This morning was a brief trip to Liurong Temple, the Temple of the Six Banyon Trees. It's a sixth-century Buddhist temple about fifteen minutes from Shamian Island. The main temple and pagoda were build in about 537 and rebuilt in the 10th century after a fire. The lead pagoda is quite impressive. No, I didn't climb it -- it was very hot and humid out.
We saw Buddhist monks and some worshipers process from one temple building to another. All of the grounds were ornate and very well kept, though only two of the titular banyon trees survive.
Later the children received a blessing from a Buddhist monk. Apparently they are very fond of blessing adoptive children before they travel. Katrina tried to make friends with the temple cat, who was insulted by her familiarity.
Back at the hotel, Katrina got a massage while I tried unsuccessfully to get Elaia to nap. In the afternoon, we took a bus ride to the American consulate downtown to get the babies' visas and formally complete the adoption. Downtown is sleek and modern where the fringes of the city show their age. It was a quick trip through security to the waiting room, and then a short wait before we all stood and took an oath to take care of the kids. With that, she was ours, as far as the U.S. government is concerned, and will become a U.S. citizen upon entering the country.
Tomorrow is free for shopping and packing. I'll try to post some final pictures of the island.
1 comment:
Sorry, too busy at shop to help. But have arranged for pals Vidal Sasson and Quattrocento (John Edward's barber; cash only, no cards)to meet plane and attend Elaina's hair before paparazzi photo opps. Have courage, help only 48 hours away. Meanwhile, no daddy songs; bad for hair. Figaro
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