We arrived in Kunming around 2:30 pm today. Landing in Kunming we were struck by how huge and spread out the city was. I underestimated this whole "china is huge" thing. Seriously, it was just huge tall building after huge tall building for miles. I later learned that Kunming has a population of 7 million. That is 3x the size of Chicago, twice the size of LA, & just shy of NYC population. Everyone asks us where Emma is from and when we tell them Kunming, they usually say they have never heard of Kunming & I think they then assume its a small town in China. Well, I am here to tell you it is not!
This picture doesn't even due it justice but you get the idea
After we understood our itinerary, we discussed the plan for the reaminder of the day. Let me start off by saying that shopping at Walmart on a Sunday afternoon is crazy. I never do it. If I have to go to Walmart I go during the week (but if we are being honest I would prefer to go to Target or Whole Foods). That said, I knew we had to do it today to get a few things- Chinese Formula, a stroller, and some snacks for the room. I told our guide that we didn't mind going on our own but he insisted on taking us...boy was I glad he did. Not only was it way more packed then any Walmart I have ever seen (think black friday morning Walmart) but we also learned that in China you buy your commodities in each location (i.e. pharmacy is bought in the pharmacy section, formula in the formula section, etc). To top it off, there are commission sales clerks all of the place yelling & it probably would have pushed me over the edge if he wasn't there!
So we are at the hotel now.... well stocked with food, formula, a crib, stroller, etc. Our room has a separate sitting area suite so that is nice. We are planning to get a good night sleep tonight and we will post again when we have her in our arms!!
14 comments:
Oh wow, your post takes me back 4 and a half years to our family's Gotcha Day in Kunming. It's a very special place. We stayed in the Harbour Plaza, which now has a different name that I can't remember. It was close to Green Lake Park - which was my favourite area to go (aside from the adoption parts), I loved watching the exercises at dusk there.
Lots of Yunnan families are reporting getting Chrismas cards from the Civil Affairs office (not the CWI) this year, we're hoping for one too - it would be great if you could tell them how special it is for families to receive them.
My Alice was 8 and a half months at handover, she didn't cry, I tried not to too! We me on Sunday and when we visited the CWI on the Thursday she'd already worked out that life was better with me. So don't worry if she cries - it's a sign that she recognises the change and that she'd attached to someone else and don't worry if she doesn't cry, it might just be that she realises how special having a family really is.
I can't wait to read your posts in the coming days. With love from Wales,
Kate, Alice Ming's proud mama
I am hooked to your blog and it is the first thing I read in the morning. I hope tomorrow morning goes well and look forward to seeing the pictures of Emma tomorrow. It won't take her long to realize what a special family she has.
Debbie S. in East Lansing
Super excited for you! Happy early Gotcha Day!!! Praying that it all goes well doing Gotcha and Civil Affairs in one day (in one hour for that matter)!
Wow- I didn't realize how huge Kunming is either?! I was lying in bed, unable to sleep from about 3am until 4:30 when I finally just got up. Anyway, while I was lying there, I was thinking about you guys and how you would be arriving in Kunming today...had no idea it was almost the exact same time you arrived there! Can't wait to see Emma in your arms...even if she's crying!! ;)
YOU ARE THERE!!!!!!
Man, who'd have thought the Walmart would be so nuts!?! That's crazy!
Looks beautiful...your room is lovely.
Holding my breath for that next post! Sleep well!
Yay, yay, yay!!!!! So excited to read this post -- so excited to know you are so close -- so excited for your baby girl, who has no idea how much love is about to smother her! Stay strong those first few days. Don't get discouraged. Take LOTS of deep breaths. Yesterday, we celebrated our two month gotcha day anniversary, and I can't even tell you how fast it goes. And how quickly things change. Prayers are with you dear, dear friends!!!!
Yaye I am so excited for you!! Will think of you tonight our time... I remember the feeling- can't wait to see pics.. xo
We are all thinking of you! Dan K and the rest of the team.
I've enjoyed following along on your journey so far. Tomorrow is your big day! I am sorry to hear about the bad water, but hopefully everyone is feeling 100% tomorrow for Gotcha Day. Best wishes!
Wow- it looks beautiful and huge! Can't wait to see Emma in your arms! Wishing best of luck tomorrow!
Hope you get some sleep tonight. Not sure if I will....too excited to see pictures tomorrow!!!
Cant wait to see Emma in your arms! :-)
We are so excited for you, just thinking you are probably meeting her right this very moment!! Sending lots of love your way, -Stray
Hey Christy and Matt, So excited for you. I've been checking your blog constantly, just in case I don't get the email update and I am here one more time, before bed, hoping to see a photo of you finally holding Emma. Since it is 11pm, I guess I'll have to wait until morning. Thinking of you. -Bronwyn
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