Zhen Zhu Comes To Canada

Andy and I (Andy's father) went to China for the adoption process, while Andy's wife, Julie, reluctantly stayed back to take care of their other two children, Bailey (4) and Téa (2). After a year-long process our trip began in Toronto on Feb. 21, 2004. Many days of careful preparation preceded the journey. While Julie took the lead in preparing for the trip, Andy continued to complete projects at his business. She did Internet research, meetings with other parents and the Open Arms Agency, assembling medicines, baby stuff, and appropriate clothing (we hoped). Julie packed carefully, recognizing that we had to take a flight within China where we were restricted to 44 lbs. each total weight for baggage. Andy remarked that he had never been so organized for a trip in his life!

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Doris drove us to the airport. We were up at 3:30 am, and when we arrived at Andy's house at 5:00 am, the whole family (including Rochelle) was up to see us off. When we got to the airport, we had to ask our way to the right departure gate. It turned out to be the Vancouver gate, since we were stopping there. At 6:00 am, we were greeted by long line waiting to check in. Fortunately, there were many counters open, and all went quickly and smoothly. The stroller went into a special window, no bag, no problem. With over two hours to wait, we got some breakfast, and drew a deep breath or two.

Security was strict. I was waved through, but Andy had to unpack his backpack and explain the mass of wires, laptop, Palm Pilot, cables, connectors, cameras and battery packs. As I waited (and was about to take a picture), they questioned why I was hanging about, so I went on, meeting Andy outside the area.

We were able to obtain two seats together by the window, so it was worthwhile arriving early (return seats were already booked as two together). It was going to be a long trip, and we were glad not to have someone on both sides. The seats were fairly comfortable, with enough legroom for Andy's 6 foot 3 inch frame. We were just back of the first class seats, and could smell the fresh coffee and hear the champagne. Curtains were pulled, as if the sight of us plebeians would put them off their quail and truffles.

The flight attendants were great, and very hard workers. It must be hard to smile through so many demands and requirements from passengers. Physically working in turbulence and thin air takes its toll. The captain gave us lots of confidence in the flight crew when he announced, " We will be flying at ... oh... about 32 thousand feet on our flight to ... (pause).... click .........click (mike on again).... Shanghai ....." However, it seems that the autopilot did a good job and got us there.

The view over the Rockies was spectacular in the evening sun. We got off with all our carry-on bags in Vancouver while they prepared the plane for a long run. Andy bought a Smoked Pacific Salmon pack to add to the gifts for the SWI.

On the 11-hour trip over the Pacific, we used the neck pillows to try to get some sleep. Andy slept a lot, but I am a light sleeper, and had some difficulty. Even two mild sleeping pills only fuzzed me for a few minutes, but I did have a few cat naps. There was always someone talking loudly, singing as they went up the aisle, or jiggling the seat. Just my luck to have a children's play area materialize in the middle seats beside us. I think the kids slept in shifts to keep the area active the whole trip.

We landed in Shanghai on time. We learned later that Julie and Doris had been following the flight on the Internet, seeing a little plane flying in real time across the Pacific. We joined up with the others in our group, and prepared for a long check through Chinese customs. To our amazement, an official saw us coming, undid a rope, opened a gate, and our group was siphoned off from the main stream. We suddenly found ourselves in the main arrivals area - no customs. It may have had to do with us being an identifiable group with empty strollers and no kids!

Click here for China maps, showing Shanghai, Nanjing, and Huia'an City

Cherry soon got us to the bus. We didn't know what to expect, having speculated on the plane that it would be anything from a modern skyliner with glass ceilings and a washroom, to a rickety local bus with chickens and ducks on the top. As it turned out it was in between - a good tourist bus, 25 soft seats, with an excellent driver. After Cherry introduced herself, and gave an outline of what was to come, one of our group (Bob I think), stood up and outright asked her if she had done this kind of trip before. Cherry thought quietly for a moment, then smiled and quietly said "What do you think?". We later realized that the question was too direct and personal, and came before we had established a relationship with Cherry. Later in the trip, in quiet conversation after dinner, we asked her the same thing indirectly (Must be interesting leading trips ... you must have led many ... have you seen changes over the years ... etc.). Cherry soon talked freely about her experiences, and we learned that she has done "hundreds" of tours over many years, including regular tourist tours.

On the bus trip, Andy managed to crash for a while, but I could only watch out the window. We didn't see much of Shanghai, as we drove directly on the expressway to Nanjing. It was amazing that, for the first 2 hours of the 4 ½ hour trip, the countryside was completely built up at least as far as we could see. Construction cranes were everywhere, and condos were being built right up against the expressway, sometimes within inches. Lots of "in your face" billboards, with lots of color. Many were advertising for industrial parks.

We stopped at a truck stop for a pee break, our first experience with a Chinese washroom. The white ceramic toilets were flush with the ground (so to speak). At least we had urinals - the women came out with scrunched up faces - they had to squat.

The total trip took 4 ½ hours. By now it was mid-evening, but still lots of trucks, buses, and some cars on the road. The medians were well groomed, with precisely trimmed lines of bushes and plants. The vehicles drove very close to each other, sometimes within inches. There was a short delay in getting around a stalled truck in the right lane. The left lane stream drove very close to each other, bumper to bumper, not allowing any buses or trucks from the right lane to enter. To get in, our driver had to force his way in. Threatening to clip a car (with great honking protests) was the only way to gain a spot. No courtesy here - everyone for himself!

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Arrived in Nanjing about 10:30 pm Sunday, through the ancient Zhonghua City gateway, three thick brick archways built in 1386. For this time of night it was amazing to see hoards of vehicles, bicyclists, and motor scooters. I asked Cherry what was going on so late, and she replied "just so many people!". The city had a broad modern main street, lined with starkly beautiful Sycamore trees. We enjoyed seeing the huge colorful billboards and neon lit buildings through our bleary eyes.

When we arrived at the Jinling Hotel the weather was quite cool, about 5 degrees Celcius. We were immediately impressed with the spaciousness of the lobby, and the the efficiency and friendliness of the staff. The room was well appointed, and did have a direct internet connection. All rooms were set up with cribs, and we were suddenly aware in a real way that soon we would be three! Andy and I spent a few hours unpacking, and setting up for the arrival of Zhen the next morning. Andy phoned Julie, who then phoned Doris, to let all know that we had safely arrived. Andy spent a while uploading pictures of our trip so far. I only got 3 or 4 hours sleep, but felt fine the next day (perhaps because I took "No-Jet-Lag" from the Health store).