Day 7 - Uncle Rob

Day 7

Ella,

It is early in the morning on Wednesday here – and soon we will be taking you on your first airplane ride. You have pretty much gotten over your elevator issues – so hopefully you will be o.k. on the plane as well. This is a nice little test for Sunday. And it should help me know just how many $5 bills I will need for the booze we will be buying for those sitting around us on a 13 hour plane ride if you don't like flying...

It rained here all day, including some lightning at night. Flooding is a major issue in China and they have built one major damn and are looking at building others. Evidently, if this damn were to break – they are concerned that 100 million people would be immediately affected. Kim saw a special on it on AE or the learning channel – we will try to get a copy.

Most people use bicycles and mopeds/motorcycles as their major means of transportation – other than walking. And even in the rain – they have to get where they are going – so they use these since it is their primary means of transportation. And they ride them in the streets (and on some paths) and you see them an the high ways as well. Yellow lines on the road here are for decorative purposes only...

Your uncle Rob is looking at getting a Harley (a very popular motorcycle back Home) –but he will be a big baby and unless it is 80 degrees and sunny – it will not be used. Another interesting difference between our worlds – in the US we have a lot more choices especially as it relates to creature comforts. Although I have to tell you getting the laundry done and picked up/delivered to our door in plastic wrap for only around $20 for 3 people - for 3 days worth - we could get used to.

Mary told us that getting and keeping electricity to all the areas is the major challenge that the Chinese face. At night, even the city is still relatively dark – as she said too dark because they try to conserve and they do not have the number of lights. The power lines are almost all above ground and that means it is really easy for the power to go out – and it can take a lot of time to get it back up. And that is in the cities.

You received your Chinese passport this morning. It is a great picture of you – but then again that is no surprise. The way that it works is that you officially become an American Citizen as soon as we land in the United Sates. As a matter of fact, the customs officials will welcome you to the US and being a citizen.

We have had a lot of comments about how much more natural you and mommy look in the pictures if you go back through the days. And as much as you can see it in the photos – you can see it even more in person. You have a great personality that shows up more each day. And you and your mom have an awesome bond (now we need to get her to be able to leave the room without you freaking out…)

Luckily the internet connections (of all things) are complimentary at the hotel. We really appreciate all the responses and feedback you have given us. As those of you who have been through this know - we get up in the middle of the night and check...It means a lot to have that connection home and feel like you are all a part of it. You are a much more important part than you even realize. Thanks - and Kim, Ella and the rest of us will treasure your participation always.

Uncle Rob