When the airplane touched the ground of SEA-TAC, Emma shouted excitedly “We are back, Seattle!” “We are back!” Then she lowered her eyes and said sadly “I miss China. I want to see them again.” By them, she means grandma, grandpa, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.
Both kids did exactly what we hoped them to do for this trip, finding their root, getting to know the extended family members and friends. They achieved more. They establish such strong bond with people that tears were shed at every departure. The trip included two weeks in Shanghai, one week in Heilongjiang and another week in Beijing. They visited tourists attractions, amusement parks and most importantly they spent valuable time with daddy and mommy’s families.
Languages are overrated. With much less than perfect Chinese and plenty of hugs, smiles, songs and dances, Connor and Emma mended relationships and touched hearts everywhere they went. I am amazed by my normally too shy children. They adapted to the crowded subway in modern city as well as the original outhouse of small town quickly. During their one week visit in Heilongjiang, daddy had been sick, so most of the outings were canceled. It could be fairly boring to stay inside all that time. When asked if they liked that small town, Connor said “Of course, since my uncle is there.”
Figure 1 On the Street of Beijing
Figure 2 天坛
Figure 3 上海浦东
Figure 4 世博中国馆
Figure 5 Mom’s College Dorm
Figure 6 The Central Park of DongFangHong
Figure 7 石景山游乐园
Figure 8 After a BIG roller coaster ride
Figure 9 The Summer Palace
Figure 10 Boating on the empor’s lake
Figure 11 驾船过十七孔桥
Figure 12 The Princess and the Prince of Qing Dynasty
Figure 13 Science and Tech Museum of China
Figure 14 How the ancient lock works?
Figure 15 Daddy’s College Dorm
