Why I didn't go to China and Itinerary

Several people have asked why I did not go to China. There are three or four equally contributing factors that led to this decision. The first is that my older son, Will has been wanting to see the world ever since he was born. He knew all of the continents and could label them on a map when he was around three years old. In fact, he has a map of the world above his bed and he dreams about everyplace he will go in his lifetime. I thought this would be a great opportunity for him.

The second reason is that my younger son, Harry is allergic to wheat, gluten, dairy and soy. He is on a very strict diet and has virtually no healthy bacteria in his stomach (even though we give it to him daily). His doctors have said he would get very ill in China. We did not want to leave him here alone while the rest of the family was away.

Another reason is that I am very afraid of flying. I know that I could have flown to get my daughter (with a bit of pharmaceutical help) but considering the other factors, I think we made the best decision for our family. I love all of my children and I had to consider what was best for each of them. If you know Dave, you know that he is an extremely hands-on Dad and he is excellent with babies!

I have not heard from Dave and Will yet but I am assuming that they are sleepily enjoying a traditional Chinese dinner and some Beijing nightlife. The guides wanted to keep them up for a bit to combat jet lag.

Here is a general Itinerary:

Friday, March 23 – Arrive in Beijing and stay at Beijing Hotel.

Saturday, March 24 – Sightseeing in Beijing at the Great Wall and the Summer Palace. Tonight’s group dinner will be Beijing Roast Duck.

Sunday, March 25 – In the morning you will be sightseeing at the Forbidden City and the former Royal Palace. You will then leave Beijing for Nanchang, the capital city of Jiangxi Province. You will be staying at the Jingfeng Hotel.

Monday, March 26 – On this day, you will be escorted by both the national guide and the local guide to the Provincial Bureau of Civil Affairs to meet your daughter and go through all the adoption formalities required by the Chinese government.


Tuesday, March 27-Thursday March 29– Sightseeing in Nanchang while the Police Station conducts your daughter’s passport process

Friday, March 30 – Today we will pick up your daughter’s passport. You will then fly to Guangzhou. You will be staying at the White Swan Hotel.

Saturday, March 31st – This morning you will have your daughter's visa-photo taken.

Once the photo is completed we’ll go to have your daughter’s medical check-up done.

This afternoon we will be having a group meeting to complete all your documents for your child's immigrant visa interview and to fill in forms required by the US Consulate in Guangzhou.

Sunday, April 1 – Sightseeing in Guangzhou

Monday, April 2 – Visa-interview at _____ am.

Tuesday, April 3 – Sightseeing on the morning. In the afternoon you will go to the U.S. Consulate and swear that all the information you provided is true and correct. This will occur at 4:00 and, once it is completed, you will receive your child’s visa.

Wednesday, April 4th- FLY HOME!