After visiting the hospital yesterday, I knew I should go home and rest but it was a somewhat sunny day out so we opted to try to find a new coffee shop we had heard about.  Caffeine makes everything better!  Along the way, we wandered through parts of Shanghai that we hadn’t previously visited and found a new park that was divided into four zones based on the trees they had planted-spring, summer, fall and winter.  What a great idea and just lovely with all the plants and flowers in full bloom.

The hospitals are falling apart and dirty but the parks are spotless and meticulously maintained.  Go figure.  I love that exercise equipment is installed in many of the parks so locals can work out and they do, especially the more mature set.  As we entered this park, I saw a lovely lady doing her workout so I thought I would join her.  She probably thought I was crazy but I appreciated that as we filmed this little video, she didn’t run away.  

Fun, right?  I need to find ways to engage more with the culture here even if it means asking the locals if I can join them–I’m dying to be a part of the early morning TaiChi ladies who work out daily at 7:30 a.m. in the park that our apartment overlooks.  Sure, I might get strange looks but I bet they will let me join them if even for one morning.  Maybe one of them will let me borrow a sword to practice with-that will make Thom afraid and James jealous.

I am feeling better today after getting new meds for my bronchitis plus the AQI today is a lovely 72–first under 100 in awhile.  Thom and I are off to experience a new adventure today!