Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Wonders of the World

Since we've been in China we've seen two of the 8 Wonders of the World. You may be saying, I thought there were only 7 Wonders of the World. If there were actually 8, the 8th one would have been the one we saw today, Tuesday, April 1st. (By the way - Happy Birthday to Aunt Ellen (Joe's sister) and Aunt Emily (my sister). Hope you both have a great day!)
















We went to see the Terracotta Warriors today in Xian. It was pretty amazing. Claire was a little trooper. We had an hour drive to the site and back and then we were there for probably 3 hours. She was great the entire time. Here's a picture of our "Family of Four".



The Terracotta Warriors were discovered in 1974 by a farmer who was digging a well. There are 6000 Warriors made of Terracotta, each of them completely different. They were made 2000 years before Christ to "guard" the Emperor's tomb.







Today we met the Farmer who discovered this wonder. He "autographed" our book. He was paid only 20 cents and got two days off from the government when he discovered this back in 1974. I suspect that he now makes good money as a "celebrity" at the site.




Here's a picture of Jenny, our adoption guide. We would not be able to do this without her. She has been so great. She translates everything, everywhere for us and she makes all of the arrangements, whether it be at a government office or Wal-mart or arranging for a tour or helping us pick out medicine at the pharmacy. We are so grateful for her. Claire loves her, too.





Here is the Great Wall in the fog and snow...



On Friday, before we met Claire when we were in Beijing, we traveled for about an hour to see the Great Wall of China. It was absolutely amazing, as well. Unfortunately, there was bad weather at the Great Wall, it was actually snowing lightly at the Wall and raining heavily on our way back. Very cold and I was NOT prepared for this. I thought it was going to be 65 degrees and sunny in Beijing so I didn't bring a coat or even a jacket, big mistake.

Here are some pictures of both of these adventures. Enjoy. -- Melissa

3 comments:

aunt ellen said...

I've had some wonderful birthday presents over the years...I got engaged on my birthday in 1989 and that was very special. And this year's birthday present (Claire's adoption) ranks right up there! I am so excited! Claire is so beautiful...she will fit right in next to my beautiful Morgan!! I'm so very lucky to have 2 beautiful nieces in one family. We got the rocking chair delivered to your house on Sunday. Grandma Betty bought my lunch for my birthday present and then we had cake at her apartment with Jordan & Hannah, Steven & Janae. Emily was not feeling good and so she & Bryant didn't come. Grandma Bille made a chocolate cake with chocolate icing. I ate your piece too, Morgan. I can't wait to see you all. Do I need to get any clothes or shoes? Do you have her waist & height and perhaps shoe size? What size is Morgan wearing these days? I may HAVE to go get outfits for my girls!
Lots of hugs & Kisses to you all and especially my sweeties, Morgan & Claire.
Love,
Aunt Ellen

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!
A beautiful family of 4.. I know how long you have waited for this to happen.
Claire is so precious.. can't wait to meet her in person.
Enjoy the rest of your trip & safe travels home.

Anonymous said...

Melissa - both of your girls are gorgeous!!! I am just thrilled for you guys. Congratulations.

Lesley Logbeck