Thursday 9/12th Medical Exams / A Visit to Shamain Island / Lunch at Cow & Bridge

The kids all had their medical exams this morning. They have moved the location where the exams take place and I must say it went so much smoother this time and a lot less chaotic all around! The nurses and the doctors were all very nice to the boys. They all had a TB test which called for a blood draw. I was a little worried about Lincoln but the nurse took him back and before he knew what hit him it was over with. He came out with a few tears in his eyes and pointed to his arm where they put the band aid. :0(  Since he wasn't feeling too swift they did a few extra tests on him. They said he has the start of an upper respiratory infection with fever. So we have to carry this paper around with us stating that he was checked yada yada yada.... The photo that you see with all the Chinese people waiting... they are all trying to obtain a visa to come to the US. They must pass a rigorous health exam to even be considered. A great reminder to me how thankful that I am to live in the USA. Still the greatest country in the world!

 

 

 

 

 

We couldn't believe the area where the medicals take place now. Its really high end. There was a beautiful high rise apartment building very near the medical facility and our guide said it costs 1 million US dollars to live there! Wow, that just blew our minds. They have also moved the American Consulate and it is now located directly across the street from the medical facility. Our guide said the Consulate is now surrounded by a bullet proof 12 foot wall. We will be going there on Tuesday to swear the boys in as US citizens. :0)

 

We then headed to Shamian Island for a few hours. This Island was developed by the British in the 1860's. The buildings there are breath taking! This is where the White Swan Hotel is located. We stayed there for our last three adoptions but it is under major renovations right now. We shopped at a few of our favorite little stores there and found some nice gifts. 


Every time we visit the Island they are taking photos of models. Usually European models. Today there were a lot of art students sketching the buildings and landscape. Pretty cool to see.

We had lunch at a great  Thai restaurant called Cow and Bridge. The food is excellent and so was the service. One thing we have notice about the younger generation here this time is that they are coloring their hair from light brown to blond! Which is pretty wild really considering most of the Chinese youth have jet black hair naturally! You can really see the European influence on the younger generation here.