hunan provincial museum

Lauren (and most of the other babies from the orphanage) have some sort of cough / cold. She has been such sweet trooper with it all (bulb syringe to her nose and other 'harrasment'). She still gives us so many smiles and laughs. Unfortunately, most others do not often see all her smiles. She is very curious and will just intently look back at them.

She loves this ergo carrier (and so do I)!

Visiting the Hunan Provincial Museum. Most of the photos (inside museum) are blurry as only 'no-flash' photos were allowed.

A replica of one of the corpses (this one is not the actual corpse) but we were told the body looked just like this replica when discovered.

This is Chinese mother with her daughter that was curious about Lauren. I showed her my 'tag' that explains the situation (i.e. why a Westerner is carrying around a Chinese baby). Her daughter is 2 years old. I especially like seeing the Chinese daughters.

More curious Chinese about Lauren. They are so happy for us and Lauren.

This scene repeats itself more times than you can count here. I'm actually glad to have this 'tag' to wear around. More people than not are able to speak at least some English and some speak it quite well. However, for them to read it in Mandarin characters may be more explanatory than what we could communicate in English quickly.

Carved figures are some kind of musicians (ha! how do you like my memory for this - it was interesting anyway). There were many interesting things in this museum.

There were many scrolls of calligraphy - all different kinds - very beautiful.

This is the female corpse of Marquise of Dai. The body is over 2100 year old at this time. I am amazed at how these people could preserve corpses!

The corpse above was found buried in this huge coffin, consisting of an outer coffin that contained several (inner) coffins and other burial items in chambers.

These children were so curious about Lauren. The little boy request to have his photo taken with us. They are all reading 'the tag'.

Mom walking with her daughter. I like how they make use of umbrellas in the sunny weather here.

Most businesses have hung red lanterns up in preparation for the Moon / Autumn Festival (also called the Lantern Festival by many). Last year we 'celebrated' this festival at home with the local Families with Children from China. Ed and I took Enoch, Lambert (from Burundi) and James (from Sudan) with us as they had not been in America long at that point. One year later, we are in China with our new daughter for this time. The festival celebrates family - so appropriate. . . and the moon is already beautiful.

A photo of some traffic - very typical. . . but really, it's much wilder than this but so interesting how it all flows (it makes your heart race!). We've seen no wrecks and no one mowed over - so incredible!! I saw a young girl crossing major traffic alone and was shocked! Our translator told us not to cross the road here because vehicles will not stop for you! He said if you must cross, make sure to follow a Chinese person. . . .