Orphanage visit

Just outside of the building

Earlier on our trip we were able to visit the orphane Grace was found/lived.
August 22.  Visiting the Orphanage.

Our adventure begins. We had a different driver for today's outing. Evelyn explained that the last numbers on the license plate indicate which day of the week the driver is not allowed to drive. Assumed that perhaps this was a way to reduce the number of vehicles on the streets, but apparently not.

We set out to find the orphanage. The driver knew how to find the orphanage by traveling the old road, but the director advised us to take the new road. Of course, the driver had to find the new road. He stopped to ask several people along the way. Finally, he was directed the correct way. The new road was a fairly new freeway. After forty minutes or so, we exited and went through a toll booth. We drove to a village and again asked for directions. Wrong way again, so we returned to the toll booth area and again asked for directions. No one seemed to know which way to go. The driver contacted the orphanage director for more accurate directions. We turned around and went through the toll booth plaza going the wrong way. Quite alarming, especially since we kept driving while seeing the over head signs facing the other direction. Fortunately, there was very little traffic. We did occasionally meet another vehicle. Finally, it did become clear that this road was not completely finished as would have to change sides of the freeway. There were no signs and no exits! We continued our adventure passing several locals who were working on the road. Again our driver stopped to ask for directions and called the director. After speaking to the director's driver, we turned around. 

The countryside was very beautiful with mountains in the background. Primarily farming country with rice being the primary crop. There were several incomplete concrete buildings. Evelyn explained that the farmers would move to the city to make more money to send home. Basically, they would build their house over a period of several years. Another interesting observation is that the farmers grow camphor trees. Evelyn said that once a tree reached a certain circumference it is required to be registered, and criminal action taken if cut down.

At last, the director's driver was on the opposite side of the road flagging us down. We followed him down an embankment off the side of the new road. We finally reached the orphanage. It was a very nice building with a beautiful view of the mountains and a small lake with a bridge and gazebo. The director welcomed us and had refreshments for us: watermelon, bananas, sunflower seeds (unsalted so they had a sweetness to them), candies, and bottled water. Everyone was very nice. We looked around and saw where AnZi spent her first nine months. She was well cared for and loved in this place. The director gave a newspaper with Grace's picture from when she was found.  It was an emotional trip but one i'm glad we made. 

Where she was left/found

The ride back to the hotel was less stressful since we knew what to expect.