CA and Travel Plans

We have been confirmed for a Consular Appointment on March 3rd at 9am. So the travel planning fun began.... After one crazy hectic day (remember the time difference) we finally had confirmed flight arrangements about an hour ago ~ thanks to some help from a friend!!!
So now BOIT ( Our Adoption Agency's Travel Arm in China) will work their magic on our in-country travel and viola - we will have a full itinerary shortly! I will share it when it arrives!

One major change in our plans is that Abby will be staying home. There was an issue today regarding her passport and Joe and I decided it was best for her to remain home with Papa, Joey, Holly, and Daniel - and Daddy when he returns after a quick few days in Xian! I am sad that Abby won't be there to share Lilli's first few days with us - but I am sure they will quickly unite (against me and my clean house!!! hahahaha!!!) once we return home!!!

Good night for now - it has been one "dooooooooooozeeeeeeeeeee" of a day!!!

TA!

We received TA on the 21st of January and have requested our Consulate Appointment at the US Consulate in Guangzhou on March 3, 2008. We should depart on Australia on February 20, 2008 and meet Lilli AnHui on the 24th. When all travel plans are confirmed, I will post all the details here.

Where We Will Travel

The reason for this trip is Lilli. She is the focus; however, having to remain in one of the oldest civilizations and most amazing cultures for a minimum of 2 weeks, we are allowed the opportunity to drink in a little of the history and splendor that China has to offer.
We will fly from Sydney to Beijing and start our trip in Beijing (1) with a visit to the Great wall, Tian'an Men Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Ming Tombs. A lot to do in a few short days but with an experienced guide in tow it is all possible.
Next we will take the overnight train (private sleeper car) to Xian (2). Joe will meet us here and we will meet our daughter. We will spend a week in Xian completing all the necessary paperwork for Lilli AnHui to legally become our daughter in the eyes of China. In the spare moments in Xian, we will visit the Xian Children's Welfare Institute (orphanage) where Lilli spent her first years. We will also visit the Terracotta Army, Panda Preservation Center, and Bell Tower.
From Xian, we will board a China Southern flight to Guangzhou(3). In Guangzhou, the focus will be completing Lilli's US adoption paperwork at the US Consulate located here. We will also complete the necessary paperwork for Lilli's Australian Visa so she can come home. While in Guangzhou, there are several days available for sight seeing and a little shopping too. We will be staying on Shamian Island and from there, we hope to visit the Animal Park, partake in an evening cruise on the Pearl River, and walk through one of the National Gardens.
From here, it will be time for some Disney magic as we depart for a 3 hour van ride to Hong Kong(4)! We will enjoy the fun of Disney, but also visit Victoria Peak and take a ride on the Star Ferry.
Finally we will depart Hong Kong for Sydney and begin the real journey... as a family of seven!