We are in Shanghai! Our first day here has been a great cultural experience. We walked down the famous Nanjing road and on the Bund. It was overcast and chilly but never really rained. Julie and Mackenzie joined us. Julie is from Utah and her baby is from the same orphanage as Tess. She will be getting her baby on Monday too. Her older daughter, Mackenzie is eight years-old and has blond hair. When we got on the Bund many of the China people stopped us and asked if they could have their picture made with Mackenzie. Her blond hair makes her very popular and unique here. Everyone is so friendly. We had to ask for directions alot but everyone we stopped was more than happy to try and help us even though they didn't speak English.
After a great lunch on the Bund which included hamburgers for everyone, we walked through part of "Old Town" Shanghai and got to see the real China. There were lots of old Chinese store fronts with homes upstairs. We felt completely safe walking around except for the many scooters, bikes, cars and buses that almost ran us over. The traffic is crazy here. Pedestrians do not have the right of way and people just drive wherever they want which includes sidewalks. We had a couple of close calls especially since we were so preoccupied with all the new and interesting sights. Tonight we are going to dinner at the Crystal Garden which serves Japanese, Chinese and Thai food. Although there are tons of restaurants here we have to eat at places that cater to foreigners. Otherwise we can't read the menus or communicate what we want.
Tomorrow we fly to Chongqing. Only two days till we get Tess!

We are leaving in two days! Mike and I feel like we are walking on clouds. I can't believe after all these years we are finally this close to getting our baby. Here is our itinerary:
Thurs., Feb. 26- Fly to Shanghai
Fri., Feb. 27-Arrive in Shanghai
Sun., Mar. 1- Fly to Chonqing
Mon., Mar. 2 - Get Tess!!!!
Sat., Mar. 7-Fly to Guangzhou
Thurs., Mar. 12-Fly home.