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.

As I’m currently blogging from my iPod I can’t add pictures for now. I promise to add them as soon as I gat back this weekend. Pictures are easy and if I can keep up on the blogs during my trip I just might stay on top of my draft box.

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.

Okay so let me start by saying it was between this and Snoopy. I’m so not a floral fan at all, I can recount more than one heated argument on that topic for proof. I ascribe to the belief that there are plenty of appropriate themes for a girl’s room which exclude even the outline of a petal.

Yes Mom, I'm aware there is a floral print on my bed.

The other night Julie, Tina and I went out for dinner and a stroll through the night market. Julie still had a long list of household necessities to purchase and I’m always up for an evening stroll. We decided to double bargain for a spare set of sheets to make laundry in the winter less of a hassle. As hanging sheets in a freezing drying room takes a week to see results.

Anyway we found some decent sheet sets and started looking through the patterns. I’m not a bargainer so really I just wanted the quickest easiest purchase. We needed large which meant I was looking through the wrong pile when I had agreed there were a few I could settle on. So of the Large sets this was the only one I could stomach sleeping on without feeling like a 3 year old. Why in the world do they make snoopy sets for queen beds? Most were just hideous flora prints, I would have taken the snoopy over those any day.

I have to admit I do actually like this one. The large jewel toned flowers have a more contemporary feel rather than backwoods country. It at least provides a nice pattern to the exceptionally bland bedroom. I really need to figure out something to do with the walls.

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.

So let me preface this with the fact that it is hearsay. Kelly Skyped me yesterday with a story that will have a profound impact on my future WalMart shopping. Although I’m waiting for the personal experience to write a truly scathing review of the experience, I am grateful all the same never to have one.

While shopping at WalMart with Ryan, Kelly got a truly unique WalMart experience. As she was walking towards the dairy section she noticed an arched stream out of the corner of her eye. She turned to find a Grandmother holding her young grandson over the floor to pee. Kelly couldn’t help but verbalize her surprise and pointed the scene out to Ryan. Kelly even drew attention as she exclaimed  ”You’ve got to be kidding me!” The only response from the Grandmother was a friendly smile. Really people, is the Yogurt aisle not even off limits as a public restroom. To Kelly’s complete horror, she walked past 10min later to find that the puddle was still there. You’d think as peeing everywhere is a common occurrence there would be a designated pee cleaner-upper. But WalMart is a large store so perhaps they were engaged elsewhere.

I just appreciated the heads up. I’ll now be taking the long way around to the milk. I’m not naive enough to know this was not an isolated incident I’m sure the entire store has been peed on but really when you know the exact spot its just not the same walking there anymore.

I admit I’m a slow learner oh and I have a very bad habit of forgetting perfectly sound lessons. The past two days have been frustrating to say the least. To be completely honest I’m having trouble deciding which parts are the most aggravating, the situations that start the frustrations are the ending results that eliminate my ability to complain. I’m a complainer, when you take that I way I guess I’m just fumbling for something to say and silence is just something not to be stood for. To my mother’s utter horror I made the following quote my motto all through my teenage years:

Ah! Oh, don’t the days seem lank and long
When all goes right and nothing goes wrong,
And isn’t your life extremely flat
With nothing whatever to grumble at!
~ William Schwenck (W.S.) Gilbert, Princess Ida (1884 opera). Act III

The past two days have seemed like the world has turned against me, from ridiculous class decisions to being swindled out of ¥500. But as I’m in the middle of writing a perfectly sound rant to upload to my blog blessings come pouring in and I just can’t complain. I actually delete the Note and start laughing at the entire situation. I know Mother, I’m recording this in hopes of remembering in the future. Here are a few examples.

Yesterday the Chinese teacher I work with for the young class asked if I was up for class by the river. As I mulled over the plan I knew it was a bad idea but couldn’t pass up the chance at reduced class time. Why a rambunctious class of eight year-olds who can’t managed to sit still in an air conditioned classroom would sit still in humid 98*weather by a river beats me but hey for less class time in front of them I’ll do just about anything.   Things just seemed to go from bad to worse throughout the entire expedition including arriving late back at the school. I was tired cranky and dripping sweat when I finally arrived at my lunch appointment with Kelly. The unproductive trip to the train station after lunch did nothing for my mood and I was fuming by the time I caught a bus home empty handed. But then came the most undeserved blessing of the month. As I reached my apartment I caught up with Julie the new French teacher. I helped take up her groceries and chilled at her place for a while. As I ranted about the horrors of purchasing train tickets in China she chuckled and then did the unthinkable. “Since you have to work tomorrow I can go back to the train station in the morning and get your tickets for you. Just give me the times and dates.” I was dumbfounded. I quickly backtracked and declined the offer. She obviously didn’t know what she was agreeing to. It was at least a two hour errand, it wasn’t like she was running my trash down the stairs. She insisted it was not a big deal as she had nothing to do in the morning and this would give her an opportunity to see more of the town. Finally, on the verge of tears with gratitude I wrote down the information and remained horrified at all the bitter feelings I’d been accumulating all day. I doubt Julie had any idea what the offer alone did for my morale. I was on cloud nine the rest of the day.

Late that evening Kelly called with exciting news, she had ran into Polish Peter at Walmart and was informed of a Train Ticket Booking Office around the corner. She gave me the directions and insisted it was a breeze. I was grateful to be able to call Julie and cancel her ticket run in the morning. I still felt terribly guilty about accepting her offer.

As for today, the big hoopla was my Summer Salary. It had been a struggle and a half to negotiate my terms and I had anticipated problems so came to the meeting prepared. I had printed and kept my weekly schedule and had to remind them of extra classes added last minute. In the end I was still jipped Y500 but have learned sometimes its just not worth the argument. I left determined to black list the school and began writing my daily post. But Heavenly Father was determined to stop the bitter feelings before they could germinate too long. I had a few errands to run and as usual anticipated frustration, miscommunication and more bad luck.

Instead things couldn’t have gone more smoothly. I found the ink refill stall in the Technology Market immediately and discovered that it was only Y10 to refill both my black and color cartridges. I think I confused the poor couple as I was so shocked with the price. After that I quickly found the wonderous Ticket Booking Office and managed the entire transaction in Chinese. To top it off the attendents were helpful and actaully slowed down and repeated things in Chinese instead of reverting to poor English. The blessings didn’t stop there as I caught the bus home a sweet Chinese Lady smiled and said “你好” . That’s all I really want a friendly greeting in Chinese every now and then. Not the constant screaming of “HEELLOO” behind you back from crude shirtless men. Oh and I forgot to mention that Kelly called and asked if she could come by with lunch, my choice, she’d meet me in about an hour. I declined the offer as it was out of her way but she was insistent and who am I to kick a gift horse in the mouth.

At this point I had to make a comment so I begged for the blessings to stop. Seriously Heavenly Father after this morning’s event all I wanted to do was wallow in self pity. I wanted a good well deserved rant towards all those that had made my last two days miserable but all I could manage was a happy light soul with nothing but positive thoughts. I almost burst out laughing as the rain broke as I stepped into my building. It down poured for two hours straight once I reached my apartment and I had forgoten my umbrella today, boy would that have been a disaster.

As I sat down at the computer Victoria Skyped and we had a good laugh as I relayed the last few days.

Why is it that no matter how hard I’ve tried the last two days to write my usual scathing posts of the atrocities of living in China all I can reflect on are the abundant blessings and tender mercies my Heavenly Father has bestowed these last few days. With my iPod I’ve started writing posts as they happen or on the bus between events. But within the hour something changes my mood and the feelings of frustration and self pity dissolve. For goodness sake can’t I just have one hour, one miserable hour to be my old self to find nothing good with my current situation and no sliver of sunshine on a stormy day.

So here is my Lesson learned: no matter how hard the situation there are always blessings around the corner that will lighten ones mood if you let it. I truly do live a charmed life and I spend too much time dwelling on the bad rather than appreciating the good. It is a better feeling going to bed each night reviewing the blessings in your life rather than your misfortunes. Now may I please remember this over the next year as I know many more frustrating days are ahead.

The other day I was speculating with Adam, another English teacher at the Uni, about the foreigner count for the semester. Who was coming who was being replaced etc. He commented, “Hey we’re the same, we’re both sophomores. It’s kinda strange to be the one showing people around now isn’t. ”

All I could think was may I never graduate! I must admit though it’s nice not to be the newbie always having to call for assistance. 

Yesterday Kelly and I accompanied James to the airport to pick-up my replacement. Ryan Jeppson, Sugar City, Idaho. 

Poor kid, Kelly and I practically gave him a years worth of advice and instructions in a matter of hours. His head didn’t explode but how much he’s retained has yet to be seen. Like so many before him he aspires to learning Chinese and with a semester of Chinese under his belt it’s looking like a possibility. He seems like a nice kid and has managed to stay on my good side for the past two days so thinks are looking bright for the semester.

I am thrilled Kelly and him are getting along so well and Kelly won’t be all on her on across town. Kelly is just happy she finally found a Badminton partner, something I refused to do last semester. Also Ryan is up for massages another no-no for me, what we all have our boundaries and mine is having a complete stranger rub my shoulders. Unfortunately the consistent knots in my back thrive on this boundary.

I refuse to use the reference ‘the Gang’ now as ‘the Gang’ will forever be Katie, Thomas, Dantezlle, Adam and I. Its hard to see the old group all gone. But new friends always bring new experiences.

Are there any side effects I should know about?

One of my favorite dishes to order when out is edamames. The other day when shopping at my local vegetable stall I noticed they sold fresh edamames. As the dish always seemed simple I figured I’d give it a shot. Unfortunately I couldn’t get across I only wanted a small portion. So before I knew it the assistant had a generous bag on the scale and priced for purchase. Rather than muddle through an explanation I took them home and started looking up recipes. My assumption of an easy dish was soon confirmed when the average recipe suggested steaming 5-10 min then salting. I can do that.

The results was delicious and full of protein to boot. This treat has quickly become an afternoon habit. Hey it beats munching on fried potato puffs, umm don’t know how else to describe the terribly unhealthy snack I’ve become addicted to as of late.

It has only taken 22 years for me to figure out that Veggies are an acceptable snack food.