Mixed Nuts: White Swan Hotel

Quotes

"There is no better way to thank God for your sight than by giving a helping hand to someone in the dark." - Helen Keller
When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me." ~Erma Bombeck
You may never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice.- Unknown
Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow' ~Helen Keller
Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.
Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."- Dr. Seuss
"Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you react to it."
"God doesn't give children with disabilities to strong people: He gives them to ordinary, everyday people, then He helps the parents to grow stronger through the journey. Raising a child with special needs doesn't TAKE a special family, it MAKES a special family."Author Unknown
I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go – Abraham Lincoln
Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. ~ Benjamin Franklin
There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is a miracle - Albert Einstein
The journey of a 1000 miles starts with a single step
Sometimes in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives you a fairy tale
Where there is great love, there are always miracles - Willa Cather
The Difficult we can do immediately, the impossible takes a little longer
Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness
There are two lasting bequests we can give our children. One is roots. The other is wings.
Be the change you want to see in the world
Don't tell God how big the storm is, tell the storm how big Your God is..........
Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it
Fall down seven times - get up eight - unknown
Despite our differences, we sink or swim together
Life may not be the party we expected, but while we are here, we might as well dance
"The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones." -Confucius

Saturday, August 18, 2007

White Swan Hotel

After all the build up over our final accommodations, I have to say I am a little disappointed in the White Swan Hotel. I think we were a little spoiled by the Dolton in Changsha. The Dolton was an overly friendly and accommodating place where as the White Swan is all about business. The staff seem to be much more serious and Western. Even the breakfast buffet has lost a number of Chinese options in the transfer from Changsha to Guangzhou. Also, it is very clear what the primary planned activity is for this last destination just by entering the hotel. The walkway leading into the hotel lobby is lined with Chinese-styled statues, each bearing a very obvious price tag. Guangzhou is about selling trinkets. Don't get me wrong, the White Swan in a lovely hotel, evidenced by the waterfall and Kio pond (a Japanese fixture in a Chinese hotel?) located between numerous indoor stores. It is just lacking the Chinese spirit and personality that we have grown accustomed to.

One neat item that is part of the White Swan experience is a present from Mattel to each adoptive couple - Adoption Barbie. A standard issue blond dollie holding a baby of a slightly different skin tone. Since most Chinese adoptions involve girls, this gift is perfect for the majority of White Swan families. For Cainan, I think he would derive the greatest joy out of this toy by ripping its head off. I am sure his sisters will enjoy it though.