圣诞节快乐 (Merry Christmas)

This Christmas isn't the first time I've been away from the holidays but it is the first time I've celebrated in a country that doesn't really celebrate Christmas. According to other foreigners it's only been in the past few years that China has started to celebrate the commercial side of Christmas. The only decorations are at the shopping malls. They also play Christmas carols, mostly in english. What's really interesting is that even though the decorations are commercial the music played is often religious; but since it's in English they don't seem to notice. 

I tried really hard to make this year feel Christmasy. I'm so thankful that I've been able to find the things I need to celebrate it from all the way on the other side of the world.  

The mall near my house has pirate themed Christmas decorations. Not sure how pirates and Santa mix but they gave it a try any ways. My favorite is that on the entrance to the mall there is a big "Merry Christmas" sign that has "Hell" written all over it.  Merry Christmas... go to hell?

Outside another mall, they must have a fairy theme

Day and night views of the tree located at the main subway station. 

Only outside tree I've seen.  

Reindeer on the tree display 

I wrapped some tinsel and lights together to make this mantle decoration. It's right next to a mirror and when you turn all the lights off it reflects back like a fireplace. It's probably my most favorite decoration ever. Think I might keep it up all year. 

PRESENTS!!! Well, have of them I bought and wrapped for myself but it's still fun to have something to open Christmas morning. 

To all my friends and family around the world Merry Christmas!!! 

Grandpa Rollie's Famous Fudge

One of my favorite Christmas traditions was when my Grandpa Rollie would make the most delicious homemade fudge. I looked forward to it every Christmas. It's always been my favorite Christmas treat. 

Last Christmas I was so excited when I received the recipe and would be able to continue the tradition where I am. So all the way in China I was still able to find the ingredients I needed to make the fudge this year.  I'm excited to share this family traditions will my friends here in China. Everyone gets fudge this year!

           

               Yummy Chocolate

Melted Sugar 

FUDGE! 

High-Rise Happy Hour Hopping

This past week my work sent me and two of co-workers to Shanghai for training. Since I normally have to work evenings this felt like a mini vacations. I got to go out and see some of the local night life but my favorite thing was hitting up the bars in the five-star hotels downtown. 

A co-worker and I first went to the 91st floor in the Shanghai World Financial Center, sometimes called "the bottle opener". There is an observation deck on the top of the building but getting a drink in the restaurant was actually cheaper. With that said, drinks were still pretty expensive, even my mock-tail was pricy but it has by far the best views in all of Shanghai. The view includes downtown, the Huangpi River and The Bund. 

Shanghai World Financial Center

View from the Shanghai World Financial Center

Jin Mao Tower and Oriental Pearl Tower

View of The Bund 

Next we went just across the street to 87th floor of the Jin Mao Tower. Their service was by far better and the views were just as spectacular. Shanghai is an ok city during the day but at night it comes alive with lights and color.

Jin Mao Tower 

View from the Jin Mao 

SWFC and Jin Mao 

 I had such a great time feeling like a jet-setting, globe trotting, happy hour hopping socialite. Anyone is welcome to come join me next time ;)

Suzhou in the Dark

So far I've really enjoyed living in Suzhou! It has many modern conveniences but there are still places that can take you back in time, it's almost the perfect mix of old and new. 

Last weekend my roommate, Sisi, and a friend of ours, Shelby, went out to some of the historic parts of Suzhou. It was a really a fun night, we walked along Pingjiang Street. The 800 year old street is located along a river and has many tea houses, shops, and restaurants. We went to this cool postcard store where you could buy a postcard and mail it to yourself or someone else at any time in the future. There was a whole wall of postcards waiting to be sent off. Then we walk to a part of town that was deserted except for this small bar where people were singing Karaoke. We stop in for some drinks and to sing a bit ourselves. 

View of the canal at night 

The following Sunday we ventured out again this time to Tiger Hill. I'd been there during the day and it was quite crowded but at night, just before close, we had the whole thing to ourselves. They turned the flood lights on and it made the whole pagoda glow. It was a beautiful night! We walked through the streets for about 2 hours just taking in all the local sights, sounds, and smells. Nights like that remind of what an adventure and blessing it is to live in China.

Me, Shelby and Sisi

Me, Sisi, and Shelby overlooking the canal

Happy Six Months China! (aka calling all care packages)

Six months seem to pass so quickly. Now that I am in Suzhou I am enjoying China much more! Luckily in China you can get almost anything that we have in the States. However there are a few things that I have seriously missed. Below is a visual list of things that I would love to have sent to me by the people I love.  

Packages can be sent to:

苏州市工业园区

韦博国际英语

圆融时代广场天幕西街21幢

韦博国际英语

Lesley Cliff  

Web International English

Building 21, Tianmu West Street,

Time Square SIP Suzhou 215005

P.R. China 

I've been missing dips like crazy, so any dip will do, Ranch, Spinach, French Onion, Queso, Bean, but I miss Guacamole the most!!  

 You can get this at Costco, however since it takes over two weeks to get anything here, any kind of powder mix will work great too.  

China has all kinds of food but the one thing they don't have ANYTHING Mexican! I had a friend bring some back with her from the States and I went though them all in one week. I know Taco Bell is really unhealthy but it's so good! 

They have two kinds of salad dressing here, Thousand Island and something they call "Salad Dressing" but it's actually just mayonnaise.  

So I've been able to make spaghetti no problem but there's nothing like good ole mac and cheese. I can get noodles here so, and I know this is odd, but if you just want to send the cheese packets thats fine with me. 

Chip variety is limited, I tried the cucumber flavored chips and they just aren't the same. But these are magical.  

China has yet to discover the deliciousness of Red Vines. I put a picture of a large tub but that would be pretty expensive to send, so any size will do. No Twizzlers, please ;)

In college I lived off Wheat Thins! They are by far the best cracker out there! Nothing beats original flavor but I will also except either flavor of cheese, garlic and parsley, tuscan herb, ranch, smoky bbq, and of course reduced fat. 

Ok I know is one may look silly but real Chinese food tastes nothing like the amazing stuff we have in America. They don't even have sweet & sour sauce! 

Sue me for loving crackers this much! But Chex Mix bold flavor is like a party in your mouth.  

I know that the cost for sending packages to China can be kind of high but any and everything will be very appreciated!! 

Again the address is:

苏州市工业园区

韦博国际英语

圆融时代广场天幕西街21幢

韦博国际英语

Lesley Cliff  

Web International English

Building 21, Tianmu West Street,

Time Square SIP Suzhou 215005

P.R. China 

Goodbye 张家港, Hello 苏州

So I officially moved to Suzhou this weekend. Suzhou is located about 1.5 hours south of ZJG and is only about a 30 minute train ride away from Shanghai. I learned recently that Suzhou is actually a Sister City to Portland, Or. The Portland Chinese Garden is an exact replica of a traditional Suzhou garden. So I know its not just coincident I like it better. I am living in Suzhou Industrial Park, SIP for short, and despite its name it's actually very pretty and modern. I live just around corner from Jinji Lake. I enjoyed my time in ZJG and will miss all the friends I made, but now I'm closer to other members and church. Not to mention, Starbucks, Cold Stones, Subway, Burger King, Sephora and H&M.


Here's a look at my new apartment:

Can we say fate?

Living Room

Kitchen

Bedroom, its much smaller than in my last apt.

My new bookcase from Ikea

Feels So Good to Get Outside

   

View of the pagoda through the entrance archway

Zhangjiagang is actually a bigger city than what the locals would lead you to believe. About a half an hour north of city center is the Xiangshan Scenic Area. 

It's a large park with lots of pavilions, ponds, and a towering pagoda high on a hill top. 

It was such a beautiful fall day that I couldn't pass up the opportunity to get out of the house again and get back into nature. 

This is a perfect juxtaposition of the ancient and modern worlds of China; lone pavilion and an expansive city behind it. 

Beacon Tower 

Used during some ancient war as a communication point, Beacon Tower used smoke singles during the day and lit a fire by night. It also was my favorite place in the whole park. There is a beautiful 360 degree view of the farm lands that surround the area as well as the distant views of the cities. After all the noise of the crowds and city it was the most peaceful place I've been to in a long time. If only I had had a chair and a book with me.    

        

       

Views from top of Beacon Tower

     

      

Look! I'm a scenic spot 

An archway that pillars look kind of like swords

Like I mentioned on the top of the mountain is the Wind-hearkening Pagoda. Advertised as an ancient pagoda it was actually only just built in 2005 in the style of the Ming and Qing Dynasty. Regardless, it was a beautiful replica and was well worth the hike up the hill.

Me in front of the pagoda.
It was a sunny day, thus the squinting.

Another view of the pagoda 

A set of pagodas where vendors had set up games and photo booths

My favorite picture of the day

On top of the hill with the scenic area and city behind me