A Day at the Park

Even though we had no where to go and nothing to do, today was a good day.  After breakfast, we decided that we definitely needed to do some laundry before we left for Guangzhou.  We packed light, expecting to be able to send laundry out here, but Jane, our guide, informed us that the only laundry service was dry cleaning and it was very expensive.  Although I did a "load" when we came to Hefei, today I had a special helper.

It was clear that Chloe knew how to do this since she gave me pointers.

The "'wash woman" at work

Next, we headed to a local park, just a block from our hotel.  It was beautiful with an interesting piece of art at its center, a detailed wall of art, and trimmed hedges.

The day was a little foggy...or hazy...or both, but there were many people around, and we attracted a lot of attention.  School kids on their way to lunch would say 'hello' and when we said it back, they would giggle.  A grandma and her grandchild played ball with Chloe in the square, and an older woman and her posse by the playground and ping pong tables gave us a lesson in Chinese.  She was very nice, friendly, and outgoing, reminding me of a teacher, as she talked to Chloe and taught Tim and me words she felt were important for us to know (family, daughter, etc.).  We also met a lovely young woman who works in Beijing, but is visiting here.  She interpreted a little for us.

The two boys kicked the ball around with Chloe a little.  She actually preferred kicking it to them than to me....I think she was flirting.

This woman and her grandchild also played ball with Chloe.  That ball is probably the best $1 I spent.

The "teacher" and her playground posse.  Tim and I decided that she must spend time at the park each day.

The lovely, young woman who interpreted a little for us

Our "teacher" playing ping pong with the kids in the park.  The bike behind her is hers and holds a bag that is filled with toys for the park.  She offered a few to Chloe.

In the afternoon, we joined our friends Karen, Zoey, and Jenna for dinner.  We were supposed to have a nice sit-down dinner, but Chloe had other plans.  She certainly was feeling her oats this evening and we decided that McDonalds would be a better place for us.  It's interesting.  She treats her Baba much better in the hotel room than in the great outdoors.  I know that it will change though soon.

This is the first time Chloe wanted to join Jenna and Zoey in their fun.  She is becoming more and more comfortable.

When we returned to the hotel room, Tim offered Chloe piggy back rides in exchange for kisses...and she accepted.  It was wonderful to see her playing with him.  Then, I taught her to do summersaults and she probably did around 50 before we told her it was time for bed.

Highlights from our day:

1. Tim taught Chloe how to play hide n' seek this morning.  She LOVED it!
2. Kisses for piggy back rides...too sweet!
3. Meeting the locals was so much fun.  One of the men mentioned how free we are in America.
4. Chloe is using a much softer voice today...and hopefully not cursing...although I did hear the sailor song again at times.
5. She is coming out of her shell more and more...and is showing her sense of humor and stubbornness.
6. She continues to eat EVERYTHING.  I already think she's gained weight.  Karen commented how much better her skin/coloring looked today.

Tomorrow afternoon we fly to Guangzhou, the last leg of our incredible journey.  I look forward to meeting up with our travel group from Beijing and seeing their beautiful children.  Hope everyone has a great day!