June 1998

Mark & Judy left Ottawa for China on May 30 in order to bring their daughter Emma home. They provided this trip report. 

Nine couples from across Canada made this trip to China - a journey of a lifetime - to meet our daughters. We had all come for this single reason; none of us expected the wonderful experience we had in this vast and complex country. Some of us didn't take any chances with what we might encounter in China. Jacques Poitras, for example, came equipped with his own cutlery and a remarkable amount of food. Wayne Jones, however, was best equipped. He brought a nurse - his sister Elma - who became an invaluable resource during our first anxious days. The day-by-day itinerary was skillfully paced. So many details were carefully attended to. Our hotel in Hangzhou was marvelous. Its beautiful setting was relaxing and soothing during the somewhat harried first few days. The children, of course, were the raison d’être of the trip. We not only fell in love with our daughters but we also developed a special fondness for the other adopted children. 

For the most part we found working with the Chinese government a smooth and problem free process. We had marvelous and inexpensive meals and fascinating daily excursions to shopping emporiums, a silk factory, a tea plantation and a ceramic factory. And, of course, we visited famous landmarks such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. Our advice to would-be travelers and prospective new parents…film, walking shoes and diapers!