Shamian Island

We just got back from visiting Shamian Island here in Guangzhou, where the White Swan hotel is. This is the classic hotel where most families in the past have stayed while adopting. It has been under renovation for three years, so it is not being used now. We were able to take a taxi (20 yuan, or a little over $3) to the island, with no trouble at all. Holt gave us a paper to hand the taxi driver to tell him where to take us, and it also says what hotel to take us to on the way home.

The island was so much fun to tour around, and the highlight was visiting a VERY packed, standing room only church. Got to say, I was in tears as we came down the street and heard familiar worship music flooding out of the church and into the street (Christians can worship here a little more freely now -- at least in this province). It was so beautiful.



We also were able to get our Lainey's must-have photo (an adoption tradition) with the bronze statues. She was a little tired and not quite sure what to think! :)