If I didn’t know with certainty that the Chinese are incapable of subtle hints my first Christmas present would have offended me. Two students dropped by for photos Friday afternoon. I’m really quite touched my students want to take pictures, they don’t seem to want to pay attention or participate in class. But hey the Chinese will never miss a photo sho0t, which is what “Can I come to your apartment for a quick picture” really means.

By now I know the drill. The standing half hug with the victory sign, then the stoic face, then the sitting leaning, then we get all crazy and take pictures all over my living room (the backgrounds varying, the nativity and scrolls seem to be the biggest hits). They always come bearing gifts, usually oranges, crackers or the occasional  bracelet. Today’s was a shocker. It was a Christmas gift Lucy said as she knew Christmas was coming soon. I was touched, my first Christmas gift of the season!

I really hope my face didn’t give away my taken back feelings.

I’ve stopped wearing make-up as of late because well I’m just lazy and really who am I trying to impress around here? My first thought was she was trying to make a statement but that was very very wrong of me. Lucy would never, could never make such a statement, wish I could say the same for some of her classmates. I was debating to pick up a new blush so now I’m good.

So Merry Christmas to all!

There is a European hotel that has gardens attached to the park. There are statutes, pavilions, ponds, and benches throughout the park. Brides and Couples often take pictures in the park. I think I counted 4 Brides in the hour we were there. The Park is situated next to one of the main rivers in town.

European Hotel's Garden

This is looking out over the river.

One of the many brides

 Interesting side note, I was told that it is common for the couple to take their wedding pictures weeks before the wedding. They do not hold to the superstition that it is bad luck for the groom to see the dress before the ceremony. They traditionally marry in red but the western influence is becoming the norm for wedding pictures.

Another couple, I love here shoes! Many of the brides were wearing Kroc's.

For ¥2 you could feed the birds, this little boy really enjoyed it.

Ciara and I next to the river.

Large Statue in the Children's play area, It reminded me of 'The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe"

Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn's getaway island in the back. (I have no clue what it actually is so that is my rendition)

Matinda, she is not my student but has become a good friend, in front of the river 'beach'.

Of course in true Chinese fashion the Fitness area! There is fitness equipment everywhere in China and here is the kicker, there is always someone using it!

The flowers across the park were gorgeous!

Canon PowerShot SX200 IS

This is all beacause of you!

Webcams don't make the best cameras

I wish I could skype each and everyone of you and thank you personally for your generosity and love. You each deserve a large hug and personal thank you so upon my return expect this.

For those wondering, yes it was a complete surprise. My family is becoming better and better at keeping surprises, which for the record I am not a fan of, keep that in mind Erin. The interesting thing is I kept talking about a camera and no one hinted at or suggested anything of the surprise.

 When Nathan sat me down and showed me the video I was so touched by all your words of love and encouragement and was excited to be able to take you all with me. On the final slide when he presented the camera I was floored. I was stunned by your generosity and love. Nathan can attest I almost cried. To be perfectly honest I didn’t and still don’t feel completely worthy of your generosity and love. Many of you have known me my entire life and have given plenty of love and encouragement over the years for which I am truly grateful even if not always expressed.

The camera is beautiful and wonderfully exciting. It is the perfect camera to learn and grow with as a beginning photographer. Nathan as usual did his homework and purchased the perfect camera. It has the full gamut of features, from “Easy” (I love how they don’t hide the fact that the novice needs all they help they can get) to “Manual” (which you must set it all, Aperture, Shutter Speed, etc.) I look forward to discovering and utilizing all the features and functions. Nathan knew my desire to learn photography and you have now given me the gift with which I can do this.

So in true Nathan fashion he provided me with all the equipment:

The complete package

• Manual/Camera Guide
• Case
• Computer Cord
• extra Battery
• extra SD card

I hope I can do you justice by adequately sharing my adventures and explorations with you. I owe each or you a large hug and a personal thank you when I return! Your kindness has been dually noted in heaven I promise.

Some of the fun features I have discovered are:

• Sunset setting
• Kids and Pets (action and fleeting moments)
• an array of color settings (everything looks good in Sepia I’ve discovered)
• Super Macro (still playing with this one but lots of potential)
• HD recording (Nathan’s favorite hands down) I need to get into a better habit of filming.

I have begun reading the manuals and am trying my hardest to incorporate all that I’m learning. I have a long way to go but someday I hope to say that one of my passions in life is photography.

Thank you so very much for this wondrful gift that has changed the way I capture China and all my adventures!