The White Swan

Ok, not everyone will appreciate this but those of you who have been on this journey or are waiting for this journey you know what I felt when our van pulled into the long driveway that led to the White Swan Hotel. This time the feeling was just as strong as last time - a sense of having arrived, of the journey finally near it's end. To say this part of the journey is much anticipated is an understatement. This is the last stop before home. The last dropping of paperwork. The last business in China which is now with the American consulate here in Guangzhou. On Tuesday our new guide will take the paperwork accumulated in China, along with our daughter's Chinese passport, to the consulate for them to give her a visa and the infamous "brown envelope" which will be passed to the immigration official in Newark which will make her an American citizen.

So, for Americans adopting in China it is where we all end: Shamian Island in Guangzhou. And for most we stay at the White Swan. (For HAS families waiting, I don't know why ANYONE would ever choose the Victory.) Upon entering the hotel one sees families just like us - though not as many this time (sign of the slowdown?). We share small talk in the elevator, swap stories at Lucy's, in the playroom or over breakfast, all the while knowing that to get here we have gone through various versions of the same journey each slightly different, some longer than others, but each one as emotionally draining. 

And what way to end the journey in this fantastic hotel. It just doesn't compare. Remember? The sound of the waterfall, the air freshener they use that hits you once you get off the elevator on your floor (which smells quite opposite to the Ramada!). At this time of year the jackets peel off on arrival and first thing we walked to Lucy's unburdened by gloves, coats, wind where we ate from the mixed menu. We strolled to the friendship store and Jordan's and Michaels. Coming back to you now? And as it got dark we watched the lights come on around the Pearl River which from our room now looks aglow with neon and returned to our beds turned down and that little jar w/ chocolates by our bed.

For those of you who have not been here: it's just a really nice hotel with awesome food and incredible service and a darn good way to end what is a very long and tiresome journey.

Photos tomorrow and Breeda will post some as well.