Mar 8, 2008

Moving Day

Sorry to disappoint all our blog-obsessed friends out there. Today's drive from Jiujiang to Wuhan, though pleasant, was no match for the Mount Lushan experience.

We arrived in Wuhan around Noon, and were greeted with masses of cars and people out and about in the city - not only is it the weekend, but it is also Woman's Day in China. This 3,500 year old city is a booming metropolis in central China, situated on the banks of the Yangtze River. With a population of around 9 million, Wuhan is considered a commercial centre for finance, industry, trade and science, and is seen as an "intellectual centre", home to several well-known educational instituions. For Steve's beloved wife and niece, and apprenticing Hannah and Stephanie, this apppears to be a shopping mecca. For Steve, the resistance is futile and he is hoping that Quinn will help restore some balance.

The much-anticipated meeting of Quinn is scheduled for 10am Monday (10pm Sunday your time) at the Civil Affairs Office in Wuhan. On Sunday, we will meet the Loten family who are also receiving a child from Shiyan SWI with us and will be our travel mates for the rest of the journey. We are looking forward to meeting them when they arrive in Wuhan Sunday afternoon, after which we will head to the supermarket for a "big" shop that our ever-faithful guide, Fontana, has arranged for us.

The weather Sunday promises to be sunny and about 22C - sorry to all those back home in Southern Ontario who have been hit by yet another snowstorm.

Stay tuned....

6 comments:

Roland said...

Hi Ottmans,

We've really enjoyed following along on your homeland visits. It was great to see all the Shanghai and Nanchang spots again- good photo's. We are tentatively heading to Jiujiang around May 8th to get little Isaac! We're getting excited now- especially following your trip! Looking forward to hearing about your gotcha day- good luck with the rest of your trip.

Deb and Roland

Anonymous said...

Hi Steve, Jane, Hannah and Stephanie
Marilynn finally showed me how to do this. (because I am computer challenged) I am reading the BLOG to your mom every morning and have copied some great pics for her. We're anxious to meet Quinn on the computer and when you get home.
Love Betty and Barry

Donna Paonessa said...

Oh Jane, you're a BRAVE woman!! (seeing you standing on that ledge.....ack!!!).

I don't think the Paonessa's will be making that drive up the mountain - as beautiful as it sounds, neither Nick OR I would be able to stomach it. *grin*

It's almost time....!!!!!

Lily said...

Dear Hannah & family,

It sounds like you are having a fun time in China. I'll bet you are getting excited to see your little brother! Good luck over the next few days! We are thinking about you, and following you on your wonderful journey! Safe travels. We look forward to your return.

Love Lily & family

Lianne said...

Hi Ottmans!

LOVED the mountain excursion - I would definitely do that if visiting!!! Good for you, Jane, for managing...so so beautiful.

The girls and I leave first thing Sunday morning for Disney World and will be without internet for 3 days, so will miss hearing of the big event until we get back here on Tuesday night. However, you will be in our constant thoughts because...and Jane, I totally missed this before now...Cassidy's FFD is also on March 10th so we will be celebrating on the same day as you.

Much love to you all, and to Quinn, and we'll be right back here as soon as we can!

Love Lianne, Bryanna and Cassidy

Anonymous said...

Hi Ottman Family,

Happy Birthday Jane! Wow - what an icredible journey!! Thinking of you all and so excited to hear about Quinn - Happy Quinn Day!

Palmer Family

Hi Stephanie - I miss you - Jaclyn