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.

After what seems like an eternity of travel both in the last two weeks and especially today I’m home again. I can once again sit on the computer for hours on end and stress over lesson plans for classes in will be teaching in less than 48 hours.

As a quick cap, the trip was amazing. Tibet was truly a once in a life time experience and well Dali and Lijiang are just the top cities in China in my opinion. So if I all of a sudden vanish from Weifang, DON’T come looking for my in Dail I’ll never leave it again.

My hopes are to have the trip posted by cities and in the next few days. I have over 1000 photos to sort through so give me some latitude on this one.

Okay really just off to see Western China but hey to most here that is the extent of the world. I’ll be away from a computer for the next 15 days so no guilt trips for not updating!

June 30: Qingdao → Xi’an

July3: Xi’an → Chengdu

July 4: Leshan

July 5: Chendu → Lahasa

July 6: Lahasa

July 7: Shigaze

July 8: Lahasa

July 9: Lahasa → Lijiang

July 10: Lijiang

July 11: Lijiang → Dali

July 12: Dali

July 13: Dali – Qingdao

So after the 15th you may all start badgering me to update my blog but not a day before!

Summer is here, therefore the oh so glorious, much sought after in the west, tanning rays of the sun. But to an impressionable young Chinese girl summer does not bring the hope of a splendid, hair hiding, leg lengthening tan but the never ending battle of Sun vs Parasol.

My students are always oh so horrified when they see me in shorts, cap sleeved shirts and sunglasses. I am most obviously missing the most essential summer accessory my Parasol! While I am trying desperately to get back my usual summer tan my students run from shade spot to shade spot precociously angling their parasols for the most shade coverage. Don’t get me started on the number of girls who where tights in this sweltering heat.

Beauty is relative to where you live. In America thin, tanned, well curved girls are the standards to which we strive while here in China it’s the anorex, white, flat as a board girls who get the attention. Humm how well do you think I’m fitting in.

I promise to add pictures of more Parasol sporting girls but for now the following will have to suffice.

While Katie, like myself, is trying to accomplish the western chore of a even natural glow Thomas has taken a more Chinese approach to his summer.

Oh Thomas...

At one time it was Katie’s yellow purse that I looked for in a crowd but now Thomas’s Purple Parasol, a good three feet above the rest, is so much easier to spot.

The Qingdao Beer Company had a three week mini festival outside of Jusco this month. Kelly and I finaly went to check out the festivities, come to find out, on the last night. Now I know and boy am I looking forward to next year, I’ll be there everynight! The BBQ is amazing and cheap!

The entire area in front of Jusco was taken up by a massive stage and surrounding stalls.

Kelly tried her hand at darts!

The stage - the tables were packed

There were a variety of performances, from the alto clarinet to very very bad karaoke.

At one point the MC turned into a auctioner, the scrolls were beautiful.

Sunday we drove to Yentai. The tour guide had scheduled a tour of the Wine Museum. I opted out and went to the Municipal Museum with a few others instead.

The drive from Penglai to Yentai was rather interesting. It is a wine area and as you pass the vineyards every so often you see a French Chateau, no joke. I wish I had gotten a picture to prove it. The Chinese love to imitate that’s for sure. It was so random, rundown cinder block homes, dusty vineyards, yup French Chateau!

Yentai has a very modern feel

The Community Center

The Temple of the Sea Goddess

The oldest Buddha statue I've seen so far

The old Yentai Hutongs

The trip was short and sweet. I would like to return to Yentai as there seems to be much more to see. There is a mountain to the south that is famous for its temples and pagodas. I have a few students from Yentai and hope to return this summer.

Qingdao University often does weekend trips for their foreign teachers. This last trip they were kind enough to open it up to anyone interested.

Penlai is on the North side of the Shandong Penisula. It is a city steeped in Chinese lore, this is the spot from which the Eight Immortals departed. As I’ve tried to research the Eight Immortals it has turned out to be your typical Chinese story, many different versions with little cohesiveness. The rough story from Wendy, Eight immortals who exemplified various attirbutes admired by the gods. They were made immortal with the intention they would hlep mankind devlope those attibutes. Antoher version, they were eight famous literary characters combined during the Yuan Dynasty. The few consistancies are their names, symbols and the fact that they lived and departed from Penglai.

The Eight Immortals

http://www.chinapage.com/8-immortal.html

Fishing Boats off the beach

Restored Pavillions

The Chinese equivelent of Alcatraz

This island lays of the north coast of the penisula. It was originally colinized as a prison for the empires worst criminals. The swim back is long and trecherous, it is believed only a few have made it. Durring one dynasty it reached maximum capacity and to clear space for new prisons the worst criminals were executed each month.

Where the North Sea and the Yellow See meet

The Fortress

This is the fortress in which the Eight Immortals lived. It was built as a defense against the invading Japanese and houses the temple of the Eight Immortals, the Sea Goddess and the Dragaon God.

The Bell Tower

Victoria and I

Ancient vessels recovered from the area

The City of Penglai

I’m slowly visiting the sites in Qingdao and by slowly I mean a napping tortoise has seen more of Qingdao than I. To continue the prolonged tour I scheduled a weekend with Beth. I had it all planned, the spice market, Zhongshan Park, the pagoda, the temple, the beach, Catholic Cathedral and of course Jimo for the newbie Beth.  Of the entire list we hit two. Not exactly my idea of a successful trip. So here is how our misadventure started…

We had gotten tickets for the 4:30pm fast train, and pulled out at 6:30pm. We got to Qingdao and found a cab to the hostel. I had looked up rooms the week before and saw plenty of rooms I was having trouble booking online so I figured I’d take my chances, for future reference BAD idea. I had brought information for back up accommodations and knew if all else failed we could crash at Victoria’s.

We called hostel number two and they had two beds in a mixed dorm available. We told them we were on our way and jumped in a cab. The driver, we learned 20 frustrating mins later, dropped us off on the back side of the hill. We got out of the cab and found ourselves in a deserted back alley at the foot of a dark and uninviting hill. We Called the hostel again for directions and were told to our horror there were no beds! I explained I’d called 5 min ago and was told there were two beds. She checked with the other receptionist and apologized for the mix up.  She gave us directions and then said she would stand outside and wait for us, we finally made it and realized she had walked down the other side of the hill. When she showed us the room available Beth and I both panicked inside. It was an overflow dorm separated from the complex and full of middle aged Chinese men, not exactly the company I felt comfortable sleeping with so far from the hostel.

In the end I couldn't have wished for better lodgings.

We apologized for the inconvenience but declined the room. Sophia, the receptionist said she understood and offered to help us find accommodations elsewhere. We figured she’d give us a car and send us on our way. To our surprise she grabbed her sweater, a flashlight and the other receptionist. She even asked if we had eaten yet and grabbed some muffins for the trip. She walked us to a hotel 15min away and arranged our room and everything.

Spacious with a view

The room was spectacular and upon their insistents we got a room with a great view of the courtyard and the city. We settled in and then went out for a quick bite.

The creaky old floors just enhanced the character.

The next morning we were up and about ready to hit Jimo when it opened at 9am. I was hoping for a quick morning be in and out by 12 for lunch and on our way to see the rest of the town. I had a list of sites to hit. That did not happen! But here a few of my purchases that  somehow took 5 hours!

My one purse indulgence - not to be used in China due to color

yes - I agree my pearl obession is on the version of meriting an intervention

Sonny - The best pearls in Jimo!

I have to admit I was thrilled when Beth stumbled across a jean shop that sold my size!! I am saved. I’ve just about warn the seat out of a few of my jeans I no longer have to live in fear of being pantless for the next year. We ended up leaving Jimo at closing time around 5pm! Never again!!

We headed to our hotel for a nap then met Kelly for dinner at the Diner. It was delicious of course but then again western food tastes so so good after not having it for a month. Although the repercussions of stuffing your face with diary heavy western food can at times be uncomfortable late. The Diner was full of westerners as usually and a large group of Europeans were occupying the center tables. Their children were all playing together and we almost forgot we were in China.

Sunday Morning

Sunday morning we got up a little late and headed straight for the Catholic Cathedral. It is only open before 9am on Sundays and I was extremely keen on seeing it. We got to the gates about 8:45 and decided to take a quick look. We soon realized that mass was starting and as they handed us the liturgy in English we decided to stay. It was an amazing experience. The Service was in Korean, so I felt a little at home as half of my church is in Korean due to translation.

Where there's one there is always a dozen others

As on any good clear day were were half a dozen couples taking wedding photos around the city at different scenic locations. Wedding photos in China are taken when convenient not following the ceremony. Some are taken the week in advance or even months late if it is more convenient.

Exploring the area around the Hotel and Jimo…

New York Library anyone?

Now this is what I call a Farmer's Market!

The old Government Building - German Style

During lunch the downpour started. It didn’t let up for about four hours. We hid out for lunch then raced to Book City. At the bus stops I finally gave up trying to stay dry and gave into the fact that I would remain soaked the rest of the day. I was literally pouring water out of my shoes. I should have worn flip-flops!

At Book City I had a rather interesting adventure. I took the ACT test or at least part of it. As I was browsing through the Chinese Textbooks a student approached me asking for some help. Could I please define, scrutinize. Humm, the epitome of teaching English learning to define large words without using large words. I did my best and the conversation proceeded from there. The student had just take the ACT test and would like to review his answers. To my surprise he pulled out the test booklet and started referring to all the questions he had reservations about. He asked my opinion on each and again I did my best but I told him that was no guarantee. There is this belief in China that if you are a native English Speaker all our tests are a walk in the park. What they don’t realize is unlike Chinese education we don’t spend our entire academic career with our nose in test booklet, just the better half of the second semester. Well, after that test boy was I glad I decided on COS and I didn’t have take any college entrance tests, I really don’t know how I would have fared.

We spent the afternoon working on our Chinese and caught the train home around 7pm. Overall, I bearly touched my laundry list of things to see but it was an enjoyable trip none-the-less.

Beijing – 北京

I’ve been here half a year and I’ve finally gone to Beijing. Monday was Tomb Sweeping Day which meant a three day weekend. We re-arranged Friday classes and were able to head out Thursday afternoon. We caught the noon fast train to Beijing and the adventure began. Usually I am on the ball and have a complete and printed itinerary for my trips. As time was tight I left planning for the train trip.  

Katie and Thomas are experts on Beijing and knew all the ropes to tourist spots. I made my plans and looked forward to seeing the sites. We arrived Thursday afternoon and after a rather interesting transportation entanglement we made it to our hostel. We headed out to try and find a western restaurant mentioned in my guide book but failed and ended up a fun little sandwich cafe, not a bad replacement.

Friday morning I awoke early to start a full day of site seeing. Adam and Kelly came with and we headed to the Temple of Heaven at the south end of Beijing. We bought our tickets and split up to explore the complex. About 30min into the morning my camera battery failed and my back up battery was dead, great planning Kayte! The Temple of Heaven complex followed the traditional temple layout and design. The signs were well translated and enjoyed the area immensely.

Temple of Heaven

 The complex housed the Music Administration Buildings that provided the emperor with musicians and singers throughout the Ming and Qing Dynasty. They had a wonderful musical museum documenting musical history from the very beginning of Chinese History. There were numerous instruments on display and I was fortunate enough to attend the daily concert performed. I was able to hear examples of many of the traditional Chinese instruments.

Temple of Good Harvest

 After the Temple of Heaven we went to Tienanmen Square. It was huge. You had to pass through security in order to enter of course. Although there must have been hundreds of people on the square it seemed empty by the sheer size of it. Mao’s Mausoleum in the center is the main attraction but I did not feel the need to visit his tomb. After a brief walk about I headed to the Forbidden Palace.

The Forbidden Palace was breathtaking. The restoration was remarkable. I knew there was no way to see it all in one trip but did my best to cover as much ground as possible. With no Camera I have no pictures to post.

Saturday we all awoke early and headed for the bus depot to catch the 936 up to Mutianyu. As Katie and Thomas have been to the great wall a twice before they thought this the best vantage point for first timers. Simatai was the next option but as it is more strenuous and further away we settled on a relaxing trip for us first timers.

The Great Wall amidst the Great Haze

Even with pavement the hike seems wild!

 We took the cable car up to the top of the mountain and began to explore. The wall is completely restored in this section but was none the less breath taking.

Late winter does not provide the most gorgeous backdrop.

Katie and Me, we decided to try and hike to the end of the restored section.

These steep steps are nothing compared to Simatai. Boy was I glad we settled for Mutianyu!

 Aggressive peddlers and sellers are a given where ever a tourist maybe found in China. I’ve become quite good at avoiding them although I can’t say the same for some in our group. I keep telling him just IGNORE them. Any acknowledgment on your part and you’ve got a buddy for the next block or two.

The road up to the Wall was lined with rather aggressive sellers.

 After the wall we headed to the Subway at the foot of the mountain! Nothing satisfies one’s hunger like a good ol’  Club Sandwich.

Ahh nothing completes a good hike like SUBWAY!! Oh the pleasures of Beijing.

 We got back into Beijing in time for a quick run to the Clothing Markets and a delcious trip to the Kiosk the little sandwich shopped we had failed to find Thursday evening.

Sunday morning I set out on my own to tour Beihai Park. The views were spactacular and the sites peacful. It was a wonderful way to spend Easter morning.

Beihai Park - White Dagoba

Exploring the Yongan Si Temple Complex beneath the White Dagoba.

The White Dagoba Complex is a Tibetan-style stupa.

The park was full of torists and Beijing residents enjoying the beautiful morning weather.

 Water Caligraphy is a favorite past time in Chinese Parks. It is always fascinating to watch the old men at work. There is always a crowd that gathers, both locals and travelers. I can’t wait to actully be able to read the characters someday.

The White Dagoba can be seen well outside the park.

One of the many private gardens within the Park.

Prince Gong's Resident

 After the park we all met up and toured Prince Gong’s Resident. This was the setting of one of China’s most famous literary works, Dream of the Red Chamber.  Katie and I wondered the grounds together and commented on how the Great Restoration of China’s sites were all done by a single team with the same colors and designs for everything.

Yandai Xiejie - A busy market street within the famous Hutongs

 The group headed back to the hostel and I went to explore the Hutongs (old courtyard style neighborhoods) and see the ancient Drum and Bell Towers. Along the way I stumbled across this wonderful market street that was packed with tourists.

The Bell Tower

The Steps up the Bell and Drum Towers were Deathly!

I was scared and just plum tired from the previous hike along the Great Wall I wanted to turn around and head home. The only thing that prevented me from chickening out was the Y30 ticket I’d already purchased.

The bell

 The Bell has a long history but the tragic part is all that I will recount. Legend has it that when the bell was being made, casting after casting failed. On threat of death if the deadline was not met the foreman’s daughter threw herself into the molten metal before the final casting. The final casting held and the project was finished on time.

The Drum Tower

 It was pure luck that enabled me to see the daily drum show. I’d debated going to the bell tower last and am glad I didn’t.

The Drum Show

 As I waited for a bus back to the hostel I saw this store and just had to take a picture.

Christmas Year 'Round

 The bus ride back to the hostel was an experience of a life time. I had waited what seemed like ages for my bus, 45min, when one finally came I was disheartened by the crowd on the bus. I wasn’t about to wait around for another bus so pushed my way on. I soon realized there truly was no space for the people to move but I was not getting off. The beauty of not speaking a lick of Chinese is you truly can ignore when people scream at you. There is not a hint of recognition when directions are made and eventually they stop trying. So I held on for dear life and got my back smacked with the door ever time we came to a stop. The driver soon realized no one from the front was getting off and stopped opening the door until someone said they had to disembark. But hey all in all I made it back to the hostel relatively unscathed just a few minor bruises on my back.

St Joseph's Cathedral

 Monday morning I was up and out by 7am I wanted a full day before our return train at 4pm. I started with a stroll to St. Joseph’s Cathedral which was only a few blocks from our hostel. I was able to catch the end of a morning mass.

At 7:30 I headed to the Summer Palace to spend a morning Exploring. Like the Forbidden City there is no humanly way possible to see the entire Summer Palace in a single trip so I noted the highlights and plotted my course. Victoria truly is right, “If you’ve seen one temple in China, you’ve just about seen them all.” There really is very little difference between them, especially after the wave of restores used all the same designs.

Empress Cixi's Opera House

 The stairs were a killer but the view was spectacular.

The Tower of Fragrance of the Buddha

The Temple at the top of Longevity Hill

The Bronze Pavilion

Empress Cixi's Marble Boat

 Empress Cixi ruled during the final years of the Qing Dynasty. She was not remembered as making the best decisions for the empire, this project is an example of just that. She used funds allocated for the modernization of the Chinese Navy to build a marble boat for her personal use. The boat does not work but is rather a gazebo of sorts.

Suzhou Street - Traditional Market

 Katie and Thomas had booked our hostel and we were thrilled with the accomodation. As there were 5 of us we booked a 6 bed dorm and got the room all to ourselves. It was clean and comfortable. The location was excellent as well. It was on the street just east of the Forbidden City and a few blocks from a subway.

Our hostel - one of the best I've stayed in.

 We caught the 4pm train home and I settled in for a quiet relaxing 4 hours. Soon enough I was surrounded by two Chinese children intent on helping me with my Mandarin studies. So not the most relaxing train trip I’ve had in China but by no means the worst.

My Chinese Tutor's

The end of the trip! I was thrilled to finally get off the train.

Beijing was wonderful. I am thrilled to go back and continue to explore all the wonderful sites!

The first time I saw it I was horrified, now I giggle.

 The store carries all your military gear, complete with US patches. Humm does anyone else find that a little odd? The mannequin in the window is dressed in camos with a USA patch, and a skeleton handkerchief around his face.

To be honest I’ve never ventured into the store, no real appeal. And I try to avoid anything to do with military here, that includes the uniform outlets.