclay said...

Is it really just two days until "gocha day'? I can not wait to see you guys with BeBe Boo! I am waiting to see your faces when you see precious Kelly the first time in person! I think you guys just got in on the monsoon season which I understand normally runs between June to October there. Even so, you are apparently having a wonderful time! I was wondering were that barge was headed with the trash? Out to sea? Hopefully to a landfill somewhere. Enjoy the lazer light show, then sleep well! Hugs.

fourlittlehawks said...

Dear Jen,

The spicey fried rancid meat is actually quite delicious - I'd recommend that for dinner! Frying rancid meat really gives it a special "kick" - you shouldn't miss out on that!

Love You,
Home Team China

fourlittlehawks said...

Oh! And by the way - how smart were you guys to run out and get that rain gear? Is it working pretty well?

Love,
Jen

Blomquist Blog said...

Great shots! I wish it were better weather for you but it looks like you are making the best of it. I thought I almost saw a smile from Clint! Maybe next time! LOL! Keep enjoying your time and know that we are so anxious for your "Gotcha Day."

Love ya,

Deb

Kim O'Neal said...

You two are so cute in your rain coats. A little rain is not going to stop you huh? I cannot believe the streets. If Calob was there I could so see him getting a raft or something and trying to ride the waves.
We are enjoying these updates. Jeff woke up early today ( Saturday) and said " I am going to see if there is anything new from China." So even Jeff is getting into this.
Well a few more nights and you will be putting Kelly to bed. Cannot wait to see pictures of the 3 of you. Enjoy these next few days alone you two deserve some time alone.
Love you and miss you allready.
Kim

lanlady said...

Hey Clint and Jen,

This is such an awesome way to watch this special experience in your life. Come on Clint, I know you can smile.... I printed Kelly's picture and took it to work. It's on my bulletin board so everyone has been looking at it. Everyone agrees she is beautiful. I'm so excited, it is so close.

God Bless
Nancy

Carrie said...

I am a blog friend of your sisters! Just following along with your journey.we got home 2 months ago with our 7 year old! have a great time!

Anonymous said...

Jeni and Clint! Kelly is gorgeous, and I have never seen Jeni look more beautiful, curly hair and all! Projectile tears of joy are squirting from my own baby blue ones in San Diego! I am THRILLED beyond words! Can't wait to wrap my arms around the new granddaughter and Camryn and Caleb too...not to mention the proud parents! What an amazing example of God's love you bring to all of us. Thank you, kids! I'll be bringing Great Grandma Margaret to meet Kelly and reunite with all of you as soon as you get back and tell me it's okay for us to drive north for a quick visit on our way back to Napa. Sending so much love, hugs and kisses, always and forever your Momma/Nonnie

Anonymous said...

Hi Jen & Clint. This is not Anna, but I am Anna's cousin Gloria. I am so thrilled to be able to read your blog, see all the pictures and share in this experience with you. How awesome for you to be able to go to China and adopt a baby girl. She is adorable, as are Caleb and Camryn. I had the privilege of meeting them at Anna & Bill's last year. I've heard so much about all of you. You sound like a wonderful family!!! I would love to meet you someday. Once again I am so happy and thrilled for you. God bless you and the new little addition to your family.
Love, Gloria