Blogs from Tianjin, China, Asia - page 5

ROCKY CAMP. 22.6.14 Distance: 150 Kms (73ks) SubT. 3266 Kms Bal 9,211 Kms Weather: fine, a little overcast making it pleasantly cooler. Time in Saddle: 3 hrs Av Speed: av. 22 kph. Elevation: 1,000 m : Decent 225 m Calories burned : 5000 The scenery today was inclined flat (3%), distant mountains some snow capped, and otherwise rocky, sandy riverbed looking land. Uninspiring. Laid awkwardly on my injured shoulder last night resulting in a bad neck and headache by mid morning, so retreated to the van, after all, that's its purpose. I believe I made the right decision, as head became worse as afternoon progressed. Consumed two cups of revitalising chicken broth with veg and rice, which helped the recovery. Starting to wonder whether I am up to this trip. Finding it very arduous, now that ... read more

(part 2) We like taking the boys out to play areas or park/grass areas and tonight we found a new place to play - I have no idea how we missed this place. There is some very tall buildings with a shopping malls and restaurants, almost in a square shaped area and there was a large garden area with a little river running though right in the middle of all these tall buildings! There were lots of Chinese families out, children playing and running around. It was so nice to see. The boys spent an hour running around with the other children, crowds of people watching the boys running!! Everyone was so friendly. we are very lucky to have our driver Mr Lv. He has been a God send. He takes us to and from school/nursery ... read more

Since living in China, the only real problem we have had is Matthew (who is 7) not willing to try new foods here. We have been to some lovely restaurants both Chinese and western but the only thing he eats is pizza and pasta. We have been to MacDonalds so many times we could buy shares with them!! When in supermarkets back in England it is easy to find new and exciting things to eat and cook but here its a new world to me.....I have no idea of most packets, jars and containers etc in Tesco here!! After speaking with other parents at school and where we live it seems we are not the only ones with this problem. A lot of the parents hire someone to come to there home and cook Chinese food ... read more

Where has this year gone? Matthew has been at TIS school for almost 5 months, since Feb. He has learnt so much and so many new things. He's like a sponge!! He has shot up in Maths and reading and his writing and spelling is coming along really well at a fast rate!! It has been a busy 2 weeks at school as it is coming to the end of term ready to start the summer holidays. Last week Matthew took part in his first sports day, so much different to his school back in England. Matthews took part in 8 sports/races and he did really well. He came first in the 50meters running race, 2nd in the shuttle race and 3rd in the Hurdles race!! At the school they have "house Colours" Each class/grade is ... read more

Oh my goodness........It has been the worst 6 days ever! I have had 3 very poorly boys at home with the worst tummy bug ever. Andy became ill on Saturday afternoon - my husband never gets sick....ever. It was so bad he had to take a couple of days off work which is unheard of, Andy never takes time off. Then when we thought he was over the worst....Matthew's turn on Monday night, he started at 7pm then William started at 10pm. Andy and I went back and forth all night between the 2 boys. The poor cleaning lady came in, in the morning and thought....My God what on earth has happened!! We all looked rough and we had piles of washing for her. I think she was at the point to put a big "DO ... read more