Logistics of Hotel Living

What do you get when you mix an outdoorsman, a neurotic lady, and a baby who's trying to figure out what the heck is going on?  Answer: a very small hotel room. 

 

I researched the packing list for this trip very well, and I do consider myself a magician for packing for 3 people for 2.5 weeks in 2 checked bags.  Upon first meeting our new NE friends they were in awe of my skills (as they were pushing a luggage cart loaded down).  However, that packing was based on the agency's and other people's assurance that laundry service in the hotels was reliable.  All those sources failed to mention how expensive it is.  We prepared a bag of laundry in Beijing, and after I filled out the form the total came to $50 for just a few pieces of clothes!  We reconsidered and lugged the dirty stuff here to Xi'an, where I noticed a clothesline in our bathroom.  The first night I washed with the hotel-provided liquid bath soap.  Ick, smells like old man.  David took us the next day to purchase (Chinese) laundry detergent, which smells way better.  So, our nice soaking tub in the room has served as a washing machine, and my wringing skills - or lack thereof - have come under attack from Doug for 2 days now ;)  We are pretty sure AnnHelen's baby blanket will still be wet on Friday the 13th.

 

My new best friend is the electric kettle, which keeps us in instant coffee and bottles and serves as our bottle washer.  I am so over not being able to use tap water. 

 

Today David took us to buy more supplies...to Wal-Mart.  Boy is Chinese Wal-Mart different and HOT.  I'm also over the absence of air conditioning in public places. 

 

Beijing really spoiled us.  Though this hotel is just as nice as the one there, there are far fewer staff who speak English, which resulted in a very interesting room service meal last night and attempted conversation with a housekeeper today.  More importantly is the complete absence of Diet Coke anywhere in Xi'an!  David found me Coke Zero, but it's just not the same ;)

 

 

The other family here, who adopted a 7 year old boy, is feeling the strain of hotel living much more.  Boy is he funny (when a translator is available).  He calls Leah "American Mama".  After we left the Civil Affairs office the other day, he said, "American Mama, I still want to play your handwriting computer [iPad]."  One morning after we'd all been chattering away in English he asked the guide, "What are you guys talking about?" which just cracked me up.  He is full of mischief, and Doug and I have to make a conscious effort not to laugh at his antics. 

 

Having been called out of bed, that's all my mind can manage tonight.  Tomorrow we are doing a city tour, so I hope to have nice pictures to post.