This and That

Sorry for no blog post yesterday; it was a pretty boring day filled with more paperwork. The highlight (er, lowlight) of the day was Pudding’s first temper tantrum. Of course, it had to happen while we were at the police station (for paperwork) in front of a police officer and a caregiver from his orphanage. Stu walked away and he threw himself on the floor, busting his nose on a chair. Blood was everywhere. Not a great impression to make, but I guess it is typical 2-year-old behavior. I forgot how fun they can be…sigh. We saw more tantrums today, all involving Stu walking away from him or putting him down. Seems like Pudding has become very attached to his daddy (yeah!!). He is great with me in the hotel room, but once we walk out the door all he wants to do is be in Stu’s arms. He screams and cries if I try to hold him but is still playing games with me and loves to give me kisses. I’m not taking it personally and am thrilled that bonding seems to be going great. I know that attachment to me will come in time; in the meantime, I’m enjoying the break from carrying a toddler in my arms all day long.

Today we visited the Summer Palace and the Olympic Village. The Summer Palace was impressive; the beauty was evident even though most of the landscape architecture (for which it is famous) was covered with snow. We made a quick tour as the wind coming off of the lake was freezing. I would love to come back for a visit in the summer; we hope to come back in the future when Pudding is older. After that we visited a pearl market. Wow. I love pearls so I was in absolute heaven here. I tried to hold myself back but ended up with a necklace, bracelet and ring as well as some gifts for family at home. The prices were very reasonable and the pearls are gorgeous.

We made a quick trip to the Olympic Village before we headed back to the hotel. It was really neat to see the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube up close. They are huge! I saw them both of TV but couldn’t imagine how big they were in reality. I never dreamed when I was watching the Olympics a year and a half ago that I would be visiting the sites in person.

Stu and I decided to take advantage of the warmer weather (meaning the sun was actually out – the temperature was probably in the high 30s) and walk down the street to a very famous shopping area. There are huge department stores, tiny booths, and everything in between. We wanted to do some souvenir shopping (meaning cheap) so we headed to the market down a little alley. It is filled with dozens and dozens of little booths, all selling the same typical Chinese goods. Unfortunately you have to haggle the shopkeepers down on every price and I am horrible at that. We ended up getting a few things but Stu is going to have to go back without me in order to get decent prices. I just can’t offer a ridiculously low price and then work my way up to a reasonable price. It drives Stu crazy so I’ll just make a list and let him return to do some serious haggling.

It was neat to sit back and watch the nightlife. So many different people going in so many different directions. I could people-watch there all night. People continue to stop and stare at us everywhere we go, but I’m getting more used to it now and usually just smile and keep walking.

So far this has been an incredible trip. We have the most adorable, happy little boy and we couldn’t ask for more than that.