Saturday July 20, 2009

We woke up in a trendy hotel in Guangzhou. The Marriott is different than anything I have ever experienced and again, I am humbled when thinking about Sidney’s conditions between her departure from the orphanage and staying in such opulent conditions. Unfortunately, our plane got in at 9pm, and we did not leave the airport until 10:30pm while we waited for another group. This was difficult with a small child. The airport is overstimulating, and she has a hard time relaxing in such conditions. We finally got to the hotel about 11pm to find ourselves witnessing what we thought was karaoke but later found out was the lounge act. My father was right about American music on the other side of the world. Hilarious!

We had to board the bus at 8:30am for the babies medical exams. Everyone in a group of 24 families move through three stations to complete a basic medical exam for completion of the child’s United States visa. Sidney was none too pleased with her medical exam. A nurse laid her down for a weight and height, as well as head circumference. This brought about some of the loudest cries I have ever heard. That is great! This means she is stubborn and a fighter! Both attributes will serve her well in life!

One station reviewed Sidney’s special need. The physician looked at Sidney’s special needs on both hands, as well as the limb difference. From what I could see, the difference is about 3 cm. A good basis point to go on when researching what will be done to assist her. During this time, the clinic was pandemonium. Imagine 24 children receiving medical exams simulationously and waiting to in line to be seen while parents attempt to entertain children during the interim. We had heard prior to coming to China, this medical exam is a joke. It certainly was. There was not a physical exam other than measurements and a quick assessment. So bad is the medical exam, our guide stated on the way over not to ask for any records. We learned records are sealed inside of the “brown envelope.” An envelope full of information which is hand carried into the United States. In addition our guide informed us not to worry that we are missing vital medical information without obtaining a copy, as he stated “if you cannot find better medical care in the United States, you need to find a new doctor.” Everyone knows the exam is a joke, however it is just another hoop of many adoptive parents navigate in order to bring babies home.

This was also a big joke, because none of us took our children to the doctor while visiting China for any reason whatsoever. The swine fly scare, or more appropriately, H1N1 has hit an all time level of mass paranoia, in China. It is frightening how uneducated the government is about the illness. A health declaration is filled out prior to landing in China, on the plane. One of the questions asks if you have been in contact with swine over the last several days. Our guide, throughout the trip, informed us, even if our child had a fever or was unhealthy never to say anything. Quarantine in China basically amounts to sitting in a cubicle sized hospital room and having your temperature taken by hospital personnel outfitted in hazmat outfits, goggles, and gloves. When looking at such photos on the internet of hospitals and health care workers, it is easier to believe there was a toxic spill than a patient with influenza. Other signs of paranoia where Chinese people wearing masks on the airplane and out in public. I recently read a thread on a website for adoptive parents where an adoptive father, and also a physician, spoke with an immunologist who said masks are senseless, because you still touch your face. Antibacterial soap, hand washing, and a good wipedown with antibacterial wipes on the plane is a safer bet. This was the path Tom and I chose when flying. I certainly felt ridiculous when a fellow passenger asked if we were the cleaning crew while passing our seat. Smart alec.

After much crying, dropped Cherrios, and generally stressing out our children, we boarded our charter buses again and headed for the Chinese mall. This was not the place for sales and was again, a reminder of the way of doing business in a Chinese department store. As the customer enters, a number of workers are manning their post in various departments. As a person picks up an item, a worker automatically gloms onto the customer and follows them around making sure they see all that is available. If there is something from a particular department which the customer desires, the employee swiftly writes down the item. When the customer changes departments, another worker, writes down the item, and so on, and so on, until the customer has ceased shopping. This is where it really gets confusing. One the customer has collected a list of hand written items on the master receipt, it is paid for and handed to another set of employees. It is this persons job to go and collect the items from each particular department, prior to handing over the wares to the customer. This is just the way things are done. So much for a mother who is indcredibly independent and wants zero help. Take it and attempt to appreciate it, because in China, the sales clerks are not going anywhere.

After the late flight, early medical exam, and trip to the mall for clothes and essential grocery items, we headed back to the room. The hotel room becomes an oasis of sorts when traveling in China. When nothing outside the hotel seems the same as the Western world, it is great to go back to the sanctitiy of the hotel. Carpeted floors, quiet from unfamiliar sounds, and best of all the place where true bonding takes place between parent and child. Also, a large flat screen tv, internet access, a bellboy, and pillowtop mattress for a comfortable nap away from the heat! We enjoyed this for a brief time, afterwhich we made our way to a neighboring park.
Back to the hotel afterward, and I fought with the Starbucks internet connection I was so happy to find a nook in the corner to sip great coffee and read emails while Sidney and daddy slept peacefully upstairs.