I woke up to rain and thus decided to spend the morning in. I was tired of fighting the puddles. I finally went out and visited the DvD store one final time and picked up a few new releases.

My stash of goodies!

I stopped by Carrefour on the way back to the hostel and practically raided the imports section. One of the big perks of Qingdao is the abundant Import Sections. Its amazing what a tub of Land O’Lakes Butter can do for ones moral. And don’t get me started about discovering the Creamy Chocolate Betty Crocker Icing hidden away at RT.

I hung out in the lounge until I headed to the Station to catch my train. The sunny was cheeky enough to come out two hours before I had to catch the train home. Not enough time for the sand to dry or lug everything down and back before heading home. So I conclude my week at the beach with never once touching the sand. Ahh well. There is always next year I suppose. After going 8 months without the beach whats another 10?

As I got to the station I realized I’d been lax in picture taking so I thought I’d snap a few of the station. I rarely take pictures of the things I see all the time but figured the rest of you might enjoy those views.

Qingdao Train Station

Shopping Across from the Train Station

Ticket Office and Waiting Rooms

The trip home was pleasant as I purchased tickets for the fast train. I don’t mind the slow train going but getting home I just want to get there quickly. I was slightly aggravated to find the sun shinning in Weifang as I had hoped for that weather all week in Qingdao.

Vacation is officially over and now onwards to a new semester. It all starts tomrrow with the official meeting with the Dean.

I hope every one’s summer was splendid. I can hardly believe mine is finally coming to a close.

Today was far less productive. It rained practically all day only letting up for about a half an hour at a time. I spent the morning looking for the Book Nook, a foreign run bookstore downtown. I didn’t manage to find it but came across another small bookstore Sonoplace hidden away in an Alley. I spent the afternoon at the hostel enjoying the atmosphere and putting together ideas for the coming semester. In the evening I went out searching for the Indian Restuarunt everyone keeps mentioning.

I discovered Google maps works in China and got bus directions from the hostel. I had an idea for the general area of the restaurant but got completely turned around by the bus route Google suggested. I finally orientated by self again and stopped by the DvD store for directions. It turns out Fatima Indian Restaurant is just one alley north of my favorite DvD store. Couldn’t be more convenient. I know know where I’ll be stopping after EVERY trip to the DvD store.

The rain was still coming down as I walked back to the bus stop. But I’ve finally learned the trick. Always carry a spare pair of flip-flops with your umbrella. I don’t mind the rain its just the wet socks and shoes I detest so if you eliminate those the puddles become fun again. I got to the hostel and hung around the lounge reading and working until about 10. I’m going to miss wifi and being able to write posts in bed.

I can only hope for beach weather tomorrow although I’m not going to hold by breath. I should have looked at the weather forecast before booking a week at the beach but with the weather being so blasted hot for the last three weeks straight really how was I to know it would take a turn for the stormy this week.

I would love to sit at the beach at least once this week but oh well what can you do when the gods conspire against you!

The Bridge Market view from the center

Taking out my list I decided to start this morning with the Bridge Market Victoria told me about. She went with one of her students last year and was impressed with the variety of goods or to be more specific a special ingredient for family soups, opium pods. Her student had informed her it was illegal to add more then two to any dish but it was perfectly legal to add one or two. Victoria asked what would happen if someone added three. The student grew confused and said “but that’s against the law. Why would they do that?” Victoria just chuckled. “You’re right why would they do that?” The market is a large out door market that is located beneath five consecutive bridges. It has been held daily for decades And increases in size on the 7th and 9th of the lunar calendar. I went to find the market with high anticipation.

Yeah I'm pretty sure this is dog. I don't know any animal with teeth like that besides a dog.

So many delicious spices!

The final bridge was less crowded

I caught the 363 out to the middle of nowhere and quickly found the steep stairs I’d been warned about. I descended into the market via the seafood section and was assaulted with the accompanying aromas. I must admit I still giggle when I get hit by spitting clams, I’ll never say the same for spitting men though. A drawback of traveling alone is there is no one to make the best of dashed expectations with. The market lacked the unique old oriental atmosphere I had anticipated. I walked to the end rather quickly as without friends I’m no shopper and really had only gone for the atmosphere. Ah well. I did find the more interesting sections on my return trip on the far side. The meat stalls are always fascinating for one. I think I’ve seen my first skinned dog. I tried to take a picture discreetly but got q few laughs all the same. I only managed to stumble across the spice stalls at the end. I don’t know exactly what the pods looked like but I think I found them. I wish I knew my spices I wanted to buy some just fir the sake of it. I caught the bus back and decided to take. Break at the hostel before heading out for the afternoon.

The Governor's Mansion aka The Qingdao Guesthouse

I was having a hard time getting directions to the Governor’s Mansion unilateral I realized I’d been referring to it incorrectly. Only foreigners call it by that, the Chinese call it the Qingdao Guesthouse. It was officially changed by The Party soon after it had been confiscated by the “occupying German forces”. The Guesthouse was nestled on the side of Signal Hill deep within the German Quarter. It was used as a guesthouse for visiting Party officials throughout much of it’s history until it was turned into a museum and opened to the public in1999. It was constructed around 1907 and was turn into the Party’s guesthouse in the late 30’s.

Now doesn't that furniture just scream, PHOTO-OP!

The museum is an empty house containing a sprinkling of European furniture and an abundance of placards commemorating the various Party officials who resided there. As it was designed and constructed for German residents one is almost transported to a European residence then inevitably you are drawn back to China with the following commotion. Now only in China would a mother have the audacity to wave off a museum guard insisting her bare bummed child was justified in lounging on the roped off leather sofa for a photo-op. The guard obviously didn’t feel the photo-op worth his job but as he went for the child she darted around the room before crossing back over the rope to her mother. I had to stifle a laugh as the mother was leaning over the “Do Not Touch” sign. The poor guard was having a day and a half as only minutes later he was forced to approach a couple who having grown curious about a German made bureau were thoroughly examining it’s compartments. Ropes and signs have no sway with the Chinese tourist as again the “Do Not Touch the Cultural Relics” sign was inches from her head. Maybe we’ve been wrong all this time regarding the Chinglish signs. Maybe they are just as ambiguous and poorly worded in Chinese thus the general confusion and lack of observance on the part of the Chinese. That’s not to say it’s not terribly frustrating when a disobedient Chinese Tourist goes unnoticed while the offending foreigner seconds later is thoroughly castigated for not following the unintelligible signage.

This piano was manufactured by a first class master in Germany.

The Foyer was huge

Of course the plaque noting all the famous Party officials who have stayed here.

As I left the mansion I couldn’t help but feel the same forced effort at remembrance and immortalizing of the glorious beginning when I visit Party sites.

An interesting detail within the foyer

I didn't know what this was but as it was a German Governor's House, I'm going with Bomb Shelter

View of the Harbor from Signal Hill

As I had overestimated the time for visiting I found myself with practically an entire afternoon to spare. As I was already near the entrance to Signal Hill Park I decided to go. It had begun to sprinkle but soon stopped. As I ascended the Hill I enjoyed the breathtaking harbor views and gorgeous German Quarter that surrounds it. I found a secluded bench at the top to rest on until it started to rain. I rushed to the observatory to escape the rain, unfortunately I was just behind a group of Chinese Tourist. There are few things worse then being stuck behind heir tour group. They are always loud pushy impolite and never even try to hide the fact that you the foreigner are what they are taking a picture of. Really, come on at least I angle my camera towards the scenery I don’t point and laugh as if I’m at the zoo photographing the wildlife. The observation tower rotated so I sate through two rotations hoping to outlast the rain. I finally gave up and headed back down the hill.

Governor's Mansion from Signal Hill

Seven Dragon Fountain - based on a folklore

From the Observatory atop Signal Hill

Two of the three Observatories

The Old Protestant after the same architectural style as the Governor's Mansion

As the rain only continued to fall harder I sought refuge in the Protestant Church down the block. I climbed the bell tower in time to hear the bell strike five. As I walked the grounds I came across this sign and just had to laugh. What exactly it’s suppose to mean I don’t know but what it brings to my mind is not very pleasant “Religious activities were rehabilitated here in November 1980″.

The Original Bell

The rain finally began to subside so I headed downtown for dinner.
I went to my favorite restaurant for dinner, the Diner. I had a more than obliging waitress, Michelle, who called to confirm directions to an Indian restaurant for tomorrow evening for me. She even gave me explicit directions to the Golden Beach I have been told so much about. Dinner was delicious as always. Pasta carbonara with a side of French fries. I know pasta and French fries aren’t exactly kosher but their French fries are gourmet and I just couldn’t resist. I caught a bus back and turned in early yet again. I did manage to make an acquaintance. The occupant of the bunk opposite me asked to borrow my iPod charger. I suppose the rest all think I’m mute as I keep to myself.

KaiYu Hostel - Great Location and always clean.

Thus far the trip has been wonderful. The train coming was on time, not crowded and clean. The weather was not what I had anticipated but really nothing to complain about. Leaving high humidity at 98*s for high 70*s and an ocean breeze isn’t going to kill me. I was hoping for a little more sun for tanning purposes but the week is still young.

I’d opted for a quiet week in Qingdao over Beijing as I wanted a relaxing week that didn’t require much mental exertion for getting around. I quickly reached the hostel and checked in. I swear they have me in the system tagged for bed G it’s the dorm bed they always give me. It’s a great bunk and I settled in to an empty dorm. I’ve discovered the perfect traveling bag, my big red one I packed for the day and set out to tackle my list of must-dos.

Jimo was first, Rolexes for Victoria and if I’m at Jimo it’s required I stop by Sunny’s so I picked up pearls for presents and actually showed some restraint for once and didn’t buy anything for me. I did stop by the perfume shop to get a bottle of Burberry Weekend. Katie had picked some up in Xi’an and I just loved it. I bought a Chinese burrito from a stand and for the first time contemplated the probability of food poisoning but my cast iron stomach seems to be doing fine still.

The Protestant Church over by Jimo

After my rather successful shopping trip I wandered around the old German neighborhoods and found the Protestant Church. In my opinion Christian churches in China always have a deserted feel even if they are in service.

The first real Graffiti I've seen in China

A path along the hill within the German Quarter

You never know what you will come across on a walk.

Beehives I stumbled across

Monument at May 4th Square

I walked down to the beach and caught a bus uptown. I stoped at May 4th Square and enjoyed people watching. The sun came out for a bit and I read.  I began to wonder if I’d been presumptuous in planning four days in Qingdao with no set itinerary. I’m always complaining I don’t see enough of Qingdao as a tourist spot but I don’t treat it as such and thus failed to do my homework. I began to worry I would get bored and stick to my usual spots. So I made a list of spots I’d wanted to visit in the past. That’s what I’ll do.

Water activities are a favorite in China - Every major square as some sort of activity

The site of the Olympic Sailing events in Qingdao

Last week I’d tried to give Brad directions to our favorite DVD store and so I went to see how off I was as they had been unable to find it. I felt terrible Was about five blocks off. For future reference it’s a block east of MyKal not Carrefour. I stopped by but as I wasn’t invited to the back room I saved my money and headed to the grocery store. I qued behind an Egyptian who was shopping for could only be a splendid meal. He offered an invitation, no Mom I didn’t accept. We chatted fir a while and he suggested a quite beach to the east near Lao Shan  for a pleasant day.

I bought Subway for dinner and headed back to May 4th Square to enjoy it.I returned early and read in the lounge for a while. Oh the ease of wi-fi I quickly discovered the wi-fi on the third floor and sent about an hour online. I’ve up until his point only appreciated my iPod for it’s offline features wi-fi this thing and you couldn’t pry it from my dead body.

I soon went to sleep with only one roommate in. Oh the wonders of a sleeping mask. I had been too lazy to retrieve my earplugs and paid for it as each other occupant returned.

Well I’m headed off to Qingdao in the morning. I’ll be there until Thursday so although I will attempt a post or two I’m not going to stress about it.

Ahh Vacation!

I’ve finished my Summer job and will begin teaching at the University next week. So this week is me, my kindle and the sea! What a lovely combination.

Of course as with most trips I’ve been stressing about this one for the past week. Started putting things aside a few days ago and have repacked twice tonight. I am proud to say I’m learning to be a lighter packer. I’m not yet a light packer but I am lighter than before.

I'm I think I'm getting slightly obsessive when it comes to packing.

Just incase anyone was wondering alternative methods of travel to see me, here is Google’s suggestion. When I typed it in I figured it would come up with ERROR but trusty Google comes through as usual!

Personally my favorite parts are the ocean crossings. Although I don’t really understand the stopover in Hawaii. Also, how exactly do you fit your car in the Kayak, or the jet ski? Inventive though.

Driving directions to Weifang, Shandong, China 9,595 mi – about 36 days 20 hours Suggested routes

This route has tolls.- more info » This route includes a ferry.- more info »

 756 N M St Tulare, CA 93274

 Weifang, Shandong China

Unfortunetly this will only get you to the edge of town. So just give me a call about Roundabout and I’ll meet you. I’m sure you’ll be tired so I won’t plan anything for the day, you can just rest but hey no Jet Lag so we’ll start bright and early the next morning.

Well see you all soon, well 36days and 20 hours soon. Remember no potty breaks you need to make good time.

I have a one week vacation coming up between my summer job and starting at the University. Boy do I have plans. Originally I was going to be productive and prepare for classes but with last weeks events I need a vacation and nice long beach vacation at that. 

So plans are already forming…leave Tuesday afternoon spend the evening tracking down the rumored Indian restaurant and enjoy a cool evening in the city. Wednesday maybe the Governors Mansion in the morning then the rest of the day on the beach until I’m crispy then the Diner for dinner.  Thursday shopping – Jimo for Victoria’s Rolexes and of course Carrefour for the imports, time to stock up. 

Yes that sounds good. Well off to book a bed before the hostels all fill up, I’m NOT dealing with that situation again.

Just when you think you’ve peaked at your Frogging* skills you get ran over. After 11 months 0 weeks and 6 days my luck was bound to run out soon. But did I really think I would be taken out a mere foot from the curb, no. Let me backtrack a little and discuss the dangers of being a pedestrian in China.

1. No where do you have the right away

2. No place is convenient for you to walk

3. No where does it say side walks are are the safest choice

4. And the golden rule ALWAYS check before stepping off a bus

I broke the golden rule and somehow in this unjust world I figured I would not suffer the consequences. Tip for your future safety, never play Chicken with a Chinese, you WILL lose. They play it everyday, all day. Their favorite is scooter vs. bus. Surprisingly the bus is not always the winner.

As a bus enters the bike lane all the bikes, scooters and the occasional taxi don’t try to get out of its way, oh no they just pull closer to the curb. Nor does the bus wait to load or unload passengers until these daring individuals progress past the bus, they just expect you to jump out between them. Really why not let the passengers join in all the fun of a good game of Chicken? So the assumption that the two foot gab between bus and curb is an unspoken safe zone for pedestrians is nothing short of laughable.

Today as I disembarked bus 50 during lunch I learned my lesson. As the bus pulled closer and closer to the curb I disembarked with confidence that nothing was or could squeeze into that unspoken safe zone, then HE hit me like a wall of taro. Somehow through the initial stun of being plowed down I managed to grab the door with my free arm and grip the curb with my toes. He caught my shoulders for balance, as he had been running and by the end of the ordeal was most definitely over me I think it was safe to say I was run over today.

But hey it could have been a lot worse. Um lets say that scooter I bearly manged to miss last week with a full basket of groceries. Or the sidewalk inccident outside of work just yesterday.

Just when you think you’ve finished another level that Bright Red Semi always gets you!

*Crossing the street in China is the ultimate game of Frogger. You must cross lane by lane and avoid oncoming traffic.

For those of you who think I have half a brain in my head please don’t read any further I would love that lie to live on for as long as possible. As a child I had this notion that what ever the weather was in Tulare, that was the weather for the world. Yes I now realize how ridiculous that notion was but hey I’ve never claimed to be the sharpest crayon in the box. Nor did I ever stop to contemplate how the snow in the mountains worked when Tulare never saw snow.

Anyway I guess that misguided notion still lingers as I’m troubled by and rather annoyed with embracing my new climate. When I look outside and see clouds I scoff and insist that they will pass with no effect on my day. Oh little do I know about monsoon season! I’m coming to realize that the definition of monsoon means that 20 hours a day some form of precipitation WILL fall.

These forms vary from downpours to sheets of mist that envelope you making an umbrella pointless and cumbersome. I have often wondered while in flight what it would be like to stand within a cloud. Now I know the feeling and wish I’d never wondered. Weifang has been enveloped by one giant cloud. The humidity on a good day hangs around 74%. Other days you just pray it will rain so at least you will have the satisfaction of being soaked by a liquid other than your own sweat.

For all my gripping I must admit the vibrant foliage around town almost makes it bearable. For as much as I love a good dry heat the color brown does not register as appealing to me,thus Tulare in the summer has little appeal. So beautiful scenery or dry heat? The jury is still out on this one. So for all those enjoying the Tulare heat, pull out a lawn chair and sun tan for me for one hour. With this cloud coverage there is just no point here.