Cuihu Hotel Jinggangshan

Another night train and another mystery guest in our 4 birth cabin.

Helen and I secure the bottom bunks, a bit of a change to the Trans-Siberian where we preferred the top. The Russian's really use the space below and sit, watch tv, play cards and chat. Where as the Chinese seem to lay horizontal and sleep at every opportunity ...

... steamed aubergines stuffed with pork (I'm feeling hungry again writing all that. The stay was spattered again with the usual nights out and we managed to find a stone roses rock bar which played .... well obviously Chinese hard techno. In fact most of the bars were playing this kind of music and there was a lot of heavy drinking going on from the Chinese locals. I saw a girl neck a bottle of lager in about 5 seconds and ...

... the constipation and the urgency are indicative of a culture categorically limited in both time and space, where itinerary replaces independence and processed convenience is preferred over pleasure. "The national holidays are my only chance to spend with my family and see my country," exclaims a Chinese businessman from Beijing on his way to the Yunnan old town of Lijiang, China's third most popular holiday destination ...

... out of one store to see a little boy of about 6 staring at Adam and Maia completely perplexed. He looked at me and began to back away. Poor thing. There are quite a few girls in the streets and I always say hello (Ni Hao) and get big smiles. The only people who don't seem to like us are the older women of about 55ish. We constantly get frowns and sour looks from them, but I suppose they don't like seeing their children going off with the whiteys ...

... Sorry. We just keep forgetting to do certain things with her because we're trying to stay organized! But yesterday we finally remembered to weigh her. She's about 17 lbs, but is already looking a little rounder than that first day. Her belly was so hard yesterday after dinner; I don't know how something so small can pack in so much. The sore on her bum is getting better. (Thanks for the info on that Cin.) She's got quite a few scars on her little bottom which leads me to ...

... quite well, well enough that we'll try it again. Another first was Adam's changing of a really incredibly disgustingly poopy diaper. We've decided that the women at the orphanage couldn't have handled the girls too delicately so the best way to approach cleaning is with a sure hand and rapido. It works. Maia is getting better and better about having us change and clean her. I even find it fun; I like looking at her wee body, especially her cute bum. What else? She ...

... our guide, Lucienne to the rescue, some sharp words in Chinese later and they prepared a room for us. This threw me 20 minutes off schedule!). We went to an art gallery today to see some of the famous works by China's most famous artist who lived in the 17th century. I learned interesting facts about him and his work but couldn't tell you his name. Squirmy baby during that part. I dressed Maia in what I thought was appropriate ...

... her Chinese symbol is monkey and fits her perfectly; she's a tough one this girl. Still Adam and I have some ground rules that she is not allowed to break. I think we might be the only ones to do this but there you go! Throughout the day, Adam and I "write" blogs to you guys but now that I'm actually here in front of the computer I've forgotten some of the silly stuff. Time for dodo for me too. I'm too tired to send the photos but will probably be up at 5 so can do it then!! Love to you all, J

... I have the feeling she likes us! She says 'papa' constantly. She doesn't know what it means, but over and over again, papa papa papa papa! She just dosed off in Adam's arms; it is clear that she feels very safe with him which is the most important thing of all. Now we're off for some shopping and some "authentic Chinese food" at the bequest of Adam. We miss you guys and love you lots. Thanks for the kind messages. J

... has. It is supposed to clear things up for her, but it also served as the catalyste for a HUGE poop. The medicine mixed with the poop really did make it smell like a latreen. Jo did a great job of cleaning it up though. We went for a walk to the grocery store with her this afternoon. We got her bundled up and stuck her in the baby carrier and I took hooked her onto me. Here in Nanchang you see the real China. There is a realy juxtaposition of wealth and semi-poverty ...