Well, we are on our way! We left our friends in Shanghai and headed home to Texas. I think this photo of Brent in the airport says it all. McDonalds, PSP game, travel... What a great trip! The Chinese people were delightful, interesting, polite and friendly. We made some new friends, and what a great travel experience to have with my son. He told me right after our trip to the Great Wall, one of his life goals is to see all the Wonders of the World. And, someday I hope he will! [View Full Entry]

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Our last day in China was restful, well at least Brentley's last day in China was restful. He slept most of the morning and then went out for some last minute shopping. I packed, and then Sheri and I went back to the fabric market to pick up an item I had purchased. I had originally wanted to bike to the sea; however; we had run out of time BUT Sheri (who was an incredible hostess :)) and I still had time for an hour bike ride! We left her home and headed to an old farming neighborhood. It was a [View Full Entry]

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Although Matt was off to work and the kids were off to school, Thanksgiving in Shanghai was still a great occasion! Brentley and I had made it back to our friends' home, were rested and ready to see more of the city. We headed to the wet market for a bit of window shopping and then Sheri took us for a quick walk along the Bund. The air was crisp and our steps were quick. We did take a peek inside the Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank. Built in 1921 inside there are some delightful murals. Outside the building the two [View Full Entry]

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Up early once again to squeeze every possible thing into our 3 day trip in Bejing. We checked out of our hotel and headed to the Temple of Heaven for a tour and a bit of exercise. The locals congregate around the park near the temple and play games and exercise. This is not only a way for the Chinese to exercise in the fresh air but to also socialize. Many come here in the early mornings. On our way into the temple, I stopped and did a few moves with a group that were not performing tai chi like most, [View Full Entry]

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We were up early dining in the hotel for breakfast. An interesting buffet with all the western tastes we are accustomed to plus extras the Chinese throw in ... like noodles, rice, and a little bit of fish of unknown variety. We are staying at a Holiday Inn so although there is a Chinese flare - IT IS A Holiday Inn. Susie and Jong pick us up for our first tour of the morning. Tian' an Men Square. The Square of the Gate of Heavenly Peace, funny how this moniker doesn't fit my thoughts of the young college student facing down [View Full Entry]

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We left Shanghai late Monday morning for Bejing. Our guide, Susie and driver Jong picked us up at the airport in Bejing and we immediately went right to the Summer Palace for a tour. This huge grounds called Yihe Yuan - please don't ask for a pronounciation- was an imperial retreat and served as a park for early dynasties. The present layout is courtesy of the Emperor Quianlong who reigned from 1736 to 1795 although the area was rebuilt twice by the Empress Dowager Cixi one of China's most powerful women, after various squirmishes destroyed it. My favorite stop in the [View Full Entry]

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It rained today. We did a bit of market shopping and rested and regrouped... we are off to Bejing for a few days... Will probably not blog until we return.... [View Full Entry]

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I got up early on this day to do a lane walk. There are a few published books that give historical walks throughout the city and I wanted to take one. Brentley was out late the night before with Tyler and his friends so he slept in. My friend and hostess had household things to do so I set out on my own. Ty drove me to Hongkou in the north French Concession area of Shanghai. I was dropped off at the beginning of the self tour in front of Lu Xu Park. I am very limited in my Mandarin... a [View Full Entry]

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Our adventure started with a 2 hour trip outside of the city to visit a pretty little water town called Xitang. Xitang was established about one thousand years ago and in someways has most probably maintained its charm. Today, Xitang is a living museum where there is a modest charge for admission. We think the money is charged to help with the upkeep of the city, but it's not like a local sat down and told us this... just a hunch. Ty, our driver parked our van in a parking lot and we walked into the city across a few bridges, [View Full Entry]

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Okay, have I explained HOW BIG THIS CITY IS? There is no way one can drive from one end to the other because you can't find the other! Tall buildings, construction in preparation for Expo 2010, apartments, shops, and people.. it just goes on and on... We started our day by heading to the French Concession area on the west side of town for a Dumpling Class at a restaurant. Brentley was thrilled to accompany Sheri and I to this 2 hour class. Actually he was a real trooper, and only male except for several of the chefs. The female employees [View Full Entry]

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