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.

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.

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.

So I’ve debated typing this post but I might as well get it out in the open, once I tell a few people its going to get out there anyway and blown out of proportion so I might as well get my side out….

Goodness knows I could count the dates I’ve been on, on one hand but could someone please define what qualifies as a date because I think I accidentally went on one with a complete stranger I met on the train.

I got home from Weihai at 11:30, cleaned up, packed up and headed to Qingdao by 5. I purchased a ticket last min and hoped for the best. There was a huge line at the gate already so stupidly I went and stood in it. Why, I don’t know after five months in China you would think I’d wised up by now. Mom please skip the following paragraph.

I stood in line and then they open the gate. Here is where my stupidity comes in. Lines mean nothing in China, as soon as the gate opened the line turned into a mob. Forgive the expression but there is just no other way to explain it. You feel like you are back in the birthing canal. I’ve learned to throw a mean elbow while here and being a foreigner and a head taller than everyone else it tends to work quite well. But today that wasn’t even helpful. I’ve never been pressed so bad in my life. Never understood the concept of stampede until today. I finally gave up struggling and just let the crowd push me. Some lady’s carry on caught the back of my legs but luckily the crowd kept me upright as she pulled forward.

Anyway I finally made it to the platform relatively unscathed and headed for my car. As if going through birth for a second time wasn’t bad enough I soon realized there was no seat to be found on the train. Great, two hours to Qingdao and I get the aisle. Okay truth be told I had a second option, smoker ally between cars. I figured relatively smoke free air standing in the aisle getting hit with a food trolley every 15min was better. I found a bench to rest against, turned on my kindle, put in my head phones and zoned out as best as possible. I did notice the decent looking guy standing next to me but kept my scowl to myself as the the trolley and I danced each time it past.

An hour into the ride a kind gentleman offered and held his seat for me when he disembarked. The guy who had been standing next to me soon found a seat across the aisle. He leaned over and began asking about my Kindle. His English was definitely not the best I’ve encountered but he was nice, okay sweet. The fact he said he read Plato gave him major points. Before I knew it he was asking me to coffee. I didn’t know what to say so I tried to mumble under my breath, as his English was not great he  took it as an affirmative and started suggesting places.

I figured I would lose him once I got to the station, but he helped get my backpack off the rack and insisted on carrying it for me. (It was only after did I realize how bad that could have gone if he had decided to run, Passport and Y2,000 bad.) Him having my bag and all I decided not to lose him. We caught the 304, he insisted on paying my fare, and headed into town. We decided on Coffee Spark as it was located on both our bus routes. On the bus he began helping me with Chinese. A few points in his favor. One, his is one of the first Chinese people who have actually wanted to help me learn Chinese rather than just wanting to speak and learn English. Two, when teaching me Chinese he actually spoke slowly and clearly, repeating words often, wow what a concept when teaching someone a language. (In China like many places people often think it is the volume that makes foreign words magically become understandable.) Lastly, he encouraged learning Chinese Characters as he feels it is a vital component of learning Chinese.

Now before you flip out and think I’ve completely lost my senses, I did text Victoria and let her know the change in plans. I also asked for a bailout call come 8:15 if wasn’t on the bus to the University yet. My Chinese lesson was going so well we missed our stop, but he had a contingency plan apparently. He quickly suggested another place that was just two stops further. We went to Starbucks and I ordered a Hot Chocolate, after a brief argument over the bill he said something curt in Mandarin to the cashier and she refused to take my money. He ordered two and found a table.

We sat and conversed for about 45min before I had to head out. Between his minimal English and my non-existent Chinese I was surprised the conversation lasted as long as it did. It did come to an interesting point when I finally asked for his name. Okay yes one would think before we got to Starbucks names would have been established but in China names are just tricky. Family names go first, then first name. To top it off you refer to new acquaintances by their family name. His name is Hu pronounced ‘who’. When he asked for mine I of course gave him Kayte, he was a little taken back and asked if he should call me Miss. That was a definite NO! Names got squared away and numbers exchanged. I was soon on my way to Victoria’s before the designated bailout time.

Overall the evening was fun. Most definitely not a usual evening for me but if China has taught me one thing it is taken every opportunity thrown at you.

So back to the original question, if he asked, escorted to and paid for everything was it considered a date? If so I guess I just went on my first Chinese date. Oh and for all those wondering he is barely my height but hey he’s not shorter!

My schedule has final began to open up! As I no longer have Monday classes I decided to take advantage and stay in Qingdao for an extended weekend. Bonnie works weekends and has never been able to join us in Qingdao for fun or shopping. So when my Monday’s opened up I promptly invited her along. I wanted to get all my gift shopping done and invited her to join me at JiMo!

How can it be so cold when it is this sunny? Will someone please explain this to me!

I met Bonnie at the train station at 9 and the day began!  We stopped by the beach for a quick walk.

Bonnie got some pictures of locals taking a morning dip. It must have been at least 8* outside, luckily the wind was dead that day. But all the same there they were in speedos and bathing suits plunging into the water and doing laps. I will never understand the Chinese and their health. It just seems so contradictory if you ask me. Freezing water = Good health, nope just don’t see it.

Off to JiMo it was. Ms Jane met us there to help with the pearl shopping. I’m learning quite a lot from the Pearl Expert Ms Jane. There are two stalls we go to, Nina who does only top quality original pieces and then the less expensive woman on the corner for earrings and play pearls.

Here are my spoils, this is just the beginning. Even after all my purchases I don’t come close to the other gals. We joke that Ms. Jane single handily keeps the JiMo pearl Market open, but it is probably true!

a Nina original my big splurge to remember Qingdao.

I should never have tried this one on. Once I did I was a goner. I fell in love and well I’ve learned my lesson.

This is my Qingdao piece and it is an original, my first original piece of Jewelry, I’d better be careful I’m getting too use to tailors and personal jewelers, haha.

Choker pearls!

Also from Nina a set of Choker pearls.

The pearls here are all freshwater pearls and with Jane selecting top quality specimens.

Rope pearls!

From the corner counter I got a 50 inch strand. Oh so much fun. I just love the sound of pearls.

Side note: to test if a pearl is real you rub it against your teeth, if it is gritty in texture it is real.

Dinosaur Egg pearls

The irregular pearls are just as intriguing to me. I’ve dubbed these Dinosaur Egg pearls, they are not quite Baroque.

I love the metallic blues and lavenders.

These of course are just the splurges for me, I don’t want to spoil gifts for others. I differently supported the Pearl Market, probably paid for the days electricity.

On to scrolls. I have fallen in love with Chinese Scrolls. It took some hunting but we did it. A shop in the bottom basement in the back. I saw the seasons set and just fell in love. The Chinese love the Seasons Series and I love the monochromatic landscape.

Winter

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Mounted on Silk

Who exactly is this directed at if it is translated into English?

I’m so grateful we’ve been coming into Qingdao on Saturday rather than making the early morning journey on Sunday.

As the blankets for the homeless have yet to be given out we continued to break them in. I’ve become quite adept at sleeping on hard surfaces, there is no way I could play the part of the princess any more, I’d never even think about the pea!  To save money Victoria kindly let us crash on her floor.

Nothing like a sleepover! No worries Katie was in the Middle.

We awoke at Victoria’s to just wonderful weather!

This view just made me want to crawl back under the covers.

Brother Yoon found the least slick path

Everyone had a buddy the kids seemed to have the best balance on the ice.

We eventually all made it. Luckily we had started out early the bus was packed and the final trek we all took cautiously. The ground always seems to turn to ice before it snows so even with fresh snow it seems slick.