Lower Queen Anne is HAPPENING!

On May 25, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Music, Parks, Seattle, TravelLeave a comment

Musical artists were featured all over Seattle Center in small and large venues..

Sorry you folks who live in the sleepy ‘burbs or, God forbid, in the country boonies because YOU. ARE. MISSING. IT. Yes, I am an urban snob. Seriously, I can walk out my door in Lower Queen Anne and be surrounded by crazy talented musicians at the Northwest Folk Festival or go up the block and attend The Seattle International Film Festival at the Uptown. DONE. As Thom quipped, Seattle forecast this weekend: Cloudy with 100% chance of aging hippies..all sporting too tight tie dye t-shirts and dreadlocks from another era. So fun to people watch!

Kids-this is NOT a pool, it's a fountain but, hey, I can smell the chlorine from far away so go for it! — Kids-this is NOT a pool, it’s a fountain but, hey, the chlorine smell is actually stronger here than the weed so go for it–probably healthier for you!

This weekend was particularly crazy in our hood with people streaming into town to enjoy the cultural overload–hippy dippy drum circles or serious foreign films, pierogies or elephant ears–pretty much everything could be had within a short walk. Of course, having all those food vendors was an absolute necessary for festival goers who pretty much got high just by being there among the clouds of weed drifting by. Yes, there were cops here and there and signs reminding folks that smoking grass in public is still not legal in Seattle. Really??? Could have fooled me but you put that much tie dye in one place and shit is bound to happen and does.

We walk the dogs through Seattle Center every day multiple times and they treat those lawns, where everyone is lying around this weekend, as their private toilet–note to future festival goers: you might want to bring a blanket next time or you will be in close contact with Izaak and Thor’s DNA. Lesson learned.

I love the Uptown... great place to grab a film at the SIFF. — I love the Uptown… great place to grab a film that is part of the SIFF.

The lines outside the Uptown theater speak to the great support that Seattleites give to the SIFF-a very well orchestrated film festival that goes on for weeks featuring indie films at venues all over town. I just wish I could go see Kevin Bacon in the flesh on Wednesday when he makes a special appearance to support his film showing. Damn-got to go cheer on the Sounders to a win instead. Too much good stuff going on to take part in!! We are rarely home and, when we are, I know we are missing out on something good. So, time to take to the streets and check out the remaining acts as the incense/tie dye/corn on the cob merchants wind down and pack up and move on to the next festival. Party on Lower Queen Anne!

New York, Here We Come!

On April 13, 2015April 13, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Food, New York City, Parks, Shopping, Travel, UncategorizedLeave a comment

$1 Pizza… top of the “to do” list…. bagels from a street cart…a must… live music at City Winery…VIP seats at $28 each…. oh what fun we will have-carbs and wine, oh my! Thom and I are off to NYC on a business trip for a few days and we will revel in being back where we belong. When we moved out of our Chelsea apartment after my assignment ended there in 2/2012, we weren’t quite as sad as when we left Shanghai because we knew we would be able to go back. China, probably not. Since that move out of Manhattan, we have been lucky enough to enjoy our favorite urban setting a few times, always taking advantage of the local delicacies. Nothing fancy for us–one dollar will buy you a huge slice of cheesy heaven or a chewy bagel buttered thick and eaten on the street while you’re walking around the city. I’m salivating as I type…YUM! Good thing that we walk miles when we are there or I would be in serious trouble. Have you ever had a true NYC Black and White cookie??? The sugar content just coats your tongue and overwhelms the senses in an amazing sugar coma way. They are THE bomb!

Shopping is a must so after I finish working and while Thom hangs at a Mets game with his buddies from kindergarten (no kidding-they are still besties!), I will be walking downtown to FishsEddy, the most fantastic quirky store that I love so much at 19th and Broadway. What do they have that’s so unique? Well, I have gotten NYC theme salt & pepper, soap dish, towels, etc. that sound cheesy but they do them in a really cool way and the classic Hillary Clinton mug that Hannah loves, the naughty nude lady mug that I just had to give as a Christmas present to my sis’s hubster, and the list goes on and on. Note to self: MUST bring empty bag to carry back all the stuff I just have to buy. We were thrilled to see that West Elm now carries a little boutique of FishsEddy stuff in Seattle (see, I told you they were cool) but I still want to shop at the original in NYC. I think my favorite item is their ceramic hand collection. I have a small one that holds my most precious rings on my very cluttered jewelry display.

Give FishsEddy a Hand! Best store in NYC.

First night in town, we already have tickets to a concert at City WInery to see Griffin House, an indie bluesy singer out of Nashville, I had never heard of him but love the venue so I downloaded some of his songs and he’s really good. So, tickets purchased, I look forward to sipping some wine in a lively intimate environment down in SoHo. On our way down to the concert, we just have to stop by our favorite Barnes & Noble in Union Square and go to a book signing for the authors of the Dr. Who books. Thom is a Dr. Who freak who even got a Tardis tattoo on his arm, so he will geek out seeing these guys. My husband is so weird and wonderful. Just saying…

Yes, I will be adding to my Broadway Booze sippy cup collection

A Broadway play is a given for another night with TKTS providing a great bargain for people like us who wait till the last minute and take whatever is left on a week night. Musical, drama, I don’t care as long as it’s Broadway, baby, it’s good! I remember the last time we were there we took one of my China peers to see Kinky Boots. As he was drooling over the babes kicking up their heels on stage, I leaned over and told him they were all dudes. The look on his face was priceless and he proclaimed that he would never see such a thing in China. He is probably still telling stories in Beijing about his Broadway experience.

The Met is on the list as the Temple of Dendur is my happy place. When Thom and I lived in NYC, we were members of the Met and went there almost every week to gaze upon the Monets and enjoy so many wondrous works of art. Love it!!! Of course, we will see friends and Thom will get to see his beloved Mets play on Sunday before we go home. We will walk through Central Park after the Met and visit Madison Square Park where Izaak spent his days frolicking with the pups when we lived here. Ahhhhh….the smell of urine-soaked gravel does bring back the memories. NYC… Here we come!

But where are the dancing ladies?

On February 15, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, Dog, Parks, Seattle, Shanghai, Travel, Uncategorized1 Comment

Walking with my Thor enjoying the mild weather

Where are the dancing ladies/couples and the families with their tents camping out for a day in the park??? Seattleites, take a cue from the Chinese who know how to have fun in their parks and get to socializing. Wake up and smell the coffee (preferably Stumptown) and realize that life is short so stop and enjoy this fine, fine weather, aka Global Warming. Whatever, it’s warm and sunny in February in Seattle.

Enjoying El Nino to the max, Thom and I spent the weekend wandering about and walking around town, usually with the puppies. Yet, I couldn’t help but compare the park culture here and Shanghai as we traversed downtown Seattle. In February in Shanghai, if the sun came out with temps way above average, every park would be filled with families socializing, flying kites, dancing, drawing calligraphy on the sidewalks, and celebrating the good fortune of being able to be outside during the winter instead of being shut inside their typically small homes with no heat. Here, while you do see folks out and about, it’s definitely more of a “get to where I’m going” vibe as people move through the parks with purpose on their way to something vs. just being in the park with friends & family to enjoy being together. While we have the dogs as the main reason to walk around, we are also guilty of moving with purpose as well. On a typical weekend in Shanghai, we would go to Fuxing or Century Park just to soak up the culture, always seeing interesting people enjoying the outdoors. I miss it. Lots. Don’t miss the foul pollution though. Wearing masks are no fun and neither is chronic bronchitis.

So, we enjoyed the sermon today from Rev. Moe-so relevant with social media references to “liking” comments on Facebook and tying in the scripture with a movie quote from one of my fav movies, You’ve Got Mail–encouraging parishioners to ” Go to the mattress” from The Godfather to parallel Jesus telling the disciples not to give up in their religious journey. Funny. After meeting Cowboy, the dog who enjoys church services with his owner, we ran home to get the pups and take them to the dog park near our home. Izaak used to go there all the time but Thor is new to the dog park culture and doesn’t quite get it, though he made a friend and started to learn to chase the tennis ball he couldn’t quite fit in his mouth.

After all that fresh air and sunshine (sorry friends in the Midwest/Northwest enduring snowpocalypse), it was nap time. Izaak threw his long arm over tiny Thor and they spooned together like the Brothers from a Different Mother that they are. Cuteness x2..seriously. It’s just like having kids–you take them to the park and run them ragged to wear them out so they will give you some rest when you get home. Only difference–you can throw them some bones to chew on to get added peace and quiet. Dog park fun:

At the end of the day, Lord I pray for more wonderful weekends like this to enjoy life as good as it gets. Thank you, God!

Gorgeous weekend capped off by a spectacular sunset

Be Kind-Simple Words to Start the Week

On February 8, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn Dog, Parks, Seattle, TravelLeave a comment

I will start my week with today’s sermon theme in my heart and my head–BE KIND. Simple yet imagine if everyone in the world would remember to be kind to everyone and then proceed to see what happens…politicians out there take note and quit snipping at each other and be kind to one another and work it out. Get stuff done that helps those who elected you…just saying. And not just politicians–I’m constantly surprised in the workplace by people who are blatantly unkind to their peers. HELLO you people who do that, your unkind behavior doesn’t make anyone feel good, including you, or get anything accomplished. It’s a lose-lose experience for all involved. So BE KIND this week and hopefully you and everyone you interact with will have a happy and prosperous week. I hope to!

Speaking of the sermon, we went back to our local First Church today and got to have “Pizza with the Pastor” to get to know more about their church programs. Sitting in a small conference room, 10 people and the pastor, the diversity of the groups was interesting to say the least. The church partners to run a homeless shelter for men as well as provide free breakfasts on Sunday to about 300 people every week. I’m looking forward to volunteering and helping in any way I can as I truly believe there is no better way to help others than providing food and shelter. In our group were two of the homeless men who used the shelter. Hearing their backgrounds and touching on their issues, I was able to get a glimpse into the struggles they faced daily. As one guy nodded off after eating some pizza and enjoying the warm surroundings, we continued to share our religious paths, with Thom always drawing smiles with his Catholic upbringing stories. Also getting smiles are the puppies in the pews as our church is “pro pet” and dogs are welcome to attend with their owners. No one has complained yet so Pastor is going with it until someone does. I noticed Cowboy, the white cutie in the next pew, really had his tail wagging when we were singing hymns. So Seattle! Unfortunately, Izaak and Thor aren’t quite so well behaved so they won’t be attending services anytime soon but we may throw caution to the wind and let them attend the Blessing of the Pets coming up soon…stay tuned for stories on that adventure.

As far as the rest of my lazy weekend, I got to spend some quality time with the “boys” who need constant walking in our backyard, the Seattle Center. We love the lights at night, the fountain spouting to music and the vitality of this gem of a park for Seattlites to enjoy. Blessed we are to live so near to enjoy it daily.

Walking Izaak in the rain to his favorite lawn area by the fountains to do his business, I suddenly reached for the baggies and realized Thom had used the last one the previous night. Oops….now most people would just forget about it but we actually went back a little later on the next walk and hunted down his business so we could pick it up. Wish everyone was as conscientious!

On the walk home looking at the debris left over from a busy Saturday night of partying, I think I may have to get one of those metal handheld picker-uppers to keep the streets clean in my neighborhood. I’m kind of OCD (no laughing please) and can’t stand seeing dirty streets and, unlike China, there are no street sweepers on every block to maintain the appearance. I do miss many other aspects of Chinese life. So, maybe I’ll start a trend by pitching in to keep our streets looking good. Think anyone will help me???

Talking with families, friends and going to the gym rounded out a truly relaxing weekend capped off with watching the Grammy’s–who else always loves the unique pairings of music icons that you just don’t see anywhere else?? Hoping this year is no different and we see some truly spectacular performances. Here’s also hoping that Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj used LOTS of tape on those “cleavage cut to their navel” dresses they have on or there will be nipples galore at the Grammys! No. Thank. You.

Shanghai Farewell Tour-Be The Duck

On October 26, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, expat, Parks, Shanghai, TravelLeave a comment

THE BIG DUCK HAS ARRIVED! Back in Shanghai after furiously working for two weeks at the new job in the U.S., Thom and I didn’t waste time getting out and about on a beautiful sunny blue sky day on Saturday. Destination–the big Duck. Yes, the famous Duck had arrived to sit on the pond in Century Park and be admired by millions of selfie happy locals. Twenty deep in some spots close to the big dude, we weaved our way up close to take our photos as well. If there were more ducks on display, the world would be a happier place.

The duck has special meaning to me as one of the courses I taught had a “Be The Duck” theme and I decorated with plastic yellow duckies everywhere for ambience. I will probably be forever known as the duck lady to my classes but, as long as they remember to be calm like the duck on the outside when presenting material while paddling furiously unbeknownst to the seeing eye, I’m okay with that. I still carry my own little duck in my briefcase to remind me daily–kind of like a “never let them see you sweat” mantra. It works. It also makes me smile every time my bag hits my leg and quacks a little.

After the duck encounter, and really, who doesn’t love a duck, we headed over to the AP market to make someone’s day. You see, we’ve decided to do a little import/export business selling accessories back home. We’ve made some great connections here and when someone compliments you on the $4 necklace you bought and asked if you got it at Anthropologie and did it cost $88, well, you know you’ve got a business just begging to be created. My friend Patti and I will work with Fiona, our language teacher here, to buy, ship and sell lovely scarves and necklaces. We’ll use our profits to fund more travel adventures and possibly have James assist so he can earn money to pay for law school. More to come as we transition to Seattle and get it up and running!

Walking miles back to the apartment, ’cause that’s what we do, we soaked up every detail and smell on the streets. Oh how I have loved living here and, yes, it feels like home.

Shanghai Farewell Tour-Rickshaw Rides and Pagodas Galore

On September 30, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Beijing, China, Parks, Trips outside ShanghaiLeave a comment

Our day at Beihai Park encompassed so many fun adventures–riding around the lake in the Duck Boat, dancing and seeing beautiful pagodas. Seeing a bell tower, I forked over 10 RMB a piece to climb the stairs and ring the big brass bell. The attendant pantomimed ringing it 3 x per person for luck in the new year. We let Patti do the honors and my ears are still reverberating. Climbing down the narrow stairs, we decided they were made for local feet vs. our big old soles. Just like my other size dimensions, I am considered large here but looking forward to being average to small back in the U.S.

69 Steps to the White Pagoda! Climb baby climb!

After the 69 (yes, Patti counted them) steps up to the White Pagoda, we enjoyed the view of the lake and park and heard beautiful music being made so off we went next to find the source of the pleasant sounds. Nearing the lake shore, we saw a crowd gathered and investigated to find the music blasting and more dancing going on. Two lovely ladies in red were delighting the crowd with their graceful moves. Kids joined in and everyone watched as they graced us with their presentation. It’s moments like these that celebrate the happiness of small things and joy in movement which I will always remember about our time in China. Think I could get Seattlites to dance more in the parks…in the rain? Maybe choreograph a routine with umbrellas?

After a rest and a pretzel we had scavenged earlier from our hotel breakfast, we went to look for a rickshaw ride. Not wanting to slow down for lunch (more people put food as a priority but we do not-a practice that Patti and Larry are getting used to but probably not loving), Thom and I munched on the energy bars, fruit and water that we always carry with us to eat on the run to save time and money. Patti and Larry had wanted to go on a rickshaw so despite Thom’s insistence that he never, ever was going to do this tourist trap ride, we found two gents reclining on their rides waiting for a fare. As the negotiator for our group, we had decided that 100 RMB would be our highest rate to pay and that’s what we got our rides to agree to. Patti was afraid that the old guys would have a heart attack pedaling our asses all over the hutongs but luckily they had electric bikes so no one was killed on our journey, though we did almost become bus fodder when our dude defied the odds crossing the street just as a big one tried to kill us. Guess it wasn’t our day to die as the rickshaw hit a burst of speed and just barely evaded it.

We flew into the hutong in our electric rickshaw but stopped several times for photos, especially after our driver became enamored with Thom’s cool 1020 Nokia phone to take the pictures. He wanted us to do several poses each time and then review his results with Thom. After stopping for a pose at a classic red door and then into a hutong courtyard, we ended our ride with lots of smiles and thank you’s. Thom admitted he had a good time and it was a nice way to support the local economy. Very romantic and a ride I won’t soon forget!

Shanghai Farewell Tour-Dancing in Beihai Park

On September 28, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Beijing, China, expat, Parks, Shanghai1 Comment

Dancing is part of the fabric of Asian culture. I love seeing the ladies dancing every night in pretty much any available space on our neighborhood sidewalks. You go girls! In the parks, couples glide gracefully around the pavement on weekends showing off their moves. From Hanoi to Beijing to Shanghai to Ho Chi Minh City, we have thoroughly enjoyed watching the action but never actively participating until this weekend. FINALLY! Amazing what our impending move back to the U.S. will do to create a sense of urgency.

I felt the draw of the music and, along with my best friend Patti, who is visiting from the US, we jumped right in and joined the couples at Beihai Park in Beijing on a beautiful sunny Saturday. Thom never got the dancing gene so he took videos while Patti and I took a turn around the pavement. To think that once we danced as children in our garage back in Indiana when we were growing up and now have the opportunity to waltz together around a Beijing park. HOT DAMN LIFE IS GOOD!

Despite having a ball, we were obviously the worst ballroom dancers on the pavement. Practice makes perfect and I’m betting these folks are out weekly if not daily to get their groove on. We got lots of stares, grins and the universal thumbs up but when we paused, one couple immediately approached us, pantomiming that the gentleman wanted to dance with Patti or I. OF COURSE KIND SIR!

Smelling of tobacco and light on his feet, he guided me through the classic moves and off we twirled. I couldn’t help but watch his feet constantly so as to try and follow his lead but he firmly took hold of my hand and waist to guide me as well. As anyone who knows me can attest, I don’t follow well or at all in any situation. So, it was a miracle that I didn’t maim him as we moved around the park to the music. Luckily I had on my trusty lightweight TOMS so I was relatively light on my feet and couldn’t hurt him too bad with my clumsiness. Thom, Patti and Larry cheered us on and took lots of picture and video.

As I ended our dance and gave him back to his much more talented partner, I gave him a huge thumbs up and thanked him for sharing this experience in Beihai Park, finally fulfilling a desire to dance like the locals. Next step, jumping in with the ladies who dance nightly on the corner by my apartment. I hope I can keep with them and that they are as welcoming to let us take part in their lovely dancing ritual. Video to come–WHAT FUN!

Shanghai Farewell Tour-Century Park Day

On September 24, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, Parks, Shanghai, TravelLeave a comment

I have always wanted to cycle around Century Park and HOT DAMN-Saturday was the day! With abnormally blue skies and puffy white clouds (am I really in Shanghai??), we set out with Patti & Larry to make my dream come true. The bicycle built for four with a little canopy was all the rage in and around the park. For only 100 RMB an hour (300 RMB deposit) we climbed aboard with Thom at the wheel. Now, with his driving behavior (he drove a NYC cab for God’s sake), this wasn’t the best decision as within yards of staring out, I was screaming out in fear. DON’T RUN OVER THAT CHILD! While we could all pedal, we found out quickly that only the driver really had control over the steering and the brake-note to self, learn these type of things before you decide who will be the driver.

Quickly, Thom found out he was all powerful and I had no control. WRONG! The locals were letting their small children drive the carts instead of taking control so it was Thom vs. toddlers fighting for space on the broad lanes around the park and lake and Thom soon found out that the toddlers wanted to own the road. Cool and sunny, the weather was so perfect to enjoy the water and greenery everywhere if we weren’t so frightened that someone was going to get run over by Thom. The folks had already pitched their tents by mid-day and were ready to have a full day of fun in the relatively clean air. We stopped by the bonsai park where really big ass bonsai’s were laid out to walk through. We killed two bonsai’s at our house so I have healthy respect for these massive ones being able to live outside in the normally murky air.

Just a short cab ride away, after jumping aside while the pesticide truck went by spraying chemicals on plants and pedestrians alike, we had a very western lunch at the Blue Marlin. Ensconced in an outdoor mall with the usual H & M and Starbucks, we enjoyed the lovely weather eating outside and wrapping our hands around big honking hamburgers. Not me, of course, since I get sick easily and had already experienced turbulence early in the day so I just had a liquid lunch and a granola bar. For some reason, screwdrivers don’t make me sick. Lucky me!

Happy workers spraying deadly pesticides on bushes and pedestrians alike

Then, adequately fueled up, we were off to shop the AP market. We were regulars now and have several shop favorites where the ladies are cheerful and give us local pricing vs. the tourist markups. I was able to bargain like a mule for Patti to obtain the necessary souvenirs for loved ones back home. Larry had the misfortune to trust Thom to bargain for him for an item. When told how much he paid, I laughed and thus was given the challenge to go buy the same thing for less to see if I could. Don’t taunt a mule-it turns ugly quick. I was able to get the same item for half the price Thom got. MULE WINS EVERY TIME. Larry will never forgive Thom or forget he overpaid. Thom told him to cost average and let it go. Lesson learned, Larry!

Tired with bags full of cool stuff for Christmas presents for our loved ones, we eagerly went home to put our feet up. If only every day could be foot massage day! Oh, wait, we live in China (at least for another month) and we have a VIP Dragonfly Massage Card with a big balance of RMB to use up before we move home so every day IS massage day. Hallelujah and bring on the masseuses.

Exploring Close to Home

On August 27, 2014August 28, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, Parks, Shanghai, TravelLeave a comment

Who knew we had caves, a waterfall and a maze on the grounds of our apartment property???

Our very own "French Maze" — Our very own “French Maze”

WTF! Seriously, we have lived here for almost one year and this past weekend we finally stopped having adventures outside the walls of our property and spent time exploring closer to home. It got hot and humid so walking for miles wasn’t appealing to me so we decided to have a more “local” adventure. On our side of the complex (total of 7 buildings with Weifang Road splitting the property into two sections) we discovered, among other things, a real life huge maze. My first thought was “Why??” but I felt very Harry Potterish as I threaded my way among the hedges though I didn’t find any port keys but I’ll keep on looking.

There is actually a tower built to observe the action as people try to find their way out and two sections–low shrubs even shorties like me can see over and tall ones that even Thom couldn’t see over. Then, next to the maze was a beautiful formal garden with statues and fountains. Thom and I want to take over the management of the grounds so we can rent out these places for parties and events–they seem to be very underutilized. Party time-let’s enjoy these beautiful spots!

Then we decided to try the other section to see what we could find and, amazingly, we found a section where a cave and tunnels had been carved out. Again, I wondered “Why??” but as I doubt that many people had ever discovered these as they are hidden towards the back of the property but someone was parking their scooters in them so someone was using them for their own personal parking lot. If we ever need a hiding place, this is it!

Next to the caves, we discovered a gorgeous waterfall and lake with koi swimming under the bridges. The traditional buildings house a restaurant, spa and dry cleaners–right on property! We knew about the little grocery and liquor store on site–they deliver for free and it’s super convenient but have never been in these other facilities. Leave it to me to know where to buy wine as close to home as possible. That I’m never to busy to find out.

My best friend and her husband will visit us this fall for a month. We can’t wait to show them all around and have new adventures. Now we that we know all the hidden gems on our own property, we will show them around and they can explore the beautiful grounds when they need a break from the hectic life on the streets of Shanghai.

Pond, waterfall, and a view of downtown Pudong-all on property!

Evening Stroll in Shanghai

On June 29, 2014June 29, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, Parks, Shanghai, TravelLeave a comment

The culture here, especially in warmer months, is to enjoy the outdoors and stroll with friends, family and pets. I’m all about walking and having adventures so I embraced this tradition and took a walk last night along the Huangpu River in Pudong near our apartment. It was hot and humid with the AQI in the 160+ “Unhealthy” range, which in Shanghai means a lovely evening, so everyone was out enjoying themselves. Without Thom, it’s not as much fun but he will be home soon, so in the meantime, I had to get out and enjoy some unhealthy air all by my lonesome. So, off to the river walk I went with an end destination to pick up some healthy salad at Fresh Elements and take home to eat while I watch Veep, Season Three, purchased at the local DVD store.

Walking by the courts along the river, it’s easy to see that basketball is big here as there are usually always several games going on. I have never seen girls playing basketball so I wonder if that is done here. The only sports that I have heard that local girls play is tennis and badminton. Sports in general are not really a way of life though watching the World Cup is definitely HUGE here–probably because it involves drinking and partying as well plus I’m starting to see articles about the gambling that is going on with people betting on the games. Now, that is definitely a huge sport here with people going to Macau to “make money” not like Vegas where going to shows and entertainment is a part of the total experience. I’m told that they take gambling very seriously here.

Going further down the river walk, I happened upon what looked like an organized ritual going on. There were probably 20 people, including a monk, chanting specific wording off laminated cards. Facing the water and solemnly reading the words over containers filled with live eels, I wished I could understand Mandarin well enough to know what the hell was going on. It was definitely a “Shanghai moment” and I’m so glad I was there to experience it.

Even though I’m alone right now, I force myself to get out and see this wonderful, unique country while I can. I don’t know how long we will be here and I want to soak it all in while I can. Looking forward to my son, James, coming this week so we can go on adventures with him. He came at Christmas but the weather wasn’t as accommodating to get out so hopefully he brings his walking shoes because instead of playing Xbox and ordering from Sherpa’s as he loves to do, we are going to wander and explore China while he is here-just what 21 year olds like to do with their parents!

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