tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78696203226630400162024-03-14T14:19:46.121+08:00China LesleyLesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17989078625774304201noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869620322663040016.post-32217708585653968872013-06-12T23:25:00.000+08:002013-06-12T23:25:15.269+08:00Dragon Boat Festival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
How many people (that I know) can say they have seen actual <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat_racing">dragon boat races</a> on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_boat_festival">Dragon Boat Festival</a> day IN China?? Now I can say that I have! This morning I woke up way earlier than I normally do to take in the festivities. I was able to find a spot that was near the finish line to watch the races.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only a small portions of the thousands <br />of people lining the lake</td></tr>
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Now I've been to plenty of concerts and large festivals before but the crowds in China are something else. I have never had people touch, bump and just push their way through with no regard to who is around them. There was one old women with a child who forcibly pushed her way next to me. I'm not proud of this but I had a strong feeling to knock her to the ground! Fortunately I didn't but I guess when you have over a billion people, personal space wouldn't be a common issue. Nothing like being felt up by an elderly chinese women, haha. </div>
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Each race had 4 or 5 teams, with 12 paddlers on a team plus a drummer and a steersman. They were divided into co-ed, male and female heats. Overall the races weren't all that exciting; other than the occasional tipped boat they were pretty standard. Though, still a fun event to see. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And GO! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Near the Finish Line</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the dragon boat teams</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">People watching the races </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the members of my branch </td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">I met up with some friend from the branch to watch a beginning races, little did we know that there was a larger group of branch members there as well. It ended up turning into a mini branch activity. </span><span style="text-align: right;"> </span><br />
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Sometimes I feel guilty for just sitting at home on my days off, I mean I'm in China and should be out there experiencing everything I can! However life gets in the way and I don't get as many memorable experience as I would like. I'm glad I can at least add this to my list. <br />
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<br />Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17989078625774304201noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869620322663040016.post-3572300192489531942013-06-04T11:21:00.000+08:002013-06-04T11:21:00.328+08:00Master of the Nets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Yesterday was a beautiful spring day, just the kind of day for visiting one of the many gardens in Suzhou. A couple ladies from the branch and I visited <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_of_the_Nets_Garden">Master of the Nets Garden</a>, a garden first constructed in 1140, gone through a few owner before being given to the government in the 1950s and becoming one of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_Gardens_of_Suzhou">Classical Gardens of Suzhou</a><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">There were several pavilions traditionally used for entertaining, painting and playing music. The pavilions are pretty typical of most chinese gardens; beautiful wood furniture, classic paintings and tile roofs. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Inside the Pavilions</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful wall painting<br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering into the garden area</td></tr>
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But the center of the garden is a large pond surrounded by rocks, small seating areas and plants. It may have been because its spring but everything was so green, which is not a natural color you often see in the more modern parts of the city. I had forgotten how beautiful a bright green tree is. </div>
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At night they have traditional musical performance. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocks in the rock garden area</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brenton, Chantel and Natalia </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocks you can climb </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Different pathways, they like the crooked style</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite pictures of the day</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So much green! </td></tr>
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It was a great day to get out and experience more of this beautiful and </div>
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ancient city I call my temporary home. </div>
Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17989078625774304201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869620322663040016.post-10864288541835671112013-03-13T00:45:00.002+08:002013-03-13T00:45:32.859+08:00Big BuddhaAfter 8 months of waiting I was finally able to visit the <a href="http://wuxi.jiangsu.net/attraction/premier.php?name=Lingshan_Grand_Buddha&city=Wuxi&id=12">Grand Buddha at Ling Shan</a>, located about an hour bus ride outside of the city of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wuxi">Wuxi</a>, which is about a 15 min train north of Suzhou. I had heard about the "giant" Buddha shortly after I arrived in China. A student in Zhangjiagang had offered to take me but could never find the time to actually go.<div>
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So I was quite excited when one of the students, Sunny, here offered to go with me. She was great about it too; making all the arrangements, which was good since I don't speak Chinese and would have a really hard time figuring any of it out. We went this past Sunday (after church of course) and the reported rain never ended up happening so it was a nice day to spend outside, sight seeing. <div>
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Along with the Buddha there are several traditionally built buildings, The Brahma Palace and art museum, the "Five-Signet" Palace and another building I never got the name of. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Brahma Palace and Art Museum<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahma">Brahma</a> Palace and art museum is the largest of the building and has a grand hall, performance theatre, restaurant and art museum. We watched a short performance about the life of Buddha with 180 degrees screen, dancers, and a full size tree coming out of the center of the room depicting Buddha reaching enlightenment. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The booties I had to wear while inside the building</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ceiling decorations</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colorful glass wall</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brahma ceiling, it turned different colors</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my Chinese zodiac sign, I'm a "pig".</td></tr>
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Across from the Brahma Palace is the Five Signet palace, surrounded by a koi filled lake. Unfortunately we didn't have enough time to go inside of it but from the outside it was still very beautiful. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Five Signet Palace</td></tr>
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I wasn't able to get the name of the white building but we were told it was just a shell and didn't have anything in it. It reminded me more of a middle eastern building than Chinese. </div>
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Besides the Big Buddha there was an actual size replica of the open palm right hand of that is on the big Buddha and a large statue of the fat "Happy Buddha" with children running all over him. Both are pretty massive and represented different stages in Buddha's evolution. I personally like the "Happy Buddha" the best, but who wouldn't love a giant smiling Buddha.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me next to the big hand</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The symbol in the center represents a "wish" , <br />wishing the world happiness and welfare</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My hand compared with the Buddha's</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Happy" Buddha</td></tr>
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The Grand <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gautama_Buddha">Buddha</a> is the 8th largest Buddha in the world at 88m tall (about 290 ft) and although it's not ancient is quite impressive. It sits at the top of a large staircase and is standing surrounded by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelumbo_nucifera#Cultural_significance">lotus</a> petals. There is a platform below him and also one that is in the lotus leaves. </div>
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Each hand has the "wish" sign and there is a correctly facing swastika in the center of his chest. The swastika is an ancient symbol that can represent solemnity, virtue, well-being and good luck. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Us under the Buddha</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">There were signs saying that you could pay to "hug" Buddha's leg but since it was so close to closing we were able to sneak up there without anyone noticing. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My hand compared to his big toe nail</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me standing next to his foot</td></tr>
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Despite what people think, I am not living a crazy and adventurous life; it's actually pretty mundane most of the time. But it was great to get out and have another Chinese experience. Makes me appreciate living in this beautiful, history rich country. </div>
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Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17989078625774304201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869620322663040016.post-57338625617462883252013-02-10T23:11:00.000+08:002013-02-11T00:03:36.875+08:00Happy Chinese New Year <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2013 marks the year of the Snake. It's been pretty weird to say Happy New Years at the beginning of February but thousands of years of tradition can't be argued with. Normally New Years is spent with close family, so most people go back to their hometown, which made it a lot less crowded and a good time to go out and see stuff. </div>
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My co-work, Deirdre, and I went and checked out an outdoor lantern exhibit sponsored by the Taiwanese tourism board, that was near my work. Not the most spectacular display I've seen but a fun way to spend the New Years. The day before it snowed very heavily but the night was clear although super cold! </div>
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After looking at all the lanterns we went across the lake to check out the weekly fountain show. Once again not the best fountain show I've seen but still a fun experience. </div>
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At midnight the sky lit up with fireworks all over the city. It looked and sounded like was had just broken out. For a moment I felt was it was like to live in a warring country with bombs going off everywhere. If it wasn't so pretty I could see how it could be scary. Either way it was a good New Years.</div>
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<br />Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17989078625774304201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869620322663040016.post-47033344810615630312012-12-24T21:23:00.003+08:002012-12-24T21:23:52.529+08:00圣诞节快乐 (Merry Christmas) <br />
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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. <div>
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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. <div>
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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?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside another mall, they must have a fairy theme</td></tr>
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Day and night views of the tree located at the main subway station. </div>
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Only outside tree I've seen. </div>
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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. </div>
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PRESENTS!!! Well, have of them I bought and wrapped for myself but it's still fun to have something to open Christmas morning. </div>
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To all my friends and family around the world Merry Christmas!!! </div>
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Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17989078625774304201noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869620322663040016.post-42426044712414939982012-12-15T23:22:00.000+08:002012-12-15T23:22:11.644+08:00Grandpa Rollie's Famous Fudge<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F7oqH2lHiKg/UMyQIRO_xkI/AAAAAAAAA-M/nWsKOn9Dvxg/s1600/DSC02236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F7oqH2lHiKg/UMyQIRO_xkI/AAAAAAAAA-M/nWsKOn9Dvxg/s320/DSC02236.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">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. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">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!</span></div>
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Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17989078625774304201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869620322663040016.post-61436885451822811912012-12-02T20:52:00.000+08:002012-12-02T20:52:07.612+08:00High-Rise Happy Hour Hopping <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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. </div>
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A co-worker and I first went to the 91st floor in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shanghai_World_Financial_Center">Shanghai World Financial Center</a>, 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. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shanghai World Financial Center</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Shanghai World Financial Center</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jin Mao Tower and Oriental Pearl Tower</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of The Bund </td></tr>
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Next we went just across the street to 87th floor of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jin_Mao_Tower">Jin Mao Tower</a>. 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.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jin Mao Tower </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Jin Mao </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SWFC and Jin Mao </td></tr>
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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 ;) <br />
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Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17989078625774304201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869620322663040016.post-33483138600571838922012-11-28T22:25:00.000+08:002012-11-29T00:37:25.160+08:00Suzhou in the Dark <br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">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. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">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</span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> located along a river and </span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">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 </span>deserted except for this small bar where people were singing Karaoke. We stop in for some drinks and to sing a bit ourselves. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the canal at night </td></tr>
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The following Sunday we ventured out again this time to <a href="http://chinalesley.blogspot.com/2012/07/tiger-hill.html">Tiger Hill</a>. 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. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Shelby and Sisi</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Sisi, and Shelby overlooking the canal</td></tr>
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Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17989078625774304201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869620322663040016.post-25781699639320684412012-11-18T02:51:00.001+08:002012-11-28T21:32:43.486+08:00Happy Six Months China! (aka calling all care packages) <div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="text-align: left;">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. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Packages can be sent to:</span><br />
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<span lang="ZH-CN" style="font-family: 'Microsoft YaHei', sans-serif;">圆融时代广场天幕西街</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">21</span><span lang="ZH-CN" style="font-family: 'Microsoft YaHei', sans-serif;">幢</span><span style="font-family: 'Microsoft YaHei', sans-serif;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span lang="ZH-CN" style="font-family: 'Microsoft YaHei', sans-serif;">韦博国际英语</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Lesley Cliff </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Building
21, Tianmu West Street,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iH-xDc86D60/UIAPXC98z8I/AAAAAAAAA3o/O8JDX0EzOUY/s1600/Guacamole+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iH-xDc86D60/UIAPXC98z8I/AAAAAAAAA3o/O8JDX0EzOUY/s320/Guacamole+.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">I've been missing dips like crazy, so any dip will do, Ranch, Spinach, French Onion, Queso, Bean, but I miss Guacamole the most!! </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DDpI_0p5z0g/UIANTN3gjTI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/rkZ_lOGxs6Y/s1600/Hummus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DDpI_0p5z0g/UIANTN3gjTI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/rkZ_lOGxs6Y/s320/Hummus.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span style="font-size: small;">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. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QDrvDeJDIKQ/UIAHL5R0d6I/AAAAAAAAA2o/CVuSpOxxjUM/s1600/Taco+Seasoning+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QDrvDeJDIKQ/UIAHL5R0d6I/AAAAAAAAA2o/CVuSpOxxjUM/s320/Taco+Seasoning+.jpg" width="243" /></span></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">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! </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aZLA8VEnDIw/UIAHNH_rR6I/AAAAAAAAA2w/fBEvN2Cxvgg/s1600/ranch+dip+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aZLA8VEnDIw/UIAHNH_rR6I/AAAAAAAAA2w/fBEvN2Cxvgg/s320/ranch+dip+.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">They have two kinds of salad dressing here, Thousand Island and something they call "Salad Dressing" but it's actually just mayonnaise. </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9s3swLIo1yA/UIAH1PkO4sI/AAAAAAAAA24/T6QI8-Fg-CQ/s1600/mac+and+cheese+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9s3swLIo1yA/UIAH1PkO4sI/AAAAAAAAA24/T6QI8-Fg-CQ/s320/mac+and+cheese+.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">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. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Chip variety is limited, I tried the cucumber flavored chips and they just aren't the same. But these are magical. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">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 ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">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. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">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! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sue me for loving crackers this much! But Chex Mix bold flavor is like a party in your mouth. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">I know that the cost for sending packages to China can be kind of high but any and everything will be very appreciated!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Web International English<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Building 21, Tianmu West Street,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17989078625774304201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869620322663040016.post-42584350687398967552012-10-29T19:22:00.000+08:002012-10-29T19:22:20.423+08:00Goodbye 张家港, Hello 苏州So I officially moved to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzhou">Suzhou</a> 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 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzhou_Industrial_Park">Suzhou Industrial Park</a>, SIP for short, and despite its name it's actually very pretty and modern. I live just around corner from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jinji_Lake">Jinji Lake</a>. 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.<br />
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Here's a look at my new apartment:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can we say fate?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-egMma-a2Fiw/UI5cb6ArReI/AAAAAAAAA5I/OSZew7Xh5aQ/s1600/DSC02178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-egMma-a2Fiw/UI5cb6ArReI/AAAAAAAAA5I/OSZew7Xh5aQ/s320/DSC02178.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Living Room</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6iGWEDVKdHA/UI5eNbHbveI/AAAAAAAAA5k/w8TRWlkoOls/s1600/DSC02181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6iGWEDVKdHA/UI5eNbHbveI/AAAAAAAAA5k/w8TRWlkoOls/s320/DSC02181.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nFtsgOkC_uc/UI5dAED72TI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/OScGdg7MZ3M/s1600/DSC02179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nFtsgOkC_uc/UI5dAED72TI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/OScGdg7MZ3M/s320/DSC02179.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bedroom, its much smaller than in my last apt.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k19tl0J_meA/UI5dsIWLPHI/AAAAAAAAA5c/568xIJjSGTU/s1600/DSC02180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k19tl0J_meA/UI5dsIWLPHI/AAAAAAAAA5c/568xIJjSGTU/s320/DSC02180.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new bookcase from Ikea</td></tr>
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<br />Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17989078625774304201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869620322663040016.post-73811940955834496522012-10-03T19:03:00.001+08:002012-10-03T21:31:38.154+08:00Feels So Good to Get Outside<br />
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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 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xiangshan,_Zhangjiagang">Xiangshan</a> Scenic Area. </div>
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It's a large park with lots of pavilions, ponds, and a towering pagoda high on a hill top. </div>
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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. </div>
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This is a perfect juxtaposition of the ancient and modern worlds of China; lone pavilion and an expansive city behind it. </div>
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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. </div>
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Views from top of Beacon Tower</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mQVoD-O6KXs/UGwC5ewZYNI/AAAAAAAAAzc/tkVpp0hnMlQ/s1600/DSC02086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mQVoD-O6KXs/UGwC5ewZYNI/AAAAAAAAAzc/tkVpp0hnMlQ/s400/DSC02086.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look! I'm a scenic spot </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ic6gPNryB_o/UGwDGTX3ZJI/AAAAAAAAAzo/O85OL6TFnOk/s400/DSC02104.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An archway that pillars look kind of like swords</td></tr>
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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.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ROWoI2rcQE/UGwKNNOQWTI/AAAAAAAAA1U/pJUcianv2Is/s1600/DSC02123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ROWoI2rcQE/UGwKNNOQWTI/AAAAAAAAA1U/pJUcianv2Is/s320/DSC02123.jpg" width="240" /></a><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mbrR1gTKttY/UGwD9XEgvOI/AAAAAAAAA0A/YtJWeZoE_M8/s320/DSC02115.jpg" width="240" /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me in front of the pagoda.<br />
It was a sunny day, thus the squinting.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_gwXpoIey0o/UGwDZ4sp1GI/AAAAAAAAAzw/S4Gy5ozbmDs/s1600/DSC02107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_gwXpoIey0o/UGwDZ4sp1GI/AAAAAAAAAzw/S4Gy5ozbmDs/s640/DSC02107.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the pagoda </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PFrV3eO6Zek/UGwDrA1dx7I/AAAAAAAAAz4/tkm34txTG84/s1600/DSC02111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PFrV3eO6Zek/UGwDrA1dx7I/AAAAAAAAAz4/tkm34txTG84/s400/DSC02111.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A set of pagodas where vendors had set up games and photo booths</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vb9DczMbq6w/UGwFguIdjXI/AAAAAAAAA0w/buhhEZa79Tg/s1600/DSC02148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vb9DczMbq6w/UGwFguIdjXI/AAAAAAAAA0w/buhhEZa79Tg/s400/DSC02148.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite picture of the day</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ddERwAm0Wwc/UGwEzQviKMI/AAAAAAAAA0c/DfH15kGbe8A/s1600/DSC02141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ddERwAm0Wwc/UGwEzQviKMI/AAAAAAAAA0c/DfH15kGbe8A/s400/DSC02141.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On top of the hill with the scenic area and city behind me</td></tr>
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<br />Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17989078625774304201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869620322663040016.post-3153282415190646172012-10-02T22:14:00.000+08:002012-10-02T22:14:02.621+08:00Happy National Day! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EnM9tGhKzmY/UGrVGWwiA1I/AAAAAAAAAvY/KLNO0T-20lM/s1600/DSC01917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EnM9tGhKzmY/UGrVGWwiA1I/AAAAAAAAAvY/KLNO0T-20lM/s320/DSC01917.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Like I mentioned in my last blog, Monday was the beginning of China's national holiday week. I took the opportunity to get out of town as see more of China. My friend Nick set up a little day trip to the town of <a href="http://www.wuzhen.com.cn/english/">Wuzhen</a> </div>
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(pronounced like woo jen) for me and a few other people. It started out with a 3 hour bus ride, which really wasn't as bad as it sounded, although I did have to wake up at 5am. </div>
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What make Wuzhen such a tourist destination is that it is an ancient canal city, established in 872 A.D. It's been nicknamed "The Venice of the East". The city is divided down the center by a narrow canal with shops lining one side of the river and homes lining the other. You can rent a wooden that will take you on a short ride up the center canal, like they probably did anciently. There are also several museums, including a bed and wedding museum, the former home <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mao_Dun">Mao Dun</a>, a renowned modern Chinese revolutionary writer, and a Taoist temple. Despite the enormous crowds it was still a very beautiful and culturally rich place. </div>
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Since I liked it so much, I'll take you on a little tour...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EDqBsW4cfNM/UGrUgkbEfdI/AAAAAAAAAvM/REZ-dl3wwz0/s1600/DSC01915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EDqBsW4cfNM/UGrUgkbEfdI/AAAAAAAAAvM/REZ-dl3wwz0/s400/DSC01915.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Crowd waiting outside to get in</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mi9YErECkXE/UGrVkzba6oI/AAAAAAAAAvg/fQSgs51ajis/s1600/DSC01918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mi9YErECkXE/UGrVkzba6oI/AAAAAAAAAvg/fQSgs51ajis/s400/DSC01918.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Boat going under on of the many bridges </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lRgchugz79Q/UGrV85LUfLI/AAAAAAAAAvo/ey-KS5z4Dyc/s1600/DSC01922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lRgchugz79Q/UGrV85LUfLI/AAAAAAAAAvo/ey-KS5z4Dyc/s400/DSC01922.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">James, Me, Nick, Fan and Que waiting to get on the boat. <br />We all have complimentary tour hats, helped us find each other in the crowd.</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lDnuwzTV1JE/UGrWvvZ5K4I/AAAAAAAAAv8/Yml8D5czcrc/s1600/DSC01930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lDnuwzTV1JE/UGrWvvZ5K4I/AAAAAAAAAv8/Yml8D5czcrc/s400/DSC01930.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">View of the homes from on the canal</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nD1xPadzDN8/UGrWilQZYiI/AAAAAAAAAv0/6kM5hzPJNcs/s1600/DSC01927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nD1xPadzDN8/UGrWilQZYiI/AAAAAAAAAv0/6kM5hzPJNcs/s400/DSC01927.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Me on the boat, wearing my new hat.<br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XJynolZrFvM/UGrW9UDKlGI/AAAAAAAAAwE/Bv5iO6JEYQ4/s1600/DSC01936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XJynolZrFvM/UGrW9UDKlGI/AAAAAAAAAwE/Bv5iO6JEYQ4/s400/DSC01936.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Local resident on her back porch, washing straight from the canal</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-59_9L3wjcAc/UGrXPEBHO8I/AAAAAAAAAwM/7EranzD8ECM/s1600/DSC01940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-59_9L3wjcAc/UGrXPEBHO8I/AAAAAAAAAwM/7EranzD8ECM/s400/DSC01940.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">More of the boats</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1akHNOjFOp4/UGrXumZ-YVI/AAAAAAAAAwg/cZ947GN-Hus/s1600/DSC01981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1akHNOjFOp4/UGrXumZ-YVI/AAAAAAAAAwg/cZ947GN-Hus/s400/DSC01981.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">View from our lunch table</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3NQu4LAlgHQ/UGrXht_ApbI/AAAAAAAAAwY/ex18sPsGbOg/s1600/DSC01979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3NQu4LAlgHQ/UGrXht_ApbI/AAAAAAAAAwY/ex18sPsGbOg/s400/DSC01979.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This was hanging on the wall at the restaurant, it is a traditional fisherman's outfit. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GcTx00MyXDY/UGrX6Mnc9eI/AAAAAAAAAwo/yA2YHRmD6Zo/s1600/DSC01990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GcTx00MyXDY/UGrX6Mnc9eI/AAAAAAAAAwo/yA2YHRmD6Zo/s400/DSC01990.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shot of all the people lining the river </span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EvrZF0pFRUs/UGrYWrmtV1I/AAAAAAAAAw8/QV1GB58gHwE/s1600/DSC02003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NB1jARd3NQg/UGrYHnJ4AsI/AAAAAAAAAw0/8Ie-H5DgrJM/s1600/DSC02001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NB1jARd3NQg/UGrYHnJ4AsI/AAAAAAAAAw0/8Ie-H5DgrJM/s1600/DSC02001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NB1jARd3NQg/UGrYHnJ4AsI/AAAAAAAAAw0/8Ie-H5DgrJM/s400/DSC02001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EvrZF0pFRUs/UGrYWrmtV1I/AAAAAAAAAw8/QV1GB58gHwE/s1600/DSC02003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EvrZF0pFRUs/UGrYWrmtV1I/AAAAAAAAAw8/QV1GB58gHwE/s400/DSC02003.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Traditional beds at the bed museum, beautifully hand craved. <br />Would have loved to taken one home with me. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HV5MIbL_DM8/UGrYlkhhTzI/AAAAAAAAAxE/FXSUF8lK8S4/s1600/DSC02009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HV5MIbL_DM8/UGrYlkhhTzI/AAAAAAAAAxE/FXSUF8lK8S4/s400/DSC02009.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Going down the main street on the north side of the canal</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QT-JhQdGZFU/UGrY1Nh_aNI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/dOGokqQeF7w/s1600/DSC02026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QT-JhQdGZFU/UGrY1Nh_aNI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/dOGokqQeF7w/s400/DSC02026.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The road kept getting narrower and narrower that it literally felt like a river of people. The street was very traditional and beautiful, I would have loved to have seen it when it was empty.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RM0yEMTP4ZU/UGrla2T2brI/AAAAAAAAAyI/xRTArDcIhpo/s400/DSC02030.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Statues of Taoist deity, I think. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6c1P5lJse08/UGrlvjpR6YI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/8e3hQv08LT4/s1600/DSC02033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6c1P5lJse08/UGrlvjpR6YI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/8e3hQv08LT4/s320/DSC02033.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Three foot tall incense burning at the temple, almost got hit in the face by one<br /> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uDOd6wswAZ8/UGrY_Q2WvuI/AAAAAAAAAxY/k9t0JIMlhL4/s1600/DSC02034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uDOd6wswAZ8/UGrY_Q2WvuI/AAAAAAAAAxY/k9t0JIMlhL4/s400/DSC02034.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Across from the temple they have the Huagu Opera stage, where they have traditional performances<br /> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-svx-9W_RJOk/UGrZHMV51uI/AAAAAAAAAxg/wO0YXYJ33xI/s1600/DSC02036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-svx-9W_RJOk/UGrZHMV51uI/AAAAAAAAAxg/wO0YXYJ33xI/s400/DSC02036.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Close up of the women performing</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6H1kVBCW_iQ/UGrZSAyMRaI/AAAAAAAAAxs/dBwTZ4WXm0g/s1600/DSC02039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6H1kVBCW_iQ/UGrZSAyMRaI/AAAAAAAAAxs/dBwTZ4WXm0g/s400/DSC02039.jpg" width="353" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Me at the end of the tour<br /></span></td></tr>
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I hope you all enjoyed it!<br />
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<br />Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17989078625774304201noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869620322663040016.post-80608948747588617672012-10-01T00:06:00.003+08:002012-10-01T00:06:49.348+08:00Asian Chaos Imagine that all of America only had two weeks a year to go on vacation. Chaos, right? Now imagine instead of Americans they are millions of Chinese people. Asian chaos! Chinese National Day (their independence day) is upon us which mean that the entire country has a week off at the same time. Since people rarely take time off of work to go on vacation it is one of two times a year when people actually get out of the house and travel.<br />
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This meant that instead of my usually hour and a half bus ride to church it took me over two hours. The bus was delayed 15 minutes getting out of the station, there was a traffic jam caused by hundreds of people crowded around who knows what, and the bus took some random way to get to Suzhou. When I arrived we were dropped off in the middle of the bus parking lot, I had to push my way through a pack room of people to try to get to the nearest exit (my concert training kicked in at that point and I went into crowd maneuvering mode), which by the way was bolted closed. I'm sure there was a fire code or two that was being broken. Then I got lost inside the station for 15 minutes trying to find my way to a taxi. Fortunately, I was only 30 min late for church.<br />
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After church I took a taxi to a different bus station to get a ticket back home and found another massive crowd of people waiting to go to their various locations. Luckily I was able to make it back to church and a father and son from the branch helped me get a ticket back to my town... for the following morning. The Hiatts in my branch offered to let me stay the night with them, incidentally they live at the house where we hold church. I am so blessed to have such great people in my branch who made sure that I had a place to stay for the night. It was an eventful day. <br />
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Now I know why I was warned to go out. Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17989078625774304201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869620322663040016.post-91207231663332997382012-09-09T20:11:00.000+08:002012-09-09T21:06:24.572+08:00Shanghai at Night <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fMUGdpV1kh8/UEyEtfJVosI/AAAAAAAAAuI/fxcp1TZEI8U/s1600/IMAG0220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fMUGdpV1kh8/UEyEtfJVosI/AAAAAAAAAuI/fxcp1TZEI8U/s400/IMAG0220.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oriental Pearl Tower and Downtown</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hoMDXnHvi5w/UEyFPQ7LOcI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/5yGXWOXN9rg/s1600/IMAG0223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hoMDXnHvi5w/UEyFPQ7LOcI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/5yGXWOXN9rg/s400/IMAG0223.jpg" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Busy Shanghai Shopping Street</td></tr>
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This weekend was the District Conference for the Shanghai, China International District. As a special activity for all the young single adults (YSA) in the district they had a grand tour of Shanghai. I had to work so wasn't able to meet up with them until around 7pm. In all there were about 50 YSAs that were there for the tour. Most of them are here for study abroad or a semester of teaching english. I had been to Shanghai before, during the day but at night the city comes alive! We took advantage of the nice weather and walked along downtown side of the Huangpu River. The city is an explosion of lights. Some more elaborate than others. We then took a super short ferry ride across the river to The Bund.<br />
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After The Bund, we walked to a main shopping street. They had an Apple and a Gap store right across from each other. Pretty much Shanghai at its finest. It was so beautiful, everything was all lit up and the streets were filled with people. I would definitely recommend Shanghai at night. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TqTqy4_W0FE/UEyGAONJDzI/AAAAAAAAAuY/UZ1zL-0HKSI/s1600/IMAG0227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TqTqy4_W0FE/UEyGAONJDzI/AAAAAAAAAuY/UZ1zL-0HKSI/s400/IMAG0227.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bund</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">About The Bund (rhymes with "fund"): The Bund was initially a British settlement. It has dozens of historical buildings, lining the western back of the Haungpu River, that once house numerous international banks and trading houses, consulates, a newspaper and several clubs. It continues to be the center of Shanghai financial district. A lot of the main builds have very European styled architecture, it reminded me a lot of my mission, well except for all the Chinese people. </span></div>
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P.S. They have Cold Stone! I got my favorite Cheesecake with Snickers!!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17989078625774304201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869620322663040016.post-85274051228943432242012-08-26T22:52:00.000+08:002012-08-26T23:10:37.598+08:00It Takes Like America<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So China likes its meat...chicken feet, duck head, pork fat, but they have nothing on All-American beef.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dear Red Meat, how I love your artery clogging goodness.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the trifecta of taste</td></tr>
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After weeks of Pizza Hut and KFC being the closest to American food, I found a Burger King on my weekly trip to Suzhou. Now Burger King is my last choice for burgers at home (I'm a Burgerville and Wendy's fan) but when you have no other choice it becomes the greatest thing you have ever tasted. I was not the only one who felt that way since there were more white people in BK then I have ever seen at one place (excluding church and tour groups). So far BK is the most authentic western restaurant, no weird chinese-ized spices or toppings. They suck with the good stuff. It was tasted how things should taste; cheesy, greasy and covered in bacon. That's how America taste.<br />
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<br />Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17989078625774304201noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869620322663040016.post-62117681156975040752012-08-26T22:20:00.000+08:002012-09-09T22:14:50.105+08:00Chinese Dinner TimeLast night my work had a dinner for all of the staff. It was my first authentic chinese eating experience. These kind of dinners are very important in Chinese culture, they are a time for socializing, well wishing and most of all... drinking.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They like to eat things still in the shell</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xMGMrJqHhOM/UDonA-DGalI/AAAAAAAAAso/ACI74LtvNJA/s1600/DSC01908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xMGMrJqHhOM/UDonA-DGalI/AAAAAAAAAso/ACI74LtvNJA/s200/DSC01908.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the spread</td></tr>
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Each table has a large "lazy susan" in the middle, food it placed around the edge and everyone eat straight from the same dish. So if you don't like sharing food, don't come to China. Fish, crab, prawns, soup, pumpkin and noodles. I stuck to the vegetables, noodles and lots and lots of Sprite. I'm still not used to eating things that still have their limbs and eye attached. Also, It a lot of effort to crack a crab or de-limb a shrimp for the small amount of meat they have.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption">fish: bone and all</td></tr>
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Toasting is the most important activity of the night. The person with the highest status (manager or boss) opens the evening with a toast for everyone. After that it is customary for people to go around and toast each other individually, especially the lower employees toasting those above them. So you can imagine after a few rounds of toast that those with most authority are often the ones who are the most drunk.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the broccoli that I ate mostly</td></tr>
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After dinner we hit up KTV (karaoke) in true Chinese fashion. The regional manager and the branch manager were both visually drunk. The regional manager, Coco took every opportunity she could find to give me a big hug, this was the first time I ever met her. I became her best friend in the room. I sang a couple songs, gave a few (too many) hugs and then called it a night. Being Chinese wears you out.<br />
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Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17989078625774304201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869620322663040016.post-78195707314626377962012-08-20T10:07:00.001+08:002012-08-20T10:14:27.758+08:00Happy 3 Months China!
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<span style="color: #161616;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Time fly when you're having fun, but I don't think that
statement applies to China. Its been three months since I completely changed my
life and up and moved to other side of the world. And it has felt like three
months. Its been an interesting experience thus far. I've really enjoyed being
in a new culture and meeting new people but it hasn't been the grand adventure
I had expected. I have this weird feeling towards China, I in no way feel
like I want to leave and come home but the town I am living in is in this
perpetual state of cultural Limbo. They have not progressed to sophistication
like that in Beijing or Shanghai but they are not peasant farmers either. They
enjoy shopping and video games but have no desire to experience anything
outside their comfort zone. In one word: Boring. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #161616;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">With that said I am trying really hard to move to Suzhou, it is
a larger city, closer to Shanghai, more members live there and its just all
around a better city to live in. There is another single girl, Sisi, in my ward
who is looking for a roommate and it would be awesome if we could live
together. It's been a great experience having my own apartment but a roommate
would be fun to have.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #161616;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm asking everyone to pray that I can 1) find a new job in
Suzhou, 2) leave this job on good terms, 3) move in with Sisi. Please keep me
in your prayers! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #161616;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm
excited to see what happens in the next three months and what other adventures
I can have.</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17989078625774304201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869620322663040016.post-38914876957937751972012-08-04T22:59:00.000+08:002012-08-05T01:50:28.174+08:00Finally Got Out of the House<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
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So after weeks of feeling like I was confined to either my house or work I had the chance to get out and explore the city some more. My friend Nick is letting me borrow his card to use the free bikes that are placed all around the city. What a difference a little mobility can make, I'm not stuck in just me little area of town anymore. </div>
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Friday was the first day I had off in the past few weeks that I didn't (a) have to work at my part time job or (b) take the 4 hour round trip excursion to Suzhou for church. Which meant I had a whole day to do whatever I wanted! So I went to another one of Zhangjiagang's beautiful parks. </div>
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Jiyanghu Park is a large park located south of town, incidentally its also where are the super rich people must live cause there were some big town houses nearby. It has a large lake surrounded my trees and walking trails. Located in the middle of the lake is a small island with several pagodas rising out from the trees. There is even a beach where people, mainly children, can go swimming. That was quite a shock since I had only heard that people swam indoors. But it was a nice surprise. I even put my feet in. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ikhPC7EN88/UB02FZKt1KI/AAAAAAAAArU/pjDyPX0zJb4/s1600/DSC01881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ikhPC7EN88/UB02FZKt1KI/AAAAAAAAArU/pjDyPX0zJb4/s400/DSC01881.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zganC3c9dxM/UB02WIfKWLI/AAAAAAAAArc/NOPmUkTGFfo/s1600/DSC01897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zganC3c9dxM/UB02WIfKWLI/AAAAAAAAArc/NOPmUkTGFfo/s320/DSC01897.JPG" width="320" /></a>Tonight, I met up with my friend Nick and we went to the local Shopping Park. I've been there before but not when it was all lit up at night. There is an arcade, movie theater and lots of restaurants. After dinner we went to the cafe at the top of the shopping park tower, I have no idea what it's really called. There are gorgeous views of the whole city and it reminded me of home. I didn't know Zhangjiagang could be so pretty. </div>
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</div>Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17989078625774304201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869620322663040016.post-9649432569193188232012-07-14T22:21:00.000+08:002012-07-14T22:24:47.496+08:00My Birthday!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">21st in Vegas, 22nd in Switzerland, 23rd in Germany, 26th in Uganda and now 29th in China!! How many people can say that?!? Yes, Yesterday was my fourth birthday in another country, and although the birthdays are never like they are at home they are always memorable. I can't believe I'm 29, for some of you that might seem like such a long time ago, for others way in the future, for me it is right now. To be honest, this is not how I pictured my life at 29 years old, I thought I'd at least have a couple of kids by now, my own home and living it up with a family of my own, but that's not how the Lord saw it. I can't tell you why things are they way they are but obviously there is more out there for me then I could expect for myself.</span></span></span></div>
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I had to work for most of the day so I wasn't able to go out and do anything fun, with the little friends I have here, but some of the students from my work wanted to take me out for lunch in-between classes. We went to a local restaurant where I ate this yummy rice, it is a standard fried rice but there is something sweet in it, like they added watermelon juice while cooking. I also had a few other things that I have no idea what they were. Not disgusting but not something I would order for myself. When I got home that night someone had left a nice "Happy Birthday" sign on my door with some chocolate. It was very sweet, and quite a surprise. I have no idea who put it there and how they know where I live, I haven't ever given my address out. But it was a perfect way to wrap up another happy birthday. </div>
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Thank you to those who wished me a happy birthday either through email or on Facebook! </div>Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17989078625774304201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869620322663040016.post-22924362597829501682012-07-04T21:56:00.001+08:002012-11-28T22:29:22.892+08:00Tiger Hill<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Well the weather here is sure starting to get hot. Except for past couple of days, its literally like a sauna here. Sunday was no exception but despite the blazing hot weather I still made it a touristy day. Myself and two american guys from church went and checked out <a href="http://chinalesley.blogspot.com/2012/07/tiger-hill.html">Tiger Hill,</a> which is the number one tourist site in Suzhou. Its a beautiful ancient garden that has a seven floor pagoda that is 47.7 meters tall built in 959 A.D. at the top of a big hill. At the very top it had great views of surrounding Suzhou, and the wind was blowing so it was perfect, I could have stayed up there all day. You can tell by the self-picture of me in front of the pagoda just how hot it was, I have a nice glistening of sweat. It really was beautiful and a great way to spend a Sabbath afternoon.</span></div>
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First stop was the People's Square, it is a large park in the center of Shanghai, since it was cloudy and rainy there weren't as many people there as I was planning for. Everyone briefed me on how crowded it would be and that you wouldn't have room to move but it wasn't bad at all. The rain made me feel like home. :) They did have a large crowd of older people looking at ads for potential mate for their children or grandchildren. They had rows and rows of personal ads for both men and women seeking a spouse, its crazy to think that, thats how people get hooked up. I attached a photo of the wall of ads. </div>
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They have a museum in the middle of the park that was exhibiting Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry. Some of the most beautiful jewelry, they even had a tiara that Princess Grace wore, I would have killed for just one piece from the collection. </div>
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We then went to the Oriental Pearl Tower which is one of the largest buildings in China and the 3rd largest TV tower in the world. We took the elevator all the way to the top floor which is 350m high (that over a 1,000 feet). It was cloudy of we couldn't really see anything except looking down. It was still a fun experience and I am for sure going back when the weather is better. So now I can check Shanghai off my list of places to see :)</div>
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<br /></div>Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17989078625774304201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869620322663040016.post-28744165228813872042012-06-19T00:30:00.000+08:002012-07-04T23:13:23.840+08:00ECA<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Once a month my work holds a special extra curricular activity for the students, this month was all about dance and I got to host it. I taught them the chicken dance, electric slide and the Hoedown Throwdown from the Hannah Montana movie. They seemed to really like the chicken dance but had a harder time with the electric slide. OH but they love the bunny hop! It was quite a feat trying to get the normally very reserved Chinese to break out of their comfort zone and dance in front of everyone else but after a little bit people started to loosen up and just enjoy the dancing. I think everyone had a good time. :) </span><br />
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PS Its hard to tell in the photos but they are indeed dancing. </div>Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17989078625774304201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869620322663040016.post-49065924193188964722012-06-10T12:30:00.000+08:002012-07-04T23:14:16.482+08:00Making Friends<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Well nothing too exciting happened this week. But I did get the chance to meet some more foreigners last night. I met another american girl through a part time job I have on Wednesday and she was nice enough to invite me to a going away party for one of her friends. It was really nice to be around people my own age and talking without having to explain random words. I had a fun time and meet some really cool, new people. Plus since it was at a bar and I was the only one not drinking (or smoking) I got to do some stealth missionary work and talk about the church. Nothing too in-depth but I'm hoping that the next time they meet a Mormon that they will remember me and that I was awesome even though I didn't drink. :)</span>Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17989078625774304201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869620322663040016.post-78345430530907941092012-06-04T11:30:00.000+08:002012-07-04T23:14:58.076+08:00KTV<div style="text-align: right;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">So most nights I just go home, maybe watch a movie, and then go to sleep but last night I got to experience some Zhangjiagang nightlife. KTV is a kareoke establishment that hosts private kareoke rooms.<br />Myself, two of the other foreign teachers and about 6 students went and had a blast singing kareoke all night long. They have both english and chinese songs to choose from, however the english songs are limited to modern pop, luckily I like J. Beibs and T. Swift. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">This past week I've been able to get around and see some of the beautiful gardens China has to offer. I had a day off on Wednesday and I took the chance to explore Zhangjiagang Park. Its a very beautiful park located in the middle of the hectic Chinese street. There is a large lake in the center of the park where people can rent paddle boats. Its a nice retreat from the noise and buildings of the city. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">On Sunday I went to Suzhou (pronounced sue-joe), which is about an hour and a half southeast, for church but decided to stay and make a day of it. Or as I like to say "I got my tourist on." There are some very beautiful gardens with a rich, ancient, history. I visited The Humble Administrator's Garden which dates back to the Ta</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">ng Dynasty (618-907 AD). It was originally a private residency, then a monastery, then a retirement home for a poet during the Ming Dynasty around 1510 and now a world heritage site. It is beautiful and serene with many pavilions, bridges and pools. The next three photos are of that garden.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span> </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Humble Administrator's Garden<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">And finally just a block away there is the Lion Grove Garden, which </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">was built during the Yuan Dynasty (around 1342 AD) by a Zen Buddhist monk. It's smaller that Humble Administrator's but was full of huge, naturally shaped rocks, bridges and a pavilion shaped like a boat on the water. Tons of people were there too. I had to fight my way though the tour groups just to get a quick glimpse at all the sights. But I guess being in China I should get used to the crowds. :) Lesley </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lion's Grove </td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> </span></span>Lesleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17989078625774304201noreply@blogger.com0