Leaving on an overnight train

October 10th--We spent most of this morning packing up our stuff for our trip to Yangshuo, China. Since we are going to be on an overnight train, we decided to get all our stuff for the next couple of days into one of our small suitcases and then store the other 3 suitcases here at the YMCA. Once we got all our stuff packed up, we checked out of our room and went to eat lunch at the YMCA buffet. After lunch, we walked to the Kowloon park nearby so the kids could play and burn some energy. It was really hot out today. After finishing up at the park, we stopped for ice cream and lots of water to cool off before heading to the subway station. We arrived at the subway around 3:00. It took us about an hour to get to Schenzhen which is the city where we catch the overnight train. It then took us about another hour to go through Immigration. First, we had to get cleared exiting Hong Kong and then we had to get cleared entering mainland China. It's a lot easier process when you are getting on and off planes because you already have the paperwork filled out before getting off the plane. At the train stations, there are people everywhere trying to get this paperwork filled out. It's a little hectic, but we made it just fine. We then walked toward the train station with still about 45 minutes until our train left. So, we found a McDonald's close by. We have come to realize that there is always a McD's to be found. We got a quick bite to eat before boarding the train. The train was nicer than our first overnight train ride. It was a 4 bed compartment, the air conditioner was definitely working and they had soft, relaxing music playing. We all immediately got onto our beds. The kid colored and played their Leapster until it was time for bed. I read a book and Mike listened to music until it was lights out on the train.