Our little Abby is still a pretty somber girl. She didn't smile much today but she did show us some of her spicy little temper. They say Hunan Province is known for their spicy food (I can attest to that) and their spicy girls. She certainly fits the bill. When we lay her down in her crib for a nap she stiffens up and clenches her fists and screams and screams. She makes sure we know that is not acceptable.
It has been really interesting to watch people as we walk around this area near our hotel. Everyone stares at her, at us. Some come up and try to talk to her and get her to smile (no such luck) and others just stare at us. A few ask us why we're adopting a baby from China - and if they find out we have 4 more at home - why would we want another??? Today Shawn answered "because we're foreigners and we like to eat them". Our guide told us that before China opened up to foreign visitors they never saw foreigners and she was told that they eat children so they would always keep their distance. I was afraid the storeowner might not see the humor but our guide said - it was OK, she thought it was funny. Our guide was also told as a child (and believed) that foreigners had such hairy arms they had to move the hair away to see their watches.
It's hard to imagine this country 30 yrs. ago. It has been through some incredible changes - it seems as though people are happy with the changes and the increased opportunities that more openness and economic freedom have brought to China. There are signs of progress everywhere, cranes, construction, and entrepreneurs on every corner. I find it all so fascinating.
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