Post #1 from China

Day 1 Travel Day (Written by Jeff)

Well, our day started out like most others, you know, up at 3:00 AM and out of the house by 4 to start the days' activities. For those of you who know us and our general lack of ability to get anywhere on time, you know this is a far cry from our regular routine or just a regular day. We did, on this day anyway, manage to get to the Ch'town airport 10 min ahead of the time you are supposed to arrive to catch a flight.  There were no complaints despite the early morning and cold temperature, perhaps an indication of our desire to start the journey to get the newest addition of our family. Our trip to Ch'town was uneventful, save the car in the ditch that we passed on the way and our nagging social conscience that made us quickly go back to make sure there was indeed no one in the car, which there wasn't, so we were quickly on our way back to Ch'town.

When we arrived at the airport we were unfortunatly greeted by a great big red "Cancelled" bar across our flight number. Apparently there were some mechanical problems with the plane and the flight was cancelled. Now some may look at this as a bad thing, we however decided that it was much better to get on a plane that was actually working than one that was not, and yes the look of panic instantly shot across Jen's face (she really, really wanted to get things going) when she saw the red cancelled mark. With that said, a quick call to Air Canada and bing-bang-boom the helpful staff at both the call center and the gate had us on a flight at 7:15 to start our trip. Yes, for those of you who have done any level of travelling at all, I did say helpful staff and Air Canada in the same sentence, they were truly great, our first Christmas miracle of the season. A big shout out to Sheri lee McKenna who showed up at the airport to see us off (she was there at like 5 AM) and having her there helped calm Jen down given the unexpected kick-off to our trip.

One extra flight and 3 planes later we landed in "The Big Smoke" for what would prove the longest part of our travel day. Our flight to Beijing was packed and this plane was massive so there were lots of people eager to get on and get going. The flight itself was thankfully uneventful, smooth sailing all the way with only minor turbulence and bad food, except the noodles we had for either lunch or supper, or mid morning snack, I can't really recall given my head is all messed up from the time change. With that said, by far the best airplane food I have ever had!! With all things considered, getting up so early, on and off planes, the confined spaces, Kennah travelled exceptionally well and slept approx. 7 hours...which we are paying for this morning as she was up at 2...AM...Beijing time...which is really the only reason I am writing the blog this early! Savvy was a great big sister and huge help; we are truly blessed to have 2 great girls (soon to be 3). As I said, the trip went relatively smooth, some bad food and bad movies (the Expendables with Sly Stallone) mixed with some good food (the noodles) and good movies (Avatar and Diner for Smucks, I love that movie) but most important we arrived safe and sound and no Pauline, we did not lose Kennah or Savvy, not even twice lol.

I’d like to give you some descriptors as to what China looked like, unfortunately is was dark (so that will have to do as my description) when we arrived and given our general state of diminished capacity after such a long trip (I felt intoxicated), all I can say is the airport is massive and the hotel is nice.

Our first full day in China is the one we have all been waiting for as we get to meet Tya Li Hui Brant for the first time. The anticipation on our side is great, she however, as she is only 6 mths is probably going to give us the look she gave in one of her first pics, that look of "who are you people and what do you want?" Well we have waited for a long time and have travel a great distance to meet you Miss Tya Li Hui Brant and your life will never be the same...nor ours.