October 9, 2010 Rainy boring day

Kai is doing well today. He had a bit of a fever from all of his shots, but it is under control with Tylenol. He is in a great mood. I know that his legs are bothering him because the way he stands on them carefully, but it has not dampened his spirit. He is so loving and sweet this morning.

I on the other hand am not feeling as well. It started out when we got in the elevator and it reeked of cigarette smoke. I’m not sure what they are smoking here, but it smells cadaverous. We are in at least a 4 star hotel, and I don’t want to have this pungent smell from the elevator on me and my family all day. I see a lot (70%) of boys and men smoking. When I found out our guide was male, I was worried. One of the first questions I asked him was if he smoked. Thank goodness he said no. I know I would not have been tolerant of that at all! I asked why so many people smoke, he said it was a stature thing. It is an expensive habit and if someone smokes, they appear to have money even though they probably do not. Seriously, it is not the 1950’s anymore. It is not cool to smoke. I don’t know why people in China do not pick up on that! My guide says it’s a slow suicide. He is right. It is so repulsive to me.

Then, we go to the same boring breakfast we have had for 9 days now. It is a buffet of the same food every single day. I hate it that we paid $15 a day times two people for eggs, toast, and cereal for the baby. This hotel does not seem to have as much variety as the other hotels we have been in, and we are here the longest. At least in Changsha, they attempted some sort of pancake or French toast and their fruit and vegetables looked fresh.

To top off this morning, it is rainy and I don’t feel like getting the umbrella and walking in the rain. I am so ready to finish up here in Guangzhou. I pray that it comes quickly. I miss my family and friends so much. I just to hug them tight and don’t ever want to be gone this long again.