Mom's Movie Night!

I got to spend my Saturday night, hosting my own movie night. The last one I had hosted seemed to gain popularity and now the number of women has doubled! haha Girls night out IS infectious! I introduced the idea of "potluck" to my friends the last time and you should see how excited the women were about bringing food this time! We had a feast! All my movie night friends are either Chinese or Singaporeans (who speak Chinese), so we had some very tasty food dishes! Yum! I used up several of our strawberries in a couple of dessert dishes. Yum! Yum! Food items included, but aren't limited to, chocolate fondue (with strawberries), white cake (with strawberries), sushi, fruit salsa with cinnamon chips, potato and ham salad, cookies, basil and mozzarella pizza, rice krispy treats, etc.

LOTS of desserts, since I was hosting! Americans seemed to be "pegged" as bakers. There are many different kinds of bakers around the world, according to the chinese. If you want a pastry or croissant, seek out a French person. Everyone knows that the best chocolate and cheese come from Switzerland. Americans? Well, chinese people seem to think we make the best baked goods, such as, cookies, brownies, cakes and pies. Seriously. I have friends who have just looked at me and assumed I could bake all of those things - easily! haha Well, they are right! IF I had a better oven, I COULD make all those things easily. But, since my oven SUCKS, I struggle here in China to produce some of those baked goods. Cookies, hands down, are my best product. My asian friends LOVE my cookies. According to them, all cookies in China are hard and not very tasty. It is a mystery to them how I can get them so soft and how easily I can throw them together. I usually add M&M's or white chocolate chips or something to enhance them. Easy, right? Of COURSE it is...for all of you back home. But, it really doesn't come as naturally for the chinese and my other asian friends. Brownies, cakes and pies...well, *shaking my head*, it's a crap shoot. The ovens over here don't get very hot and they are not convection ovens. ALSO...our particular oven doesn't come with a rack...it comes with a metal pan that slides in and out. Grrr. So, those other baked goods usually come out half burnt and half undone. Frustrating! So, I've done what any other American might do in this case...redirected my friends to the wonder of Rice Krispy Treats! hahaha They LOVE them! And their husbands love them too! In fact, my friends now feel like they should make them at home, just to please their husbands! haha Next, I'll dazzle them with stuff like smoothies, and chocolate and banana shakes (have to keep it healthy - HA!) Being American, I'm sure I can find MANY other "traditional" alternatives to the other baked goods I can't seem to make over here. I mean, c'mon, I feel I have all this responsibility now...hahaha!

We watched the movie Twilight. A couple of the women had read the book Twilight after I had loaned out my set to one of them. The movie has some entertaining value, even for people who haven't read the books. As a good friend of mine back home said, "The author really captures that first love." Which is something we can all identify with, even as grown women. The ladies were excited to watch it! ;-)

Sure enough, they really enjoyed it! One of my chinese friends had to get explanations of what vampires are, exactly. She was a little worried that they were real...walking the coasts of the pacific northwest in the US. haha I was so close to having some fun with her on that one...but, alas, I gave her the 4-1-1 on vampire mythology instead. haha She seemed relieved! ;-)

We had a great time and I hope this will become a regular thing with this group of gal pals! As is the "thing" with a group of ladies, we laughed, talked and ate...most of the evening! Oh yeah, we need to watch the movie! hahaha

Movie Night!

The boys' school had their first movie night to try and build funds for their parent association...as well as give some to a local charity. Since I'm on the Board, I helped out. We were supposed to have an English movie with chinese subtitles. But, the person who was supposed to bring it, said it broke at the last minute and I ended up bringing mine from the States...which had no subtitles.

I felt bad, since all the chinese families who came, brought many of their relatives. It was a big deal to them! So, they actually ended up leaving early. :( Next time, we will have a chinese movie, with English subtitles.

For several kids, though, it didn't matter, since they ended up running around anyway. I give them credit...they stayed still for a lot longer than I thought they would. What's funny, though, is that most of the girls stayed still and watched the entire movie! While the boys...hahaha...well, they are definitely different animals. 'Animals' being the operative word here! As it usually happens in our house, you couldn't make them sit still for long. They ended up wrestling, running around and playing tug-of-war. All the boys were like that. haha How many times have I wished they would sit long enough to at least color or roll Play-Doh around for more than 5 minutes!? Where my friends with girls will sit for hours coloring or doing some kind of craft!

Anyway, the movie was fun, but a bit long. I hadn't remembered that Mary Poppins was so long...something like 2.5 hours! Yikes! Everyone had lots of fun and we were exhausted by the time we got home!

Strawberries & Science...a busy week!

Well, here in China, strawberries are in season right now. Ryan had a field trip yesterday to the local strawberry fields. It was an honest to goodness professional set-up, with long rectangular green houses and everything. These are supposed to be "organic"...which I will allow myself the luxury of beleiving after seeing the place. Picking strawberries makes me miss home. I grew up picking strawberries with my Grandma in southern California. She would make and jar preserves and make all kinds of desserts with strawberries in them! Yum! I miss going to open strawberry (and pumpkin) fields with my kids in tow back home as well. Green houses just aren't the same. :( But, Ryan and I had a good time and now we get to eat TONS of strawberries at home! I baked a cake for this weekend and will put strawberries in the middle and top of the cake - Yum! I also have a little candle fondue set that I will melt some chocolate in, so we can dip our starwberries (and other fruits) - Tasty!



Today, Brandon had a field trip to the Science & Technology Museum. I tagged along...only long enough to take some pictures. He was with his friends and having a good time. Although, the museum must set aside a day for ALL schools to visit, because there had to be a million kids in there today, all from different schools. Since I wasn't staying too long, it didn't bother me too much...but I saw an expat family walking around, looking very haggard! haha Poor, unsuspecting people.

Since I have already verbally spewed my delight over the Science & Tech Museum, I will post a photo journal of the museum, since someone had specifically asked for photos. The museum has so many sections! There are the "normal" sections, like anything to do with Science, such as nature, animals, insects, Earth, Space, Health, organic growing, water, physics, etc. But, there are also sections dedicated to CAD for kids, geography, design, such as designing an eco friendly home and designing cars and designing furniture. They also have the Technology sections that show you how things work, like the internet, robots, how computer chips are made from start to finish, how production lines work, how they laser glass, etc. Not to mention their IMAX theater! I can't say it enough...this place is so cool! Anyway, here are some photos...




















This exhibit is part of the 'Human Health' section. The sign says, 'The Secret of Reproduction.' Notice the cutained off areas...there are TV monitors behind each screen, showing different aspects of reproduction, such as DNA chromosones, etc. Talk about conservative! haha



This was the "magical" display Brandon found so fascinating! haha What's even funnier, is that there were three chinese men standing around this exhibit when I took this picture, all trying to figure out how it worked! They were pointing and craning their necks, and even looking under the bowl! hahaha TOO funny!

Wu Yuan

Wow! This is one of those kinds of trips that you just want to hold onto, tuck it away into your heart and fold it into your soul, for later use. This trip was so incredible...not only for me, but according to the other women, for them as well.

Why did it have such an impact? Because there were so many aspects of this trip that touched who I am as a person. Things I already knew I craved...and things I didn't even realize I have missed. I'm laughing right now...because I really don't even know where to begin...

First, I need to clear something up. I learned on this trip that the REASON we didn't see any rice at the wedding in WuWei is because it was a banquet of celebration. Rice is considered a poor man's food and the chinese people don't like to use it for the more important festivities. I didn't know that...now I do. On THIS trip, we had plenty of rice with every meal.

Second, I want people to understand that without the benefit of our gracious "hostess" (the woman who organized the entire trip), this trip would not have been possible for us expats. This trip REQUIRES that you can converse and/or read in chinese. There were two expats in our little group and we were the only expats anyone saw throughout the entire trip. With the exception of one Caucasian man...we think. This is twice now, that we (or I) have been fortunate enough to have been "taken care of" in rural countryside China. I realize how truly fortunate I have been for these experiences. Not every expat has these kinds of opportunities.

Third, I want to touch upon our little group. We couldn't have had a better mix of women. There were three women who spoke and read Mandarin (two Chinese women and one Taiwanese woman), but who had lived in the States for many years. There were two expats, myself and my friend from Switzerland. And one local Chinese woman who could understand a little English, but couldn't really speak it. The talent of our group was phenomenal. We had one Software Engineer, one Life and Image Coach (who had previously been an Interior Decorator), one bonafide painter (who is getting more and more famous in China as we speak), a teacher, an accountant/IT person and a geologist. This, in itself, left us with many subjects to talk about...not to mention all the "girlie girl" topics we discussed. Our group wasn't so big that the trip was unmanageable...but big enough where we felt nobody would try and mess with us. It was perfect.

Fourth...most of us in the group found out AFTER the trip just how lucky we were on several levels. Without an official tour group, just about anything can happen...especially to a small group of women...apparently. Our driver was young, but mature. There were many instances he could have tried to cheat us while we were going from one town to another...but he didn't. In fact, he was extremely helpful in many areas...which is even more rare. There were opportunities that the lodging personnel could try and take advantage of us...but they didn't. We didn't get anything stolen. We were let in some of the venues, even though one of us had lost our key card...which they are usually VERY strict about and usually they make people pay for another card. None of us got hurt. The buses were on time and even early. Etc., etc., etc. The person who had organized the trip admitted that the driver had been sight unseen and the "company" she called had been very difficult to find in such a rural area. And she speaks Chinese! She had to follow several threads of people's experiences online, in these areas, to find the smallest bit of information from one place to another. All the information (non tour group) was based on personal experiences of other chinese people. So, I have to emphasize that this is something an expat may usually do with a bigger tour group. Unless an expat either speaks chinese WELL or goes with a chinese person, I don't see how they could do this trip. Again, I feel so fortunate to have had this opportunity.

Ok...Wu Yuan...highlights.

Of course, the whole reason behind the trip was to see the Rapeseed flowers blooming in all the fields surrounding small, remote villages. Which we did. It was outstanding and so beautiful! What I found interesting, is walking through these small villages that have been around for so many centuries. I was told that everyone in each of these small villages has the same last name. If you can imagine, it's centuries of growth to one family [name]. Amazing. Walking through the buildings, we saw very old bridges, old mansions...some used by famous Chinese officials, very old trees, typical architecture of that region and typical countryside lifestyles mixed with modern day conveniences, ie, cars, tile, and yes, even a computer in the corner of one of these ancient houses. haha

The area is just starting to get popular. They have roads so new, they practically were still wet. Just this year, they implemented a "fee" to visitors. This fee includes access to all the villages and sights. There are three main routes through the region, that have several villages dotting the countryside. The government gives the villagers a small amount of money to let people traipse through their old house. And they set up the tour bus routes to include shopping in some of the villages...which the villagers love since they get more money. In a couple of years, this will be overrun with tourists, especially since they just put the roads in for better access. Such a shame. I can't say it enough...again, I feel so fortunate that we got to see this area BEFORE it's peak popularity.



We saw bridges that were over 300 years old. We saw houses over 100-200 years old. We saw trees over 1500 years old. It was...amazing. On our first day, we ended our daytime activities at a regional park way up in the mountains. There were...rocks! Big, beautiful rocks! All over the place! There were also small rapids and waterfalls to enjoy as well. Our little group got some hiking in, which was nice and we were all breathing clean, clean air! Ahhhhhhh. It was soooo nice.

At one point, my batteries had died - again. I ran up ahead to catch up with my group to get more batteries. I told my group that I would catch up with them in a bit. I didn't go that far to reach clean air and pretty rocks, without taking a little "zen" time for myself. So, I back tracked to a really pretty spot I had seen down the trail. There was a huge boulder jutting out into the stream, the edge dangling over a beautiful pool of water. Rocks have energy folks. They do! They have magnetic energy and when I touch a rock, I can almost feel the bad or anxious energy drain from my body. It seems to center me. So, I decided the perfect place for me to "zen" out was by sitting on this big boulder for awhile, listening to the sounds of the water rushing past me. It worked like a charm!

I sat there for about 10-15 minutes, with my eyes closed, just enjoying the nature around me. When I felt I had been away from my group long enough, I turned to get up off the rock, feeling so much better. There, standing about 20 feet away from me, was a line of about 20 chinese people looking at me like I had absolutely lost my mind...some even taking pictures of me like I was some exhibit in a zoo. Ok, I HAD been sitting on the very edge of the rock, with my feet dangling over. But, I think they thought I was going to jump! haha You should have seen their faces and their mouths gape open, when they saw that I was a causcasion woman...alone! As I mentioned, there were NO other caucasions around! This must have been quite a shock to them. They couldn't tell what I was from behind, because I had on a rain poncho over a backpack...so I must have looked like a [big] blob, sitting on the edge of a rock. I couldn't have looked more out of place, I imagine. It was hilarious! There was genuine shock on all their faces! hahahaha Once I completely turned around, a couple of them pointed at me and began to talk excitedly to their friends. Is this how monkeys feel at a zoo? Too funny!

Speaking of expats...now I know how my children feel out in public places with chinese people gawking at them all the time. This time, we were under the microscope. Me, even more so I think, because my hair sticks out more than my friend. My friend's hair is brown, while mine is a brighter blonde. The chinese men loved to smile at me and make funny noises to get my attention...just like my kids. hahaha They would come up to me and say "hello." And they thought that was hilarious. *shaking my head* I would say "Ni Hao" back to them, with a twinkle in my eye and a big smile, and they would roar with laughter. It was fun. haha Women vendors would try and get my attention by yelling, "Hello!" and anyone standing within hearing distance would laugh at [her] attempts, including her. They really thought it was funny to use English. haha


The highlight of our trip, I think, was sleeping at one of the village houses in one of the most remote villages. The house is ancient, the town even more so. This village is located where the road ends. Which is amazing, considering there seems to be roads going everywhere in China. To actually have it end in this small village was pretty cool. The village was nestled in a small valley at the very top of some mountains. Our "hostess" had a friend, who is a photographer, who had stayed there once and had recommended it to her. He gave her the house name, village name and route. We had dinner there (in the house) and woke up early to watch the sun rise over the peaks of the mountains. It was soooo cool!


This village is the epitome of rural countryside in China. There were images and sounds of farm life all around us. It was so quiet, tranquil and peaceful, especially with all the yellow flowers blooming around us! We took a leisurely walk through the town, taking pictures. There were lots of parents and grandparents holding small, chubby babies. You wonder what these small villagers do during the day...what sustains them? Well, they work to live...literally. They grow their own food, raise their own livestock, rear their children. That's what they do.

On the way down from this village, we stopped to enjoy some spectacular scenery! It was so incredibly beautiful, you could just pull up a chair and stare at it all day long. The rest of our second day was filled with picture taking and even some shopping. This was something we all voiced our approval over...shopping...Yah! :-) Girls will be girls!

For me, this trip included some of my favorite things:


Female Companionship - I loved getting to know these wonderful, beautiful women! I love the power of women! We didn't know each other at all before this trip, but we each felt so close to one another upon returning to Shanghai. I love that women have that ability. We are such dynamic, complex, yet stunning creatures, aren't we? We have a gift, as women, to bond with our fellow human beings and see the potential in everyone.


Nature - I can't tell how incredible it felt to immerse myself in some nature! I can't tell you how refreshing it was to breath deeply...in China...and get 100% of the oxygen I need! I can't tell you how wonderful it was to see clean, clean water...in China. Water so clear, that you could see the smallest pebble at the bottom of the stream. The water wasn't brown...it was clear! The reflections of the landscape were mirrored in the clean water to the smallest detail. It was so gorgeous!


Rocks - China has them! Lots of them! Well, where we ended up (at the top of the mountain), they were in abundance. Not so much further down the mountain, where the farmland began. It was so good to see them, though. It was so good to touch them. It was so good to identify them as something OTHER than limestone! haha


History - As I get older, I appreciate history a whole lot more. The subject interests me more than when I was a kid. So, to see so many ancient things in one trip...to be able to touch these things where so many people before me once touched, slept, admired and walked...was amazing. Awe inspiring, really.


Beauty - Everywhere we drove or walked was amazingly beautiful. Between the old architecture, the detailed woodworking on some of the houses, the terraced hillsides, the gorgeous flowers, and the vibrant colors produced from the clean air, water and sunshine...there was always something beautiful to look at. That's incredible!

Shopping - While I'm not usually a big shopper...it was very nice to see all the little trinkets and stuff they had for sale in a couple of these villages. There were some real gem finds, along with the "ordinary" stuff as well. If nothing else, it was a feast for the eyes...to look at so many unusual things. What I enjoyed most about this shopping, is that the items were different from all the "same" things you see, over and over, here in Shanghai. This region has some very naturally fragrant wood, which they of course, sell. It made for some great gifts for people back home, to put in their clothes, so they smell nice. I got our driver a wooden ball that was intricately carved for his van...he actually loved it. I have never seen him "tickled pink" over anything before. So, of course, that made me happy.

I purchased two items that I absolutely LOVE. One, is an agate bracelet that just looks incredible in the sun. And the other bigger purchase was a wooden statue, that they carved a monkey into. The wood they used is a root, which is hard to find and hard to work with...it's stunning...I love it! The colors of the wood make the monkey look so interesting. It's hand carved instead of laser carved, which I also find appealing. It has flaws...I like it. It's especially appropriate, since I felt like a monkey on display most of this trip, from my encounters with the chinese people. haha


Food - Yes, I even managed to eat mostly chinese food. The chinese women in our group were sensitive to our expat needs and didn't order anything too far fetched. They always made sure there was plenty of rice, a tofu dish, a couple of vegetable dishes and an egg dish...in addition to soups, fish and other meat dishes. So, I was set. What was incredible, what that the vegetables and fish tasted so...fresh! The water in the area was cleaner and you could taste the difference! The spices they used for the dishes were usually very tasty.

After this explanation, you can probably understand why this trip was so profound for me. Upon my return to Shanghai, I feel refreshed, invigorated, inspired and relaxed. All of those things are priceless to me, especially while living in China.

I hope, for all those expats or future expats who may be reading this, that you can break away to find your own adventure(s) while living here. It really can make a difference.

Anyway, it was a very good trip. Something I will always remember as a positive experience here in China. :-) For my friends and family...please check out my WuYuan album on Facebook to view more pictures!

Reality of travelling in China

Ok...now that I'm packing for my trip into countryside China...REALITY is setting in fast!

1) Extra sheets, towels and pillow for hotel and village home - CHECK
This is actually something the chinese women suggested because the hotels can't be trusted to thoroughly clean the bedding...especially the more 'rural' you get. In fact, the first hotel we had been planning to stay at for the first night, I was told very recently, has a little rat problem. So, we moved on to plan B...whatever that is.

2) Rain GEAR - CHECK
It's supposed to be raining during our trip, so we were told to bring ALL our rain gear and sturdy shoes for walking through the mud. Gear? I have a rain coat...hope that's enough!

3) Snacks, a.k.a. FOOD for us expats - CHECK
I plan to eat lightly and I thank the stars I had bought plenty of snack material on my last rip to the US. We are venturing into countryside China...all meals are VERY authentic...a.k.a. may or may NOT be palatable for us expats. I had thought there would be rice aplenty on our last trip into the countryside...but, surprisingly, we didn't see ONE speck of rice for any of the meals! What's up with that?

4) Water! - CHECK
Even the chinese women will be bringing plenty of water...which means that the water can't be too trusted where we are going. Does that mean no tea for me? Uh...no tea...no rice...well, that pretty much eliminates a lot of my eating possibilities for the countryside. haha

5) Extra batteries - CHECK
It's no secret that anything you buy here in China, that was made for this market, will be a piece of crap...batteries included. So, we were all advised to bring PLENTY of batteries! My bag is getting pretty heavy by this point...

6) 1st Aid Kit - CHECK
Wouldn't want to be caught in such a rural area without any personal care accoutrements.

7) Pain relievers - CHECK
Ok, well, if the beds are going to be 'hard as nails'...which they WILL...then we were advised to bring plenty of pain relievers. Ugh...I'm getting stiff just thinking about it.

8) LOTS of kleenex and/or toilet paper - CHECK
For obvious reasons. I think it's way too much to hope for that I'll encounter a western toilet in any of the places we'll be visiting...hotels, village house, included.

9) Book - CHECK
I doubt that a nightlife even exists where we are going and I imagine that once it gets dark, people go to bed. So, the night owls in our group were advised to bring a book. haha

10) Camera! - CHECK
This IS the reason for this trip...it would be JUST like me to forget the most important item on the list, while hauling all the other crap!

And let's not forget all the other 'miscellaneous' items, such as, sunglasses, power cords, cell phone, money, passport, Pj's, personal care products, creams, lotions, soap, antibacterial spray, hand warmer, change of clothes, ETC!

Ok...so. For a two day trip, it looks like I'm STILL packing half my house! Ugh! I was hoping to travel light and fancy free...but, with the need to bring our own bedding, food, drinks, etc...what the H***!?

I think I remember saying something about the "adventure" being part of the lure? Well, it ALREADY is...and I think I spied some rapeseed flowers blooming on the side of the freeway here in Shanghai. So...

Too late...tickets have been bought! haha No, really...while I find the technicalities of this trip to be a bit of a burden, I'm confidant we'll see some great stuff as well as encounter lots more adventures. I'll post when I get back! ;-)

Change of plans

Well, due to rain, we had a change of plans today. No T-ball. :( So, we decided to take the boys to the Science & Technology Museum again. This place is HUGE...we have been there twice now and still haven't seen everything! This time, we got annual passes for our family, which will allow me and the boys to go during the week for free, when there are less likely to be crowds.

I know I have mentioned it before...but this place is SOOOO cool! The entire facility was designed with 'learning' in mind. It is so much fun for the kids...and everything, even the play area, is about science and/or technology. You never get bored!

Since the last time we went, Brandon has been talking almost non-stop about the volcano in the 'Earth Exploration' section. This, of course, is MY favorite section since it is all about the earth, rocks, minerals and geology. I thought, "Hey! How cool! Brandon must have really found a passion for the subject if he talks about the volcano so much!" I thought (for a second) there was a chance that Brandon might want to follow in Mommy's footsteps someday. Uh...no. hahaha We went through the section again and I was sure to talk about the exhibits in a little more detail, since this is MY subject of expertise. As usual, I was totally passionate and animated when pointing to certain displays...anything from oil extraction, to the minerals, to the fake bedding along the walls, to the fossils, to caves, to earthquakes, etc.

*sigh* Brandon held the same vacant, uninterested look the rest of my family gives me when talking about anything rock related. haha Boys will certainly be boys though. The ONLY time I saw any spark come into his eyes, is when we brushed upon a subject that involved mass destruction. haha *sigh* While I can't deny that anything with enough force to cause mass destruction is fascinating (from a purely geological standpoint)...it seemed to be the ONLY thing that caught his attention. When we reached the volcano that simulated what a real volcano sounds like and has fake lava running down the sides of the mountain, towards us...we found that the exhibit was partially broken down and the speakers weren't working. With the failure of proper explosive action, Brandon's interest dimmed as well. haha Oh well!

Along with his love of architecture, Brandon has always been fascinated with the human body. He loves his Magic School Bus DVD of the Human Body. He asks us to read his Human Body and Eating Good For Your Body books all the time before bed. He doesn't just want to look at the pictures...he has a real fascination with how the body works...anything from the digestive tract, to the skeleton, to the muscles, blood vessels and organs. So, it's no surprise that when we visit this museum and come across anything body related, he will just sit and stare at it for a long time. Today, we saw a display with several body parts. They had an eyeball with the proper placement of ligaments, an ear drum and canal, a brain with the skull cut halfway off to see the brain, etc. He LOVED it! These 3-D models really helped him to understand how things fit inside the body and how they were all related. They even had a pregnant woman with a baby showing inside...uh, yeah, honey, let's save that for another day! haha He is right at that "question" stage where anything can pop out of his mind! haha

We had time for one other section. We went into a section that had all kinds of virtual technology, ie, stage with a blue background where the kids could sing a tune on a microphone and dance in front of a virtual castle, screens that made it look like you were skiing, river rafting or walking across a deep canyon on a tight rope, and other cool stuff. We then walked into an area with all kinds of pulley systems, and physics experiments! It was really cool! The boys had a great time learning all kinds of things! Brandon's favorite was the mind boggling [huge] faucet that had water running into a [huge] sink, but no pipes attached to it at the top. Magic... hee hee He couldn't understand where the water was coming from. It HAD to be magic! ;-)

After we visited a couple sections of the museum, we had snacks and headed to the huge play area for kids. Once again, Brandon wanted to "build" a house with a team of other kids in the 'Want to be an Architect' area. The whole kids area is also designed to learn. There is several huge walk through models of the brain, lungs and heart, where kids can learn how each of these organs function. There is a simulation of a dam, where electro currents are generated and how water power can be made into electricity. There are a few water pumps where kids learn about pressure valves. There is an area where kids can scream (not my favorite section) into boxes that convert the sound waves into another kind of energy. There is a "farm" section where kids can learn all about farming, and the critters beneath the ground as well (where they walk through tunnels beneath the farm to see ants, moles, etc.). The little kids section is a jungle of fun as well, where they can crawl through logs, climb a small tree house, swing on a small tree swing, climb a huge spider's web and slide down the inside of another short log. Not to mention, the light displays they have all over the this area and HUGE airplane mobiles circling overhead! Totally fun, huh!?

Allen and I agreed that we really can't do more than two sections at a time with the boys in one day and since we now have annual passes, we decided to head home...much to the boys' disappointment. It was a long day...but, again, a fun filled one. :-) Tomorrow should be another busy day as well.

Going on a trip!

*whistling*

**On the road again...back to the countryside of China...on the road again.**

A mama from the online group Shanghai Mamas put out a blanket email recently, asking if any other mamas wanted to go on a trip. Her hubby travels a lot for work and never wants to travel when he's home. So, I guess she decided, "Screw it!" and proceeded to try and recruit other women to join her - no kids.

No kids, you ask?? Yep. That IS one of the benefits of being here in China...we all have ayi's to help out should an occasion, such as this one, arise. Sure enough, it has. What is even better, is that us ladies can go in the middle of the week to avoid the crowds, since we aren't being hindered by our husband's work schedules.

Considering the boys can be in school all day long on the same days, I didn't see it as much of a problem. Our ayi can drop off and pick up the boys for two days. In fact, she'll be getting home with them at just about the time when Allen arrives home. So, for me, it actually works out pretty well.

First, it was only about three of us who were interested. We met and discussed the details of the trip and got to know one another a bit. Then, the number doubled to six women...which is better if you're travelling to 'countryside' China...with ONLY women. So, I feel confidant everything will go smoothly and it is much less likely anyone will try to mess with SIX ladies in a group.

There are 2 chinese ladies, 2 expats, and two chinese ladies who lived quite a few years in the States. This is VERY helpful because it takes someone who speaks and reads Chinese to make all the arrangements for anywhere in 'countryside' China. According to Chinese people, people from the countryside will often try to cheat tourists, expats and visitors. Drivers will pretend their car broke down and ask for more money to get them to the nearest town, residents will try and charge you money for the scenery, etc, etc. The list goes on and on...it's actually quite 'typical' over here.

As you know if you have been reading my blogs...our family was JUST in countryside China, in a town called WuWei for a wedding in January. When we left, I honestly didn't think I'd be venturing into the countryside quite so soon. haha Or...I, at least, hoped I wouldn't be. haha 'Countryside' China is FAR different than the big cities. If you recall from my blogs, there is a LOT of chinese people, no expats, hard as nails beds, truly "authentic" chinese food, mud houses, small dogs only, and a ton of squat toilets or ditches in the ground.

So, why am I going on this trip? Well, for ONE, because I get to see more of China. I mean, I'm here...might as well look around, right? TWO, because I get the opportunity to get to know more wonderful ladies. THREE, because it's an adventure...and I can hardly pass THAT up. FOUR, because it's supposed to be a really pretty place. And FIVE, because I won't have my kids with me. It's a WHOLE different experience when I'm not hauling half our house (toilet, snacks and water included) with me for my kids AND I don't have to constantly be worried about them. I will be FREEEEEEEE to experience this adventure on my own - for me, without constant worry. How nice! And, let's not forget that I'm young...enough...to actually enjoy little jaunts like this. THIS is the time in my life to do this kind of thing.

Our little group is going to a town called Wuyuan in Wuyuan County in the Jiangxi Province. About this time every year, there are fields and fields of pretty yellow flowers that blossom. The flowers are called yellow Rapeseed flowers. Also, these fields are set against very old, old towns in China...making this one of many photographer's favorites spots in spring. Now...I ask you...how can I pass that up? Camera? CHECK! Batteries? CHECK! More batteries? CHECK! Here is a little 'blurb' I found online from Chinatour.com about Wuyuan:

Countryside Scene in Wuyuan
This is about the best time to visit Wuyuan in southeast China's Jiangxi Province, when a trek in the old villages offers refreshing views of hills covered in yellow rape flowers, green farmland, exuberant camphor trees, creeks and small rapids. Villages lie along small rivers, trees stand on riverbanks, and old farmers leisurely drive ducks toward a pond, forming a typical Chinese countryside scene. Wuyuan has at least 50 old villages that have remained almost unchanged over the last century. However, it is known not only for its natural scenery, but also for its glorious past. The remote county was home to some of China's top scholars, including Zhu Xi, a Confucian master in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), and Zhan Tianyou, China's first railway engineer. It also produced some of the country's richest merchants. The county's glorious past can still be found in its uniquely-built houses, most of which, big or small, feature white walls, black roofs, elegant eaves, and dark green footstones.

We leave on Sunday night and return very late on Tuesday night. The trip is short, but sweet. However, I imagine I'll be returning with a ton of memorable moments to last a lifetime. :-)

And you might want to enjoy the "stock" photo above...because it's supposed to be raining on our trip and I'm not sure HOW my pictures will turn out! haha

Busy!

Well, I have to say...I must be completely back in the swing of things since my return from the US. Because...I'm busy! Why? I don't know exactly! But, I suspect that with the blossom of spring, everyone's days seem to be getting busier.

We have had several birthdays to attend, spring semester classes to start, ongoing school commitments and with the nicer weather...lunch with friends - definitely. However, also with the temperature fluctuations, MANY people around town are getting sick. Both of the boys have been sick almost all week long! Ryan started "his" wheeze again directly following a small head cold and Brandon got pink eye - again. So, unfortunately, they have missed some neat activities at school this week. That is never fun. :(

Being active on the parent association board at the boys' school is keeping me pretty busy these days. Since warmer days are on the horizon, there are many activities being planned before school ends in June.

It seems like ALL of Brandon's friends have birthdays in March! He has been happily entertained at the homes of many of his friends, eating cake, getting goodie bags and playing games with his friends!

Brandon has a couple of extra-curricular activities this spring. He has a Reading for Meaning class on Sundays and T-Ball on Saturdays. So, he will be plenty active throughout the spring semester. Ryan is just happy to tag along. :-) There aren't too many activities for his current age group, unfortunately.

The weather! It can be bitter bold for a few days and then warm up to shorts weather for a few days and then rain for several days and then warm up again...and so on and so on. The fluctuation seems to have a devastating effect on the kiddos...and then, of course, the parents get what their kids have. Ugh...it's annoying. And since the air pollution is so bad, the days that we get cold, overcast or rainy days, it just seems to "cap" the pollution closer to the ground...and, of course, Ryan gets sick. Poor little guy. :-(

Today, however, was one of those warmer days. So much so, that I actually put on shorts and a tank top and got some rays in the backyard...and started to sweat! It's supposed to start raining again on Sunday. Ugh.

We have a busy weekend, so I hope the weather can hold! Brandon has T-Ball, a playdate, his reading class AND another birthday party to attend! Whew! The rest of us can just hope to keep up! haha

In addition to all these spring activities, I'm still trying to get some projects done both for myself and around the house. I think a big spring cleaning is in our future as well. Oh joy.

HAPPY SPRING!!!

Shovel Building

(Picture taken from the observatory in the Pearl Tower)



Today, we spent a very nice day out of the house, enjoying the first bit of sunshine we have seen in a long time. Brandon had a class at a place called the Kids' Gallery, so while he was busy in class, the rest of us took a leisurely walk around that popular expat area. So many people were out enjoying the nice weather! Once Brandon finished his class, we all had a nice lunch and headed into the heart of Pudong, to ascend the 3rd tallest building in the world, officially known as the Shanghai World Financial Center...but we all [affectionately] know it as the 'Shovel Building.' This building opened just after we arrived here in Shanghai and was inundated by tourists for the first several months. All of them, hoping to see the glitter and glam of the world's next highest observatory, which is 474 meters above the ground.

We call it the 'Shovel Building' because that is what Brandon recognized it as when we first arrived...the top of a sand shovel. It can't possibly be called by any other name now. This building was instrumental in Brandon's new love for architecture upon our arrival here in China. So, it is of course, one of 'our' favorite buildings, followed closely by the Pearl Tower. ;-) We didn't go to the top until now because...like I said, it was a major tourist attraction at first. And then the gloom of winter soon settled overhead with a mixture of overcast and hazy days. We have finally got sunshine and a little bit of spring wind...making it one of the best days to go up to the top. An exceptionally clear day is very rare here in Shanghai due to haze, air pollution and generally overcast weather.


The Shovel Building is 492 meters high, with a large square cut-out at the top. It is said that since the builders of this building are Japanese, they had originally designed the hole as a circle, simulating the Japanese flag. However, well into it's planning, the Chinese government decided they didn't want anything in China that drew large crowds, to look Japanese. Apparently, the two governments are still at odds from the events of WW II. The Shovel Building has the tallest observation deck in the world. The very top level, the 100th floor, is what people pay the big bucks for (4 of us got in for approximately ONE ticket to Disneyland - HA!). The floor of this top level has several panels that are clear glass...so it can be pretty trippy for some people to walk along. It's a very long way down! And, of course, the views of Shanghai are spectacular from that height!

When you walk into the building, it's like encountering a combination of the Star Wars and Space Mountain rides at Disneyland. No joke! It's dark, with neon paneling, flickering lights, unique sounds and music playing overhead and roped off areas for long lines. We got lucky, since there were no long lines at the bottom...but plenty of people were at the top, enjoying the beautiful day and subsequent view. Before we could head to the top, we were herded into a small room with a circular demonstration in the center of it. The lights went out and the shovel building was in the center of the glass display, which proceeded to turn around with several mini light shows along the length of the building. It eventually reached a high velocity spin and the lights danced to the overhead music. While the building continued to spin, several projected bees and helicopters danced around an outer piece of glass, also in tune to the music. Since the words spoken were all in Chinese, we aren't entirely sure what the purpose of this demonstration was, exactly. In any case, the boys loved watching all the lights and dancing cartoon images! haha

We then headed to the 97th floor, where those that didn't pay to go all the way to the top could get off and look around. The rest of us headed up the final 3 floors, reaching the very top...quickly. It takes 66 seconds to go up 95 floors, which averages out to 8 meters per second...wow, that's fast! For any of you who are interested in learning more, here is a link:

www.swfc-observatory.com



We took many pictures and many people took lots of pictures of the boys (as usual). There was a tour group of chinese people that LOVED bugging Ryan...unfortunately for Ryan. They surrounded both Ryan and Daddy, pulling at Ryan to get his attention, calling out to him, wanting him to talk and smile for their cameras. They commented on how tall Brandon is for a boy of 5 years and wanted to know if the two were brothers. Believe it or not, SEVERAL people think they are twins! hahaha People ask us all the time about that. *shaking my head* Incredible.

Anyway, both of the boys had enough...of the people...and we headed down to the 94th floor, where the snacks, drinks and souvenirs were. We hung out a little bit and it was becoming obvious that the boys were getting tired. So, we headed out the building to go home.



We have now seen the city of Shanghai from the heights of both the Pearl Tower and the 'Shovel Building,' two very distinguishable buildings along the Shanghai skyline. I think I like the buildings better from the outside, where I can appreciate their subtle, graceful lines, their unique style and their magnificent colors. I think I'm done paying money to see the city of Shanghai. Been there, done that...now. However, I'm glad we got to see the inside of a couple of the more unique buildings along the skyline. I would have felt like I had missed out if we hadn't experienced it firsthand. Once again, one of the benefits of moving here has been the influence the modern architecture here in Shanghai has had on Brandon. He has a new found love and appreciation of buildings and a keen interest in how they are built. We couldn't be happier about that. It's definitely something he wasn't exposed to as often, back home.



Situated directly adjacent to the shovel building, is a building called Jin Mao Tower. It has sleek lines, with classic geometric overtures. And in about four years, Shanghai's skyline will have an additional exceedingly tall building to boast about. They are currently building it directly adjacent to both Jin Mao Tower and the shovel building. It is called the Shanghai Tower. The building itself will supersede the shovel building in height and it's observation deck is supposed to be quite extensive...with cushioned seating, live greenery, etc. Brandon is pointing to it in the picture.

Once we got home in the late afternoon, we headed outside in our backyard to soak up even more of the rare sunshine, playing soccer to the tunes of my iPod. It was a very good day of family fun. :-)

Day in the life of...Ryan.

Ah...spending a day with Ryan is all about...






Running...






Looking at boats...





Musn't forget to smell the flowers...





Chasing cats into the bushes...






Playing trains...





And some more trains...





Waiting for Mom to hurry up...





And finally...rest...





But not for long!! ;-)