Leaving GZ

January 31:

So, after checking out of the White Swan and waiting for the bus to arrive, we learned that our flight from Hong Kong to Chicago had in fact been cancelled due to the winter storm headed that way. Needless to say, we were a little antsy to get to Hong Kong and try to get our plans HOME finalized. With a light lunch in our tummies and a sleeping baby in my arms, we boarded the bus, headed to drop off Veronica at the US Consulate (to get our babies' Chinese passports and US Visa's), pick up a porter from the train station and finally, the train station. I have to admit, with everything we had heard about the train station, I was feeling pretty nervous... it is very busy, even busier because of Chinese New Year, getting all of your bags checked or carry-on, getting through Customs, the list went on and on. I was pleasantly surprised that we had three porters helping our families navigate luggage and getting us to the gate. Everything went off without a hitch.

We made it to the gate in plenty of time to give Sweet Cheeks a bottle, change a diaper and let Cupcake burn off some energy. It was quite organized as far as having someone tell us when we needed to show our tickets and make our way through Customs. While we were waiting, Veronica arrived with our final documents in order for us to leave China with our Sweet Cheeks. YEE HAWWWW!!!  That's what we were waiting for:-)

Off to the train, we go. All of the families were in one car together. The seats were comfy and Sweet Cheeks was still snoozing. Cupcake was sitting with her new friends so the Best Husband in the World and I were able to sit and chat for the first time in several days.

It was a very interesting being on the train. It was not a bullet train but did go faster than the cars we would pass. It was very smooth and we got to see some amazing sights of China that we otherwise would have not seen. It was fun sitting and chatting with our travel mates about what awaited us at home or how we were getting home. There were several families hoping to fly out on Feb. 2nd and with the news that our flight was cancelled, things were not looking promising.

The train was quite uneventful but a pleasant experience. Once we got off the train, we waited for quite some time for our luggage before heading out to catch a cab and head to our hotel. That's where things got interesting... All of our families, headed to the same hotel, lots of luggage, lots of people and small cars. Our family of five squeezed into one car with five suitcases, all of our carry-on's and lots of prayers that our suitcases would make it (the truck did not close...). Everyone and everything arrived intact. I am not saying I am not a little scarred from it all but it will fade in time.

After getting checked in at the Marriott Sky City, we headed down to have a final dinner with two of the families we had spent the past two weeks with. It was nice to sit, with a glass of GOOD wine, have a nice dinner and talk. Not to mention, drinking the water from the table. It was sort of a big moment!  All to soon, it was time to wrap it up. We all promised to keep in contact and definitely wanted to do a reunion. I was volunteered to plan it, so I am saying now, it will be in FL and on the beach... somewhere. 

After a heartfelt, elevator goodbye, we were off to our room for a shower and bed. That was my task while Jeff was tasked with finding us a plane home. We know who got the short end of that stick;-) And he did not disappoint! 

Here are some pics on the train and from the train.