We are Here!

We got in at 6AM this morning China time or 6PM Indy time. 23 hours travel!!! Alison did great on the flight. Maybe because we flew at night, she (and Lynn) slept at least 8 hours. I slept about five (amazing). She didn't complain. She was helpful. and she slept! We had a pretty empty flight from Indy to LA so we split up and had LOTS of room. Lynn had his own row and Alison and I shared a three seater. Awesome. The China Southwest we flew was ok. Mostly Chinese but still ok. The SEATS ARE TOO CLOSE together for long flights. We had two meals one about an hour into the flight and one about an hour before the end of the flight so bring good snacks. Alison was hungry and wanted something in LAX international terminal. There was NOTHING on the gateside of the airport. We walked forever and then I got three sandwiches, banana, cake and one water.... any guesses.... $38.00. Alison would have melted down without food and I knew at a minimun it was going to be another three hours before we had a chance to eat. I had loads of junk food (which Alison didn't want) and nothing more filling. Even I didn't want to just eat candy bars. I guess I should have packed ham or something for the flight ... (she won't eat peanut butter).

The hotel is gorgeous. Alison is totally in awe. Our hotel window overlooks apartments new/tall and old/short. She says, "I feel sorry for Chinese people. They live in not good houses." We have an awesome shower! Powerful and hot. Oh my did we love the shower. We will take pictures of our room and the lobby.

On our way to get food in LAX, Alison takes my hand as we walk. I say... I can't believe you are in China again. She says, "I know, I am so excited." I said, "but I am not going to leave you behind. You come home with me." She says, "I am American. I want to come home to America. I love my friends and my family." OHHHH MYYYY.

We are over the top excited about tomorrow. We won't see her until 2PM. Bummer! that is a long wait.

We are meeting our guide and another family to go for a local walk and see what is around here. They tell me there is a mall very close. I will catch you up on that one! We have to be downstairs in 20 minutes. We checked in at 8:00, had our complimentary breakfast (which was so good) and then we each showered. We will be ready for bed and have our days and nights turned around the first day... pretty good. Maybe it is better to fly out late in the day and not morning. We all slept better on the plane and have been able to stay up today (so far) without any issues. Got to run. Alison wants to go shopping! She has her heelys on (her rolling shoes). She will be obnoxious to everyone she meets!

Brenda... soon to be a mom of five girls! unbelievable!