Friday, September 5, 2008

Foreign What?

For those of you who are nervous to fly half-way around the world to pick up your little one, let me set your mind at ease.

We got off the plane... spent approx 3 minutes going through the customs process... grabbed a cab quite easily... grabbed Starbucks (yup, they've taken over here, too)...got two tickets for a train leaving in 15 minutes... took a 90 minute clean, quiet ride... grabbed another cab (hint, bring the name of the hotel written in Chinese--BIG help)... and ended up in the hotel lobby by 8:30 a.m.

The people here are so helpful -- from those in the airport pointing to where the cabs are before we even asked, to the lady at the train station who, not only told us where to wait, but stood up before our stop to point it out so we didn't miss it.

The hotel checked us in at 10 a.m. -- five hours before their check-in time. We ordered big, fat burgers and watched some of the LA Dodger game on TV. (the Yankees were on too but anyone who knows me knows I'd never be THAT homesick for baseball.)

We showered, got ready... and then realized... man, we're tired!

So we'll spend the rest of the afternoon doing a little lounging, a bit of shopping at the huge department store right next door... and call it an early night.

Somewhere, not too far from here, is our daughter spending the last moments with the most incredible caregivers and sweet little friends. I hope she has some idea that, while her life will be a huge adjustment, we're so in love with her and can't wait to be her forever Mommy and Daddy.

45 hours to go...

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

You're there! You're there! So exciting, I can hardly stand it! xo

Sarah said...

You guys are amazing. When we travel... I'm so uptight that I growl at my husband the whole time because I'm worried about this and that and forget about playing nice. Gotta work on that. ANYWHO, do you KNOW how often I'm going to be checking your blog all week so see what's going on with the Macs?!?! So happy for you! FINALLY!!!

The family of six said...

Yes - one of the reasons I loved Taiwan - the people are so helpful and friendly! I had one of those burgers from room service but it made me a little sick though. But the rest of the room service was great! When you are at St. Lucy's tell them Sarah is doing great - she even says four english words! That is if you remember - you will be so excited and in your bliss with Lucy! I'm so excited!!!!

Tisra said...

How can you STAND it?... being that close and not actually going to get her?!

I remember at the start of this journey, asking all the other adopting from Taiwan families if anyone cushions their trip with an extra week on the front for sightseeing (like many of those adopting from China do). The overwhelming response was... NO!... you've spent 6 months or more (obviously more for you!) waiting and looking at your child's picture and it is simply too much to bear. I get that now. I think we may still need a few days to recover for jetlag before having to care for our daughter (whoever she may be...) but that's IT! So, as soon as you've recovered and taken in a mini-honeymoon (2 days?), you will have Lucy! WOW.

Unknown said...

I get chills thinking about how close you are to seeing her. And not just seeing her but walking away with your precious girl. I can't wait to wake up on Monday and see THE post!

KB said...

Ohhhh I am just giddy with excitement for you all! You have waited soooo long....You're sooo close! YAY!!

Kristy

Anonymous said...

ohmigod, so excited for you that I absolutely cannot STAND it! This is wonderful. What an exciting journey. (And you get your Starbucks, too! Bonus!) You are thisclose now.
XO

Lori & Michael said...

Yay! You're there. I'm so happy to finally be reading these posts you waited so long to write. Isn't it funny how small a big world can be? We had starbucks and early check-ins in Moscow too :)

xoxo
Lori

lorabelle said...

Sounds like an awesome plan Jackiemac! Man, I wish we were there hanging out with you guys while you wait. I'm so homesick for Taiwan lately...I wish I could figure out why...I couldn't wait to get Allie home! Now, I wish that we could go back to just hang out and visit. Go figure...
Thinking about ya
Lora

Lynn said...

So exciting!!!

Megan said...

Jackie,
WOOO HOOO! I'm so excited Lucy will be in your arms forever! Glad to hear you made it and I agree the people of Taiwan are so friendly. I'll never forget total strangers giving Kimi gifts! Hope to hear about your first night as a family!

Anonymous said...

Yippie! So close. I am so excited for both of you. Lucy hold on your parents are so close! Enjoy
Love Barbara

Cindy said...

Jackie - I love reading your blog...thank you for the insight on travel in Taiwan. I'm making a mental note of all your suggestions. We're excited for your family! Can't wait to see you with Lucy, and with her daddy for the first time!!

Cindy
http://adopttaiwan.wordpress.com

Yvonne Crawford said...

so excited for you!!

Amy, Ryan, Aidan and Lauren said...

Yahoo! I am so excited for you. And we all just LOVED, LOVED Taiwan so much, your post brought back great memories. Happy happy!