Wednesday, November 28, 2012

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

Sunday, November 18, 2012

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
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
韦博国际英语


Lesley Cliff  
Web International English
Building 21, Tianmu West Street,
Time Square SIP Suzhou 215005
P.R. China