New shoes and BIG TROUBLE!

So, our guide in Beijing said "no trouble buying shoes - take taxi to Carre Four - like WalMart - then taxi back - take a card with hotel name on it." Sounds pretty easy, right? Well, getting there - no trouble. Found shoes - very nice, not expensive. We also got a case of bottled water. Water here, not palatable. Anyway, we got back out to the sidewalk. No taxi. I literally stood for about an hour trying to flag one down. No taxi. In flagging taxi cabs- I also sparked interest in very questionable locals. I called our friends at the hotel - to try to get the hotel to send us transportation. Not successful. So I said a little prayer, or actually, said a big prayer. And about that time, here came a man on a rickshaw scooter built for 3. HALLELUJAH. We were saved! But, I can tell you, the ride back was very scary. There is not highway patrol here.In our ordeal, did not see the first policeman. The cars drive like maniacs. Buses almost running us over. Going the wrong way on a one way street. But in the end, here we are safe and sound. Will not be taking another taxi anytime soon! :) One story hopefully to laugh about someday.

We had a wonderful breakfast this am. The hotel serves a mix of Eastern and Western, so I had bacon and noodles. Topped it off with some cornflakes. The fruit here is exceptionally sweet. And after breakfast - we found some local shops - met Stella and Jordon who will help us hopefully with everything from diapers to gifts and laundry. Also found STARBUCKS!!

But the good news - we meet our guide at 12 (in two hours) to go get Autumn. And to answer other questions - yes, she is in our care after that. We have many days and appointments coming up in order to finalize the adoption, but in two hours, she is officially in our care. Exciting, and scary all at once!!