Fiona is doing extremely well and is getting used to us and feeling like part of the family. She has started singing and we don't know if it is in Chinese or if it is in her own language. She has also started walking 6 or 7 steps at a time. It is amazing to watch her progress so quickly. The additional attention and stimulus from the environment is doing wonders for her. The trips with the family to various places are really helping her as well.
The big trip for today was to head to the mountains and see the Yiling Cave which is supposed to be one of the 10 largest caves in the world. The cave is situated about an hour from Nanning in a very rural area. It is like stepping back in time with farmers in rice fields with their oxen and small villages literally made from bamboo. We couldn't help but think that these villages must be similar to where Fiona was born. The mountains are beautiful and unlike any mountains we've ever seen before. They are giant rocks jutting out of the earth with a canopy of jungle covering them.
As part of the cave tour, we had a guide take us through traditional buildings and temples with performers dressed in ceremonial garments performing various songs and dances and rituals. We also had to participate by singing, doing a bamboo pole dance, and drinking rice wine. It was a great chance to see the historical life of rural China.
One of the most interesting encounters of the day was with the monkeys that make the hills their home. We purchased bags of small fruits from ladies selling them along the road to feed to the monkeys. After we had purchased the fruit, the lady started calling the monkeys and they came bursting out of the hillside. Before we knew it, we were surrounded by these little guys and one of them decided that he wouldn't mind having a whole bag. He went up Patrick's leg, grabbed his arm and started fighting for the bag. As usual, Echo came to the rescue and sparred with the monkey until it gave up and fled. Echo has many talents! After feeding the monkeys, we went and had lunch at an old amphitheatre outside the cave. The monkeys returned and we had to take turns fending them off as we tried to eat our lunch.
Tomorrow is our last day in Nanning. We are heading back to the mountains to do some more sightseeing in the morning and then getting Fiona's passport in the afternoon. Nanning has been nice, but we are ready to leave. We'll be flying from Nanning to Guangzhou on Saturday where we'll begin the immigration process for Fiona.
9 comments:
Looks like u had tons of fun with the tour of the mountains and the Yiling Cave. Cant wait to see more pic's & see how 2morow goes.
-Kelsey G
The pictures are amazing it must give you a good feeling to get a sense of where Fiona may have been born. What wonderful memories you are making, a once in a lifetime experience. Fly safely tommorrow! Your blog is the first thing we look for every morning! love you all...Greg and Kelly
We are enjoying your blog so much. Because you are doing such a good job with it we almost feel like we are there with you. The pictures are great. The kids look like they are having a good time and it is good that they are with you. They will never forget this experience. Little "sweetie" looks happy and well. The fact that she is singing sounds like a good sign. We love all of you and, as always, you are in our prayers and in our thoughts. God bless, Mom
Man she is cute! Owen was excited about her wearing the pj's he picked out. The kids all look like they are having fun. We loved the story about the monkey. Can't wait to have you guys home!
PATRICK, LOOKS LIKE YOU FOUND YOUR LONG LOST BROTHERS, TRY NOT TO GET MUGGED BY ANY MORE MONKEYS:)I GOT A TASER, BUT I DONT HAVE ANYBODY TO USE IT ON, SO GET BACK
SMITY 13
[ZACK]
Nyle, Sue, & Family,
Sounds like everything is going great. We enjoy your updates and pictures so much but we'll be glad when you're back home.
Dad and I have decided you and Sue
should write a book. You both do
such a good job on the blogs.
Dad has had a cold for about a week
but is getting better. I'm trying to stay well to have that darned
operation. I'll be glad when that's over.
We're glad Fiona is adapting so
well. She's a lucking little
girl to have her new family. Give
her a big hug from her Montana
Grandparents and give Patrick,
Quinn, and Regan a hug too.
Keep in touch and stay well.
Love all of you,
Mom & Dad
Glad to hear Reggie is feeling better. I know you are homesick but it won't be much longer. It will seem funny not spending Easter with all of you but you will be in our thoughts and prayers as usual. Please keep the blogs coming as we all look forward to them each day. Stay healthy and tell all the kids we love them. I'm so glad you have Echo with you to watch over you. Tell her that your Mother is grateful to her. Love, Mom
Sure looks like you are having tons of fun! You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. Can't wait to meet Fiona!!
Take care,
The Burtons
Hello Bolliger Family,
We've been following your trip with much excitement. It was just over a year ago that we made the same journey to adopt our Jack (Fu Nong) from Rongxian. Seeing Walmart, The Majestic, even the stroller Fiona was riding in - it brought back such great memories.
I am sure you are eager to depart Nanning for Guangzhou. Have a safe trip. We had been worried about Jack on the plane because he also was born with CL/CP, but he did great.
In one of your blog entries you mentioned Fiona was chatting up a storm. Jack is a noisy little guy too, but still hasn't quite gotten his speech to an understandable place. Teaching him sign language opened up a whole world of communication for our family. Its not to early to start with basic signs for eating, drinking and sleeping. They don't have to be perfect sign language, just something that will work for your family.
All our best to you,
Caroline
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