Chinese Food: It's What's For Dinner

Chinese food in China is quite different than what we would consider Chinese food in the US.

I've asked YP to cook for us twice a week so that we can sample local dishes.
Here's what's for dinner tonight...

Snap peas with garlic:















Spicy tofu (dofu):















Seafood salad (crab, cucumbers, seaweed):

Milk: It Does A Body Good

Happy to report I found some whole, organic milk from Australia!

It tastes like cream, and while Chase is happy to drink down gallons of it from her bottle, she won't touch it if it is in her sippy cup. I also broke down and bought a couple travel size Nestle whole milk boxes (no small organic milk boxes available), in hopes she would think it was "cool" to drink from a straw - no luck.

And so I find myself in between a rock and a hard place. While I recognize she is now nearly a year old, and it is time to transfer to milk - and some kind of drinking device other than a bottle - she has made it quite clear that she really doesn't want the milk unless it is in a bottle.

In addition, since we returned from Xi'an, Chase has also decided she isn't into the proper nap thingie anymore. I guess all that "Go Dog Go" and Koala bear sling time went to her head (she basically slept in her sling all weekend; we didn't exactly make it back to the hotel for nap time) and she has since decided she much prefers being as close to me as possible. Our little Empress has made it quite clear that she much prefers to be carried everywhere.

So I'm not sure what to do about the milk, or the naps, or finding a baby carrying device designed to ease back pain, but I guess it will all work itself out. It always does.

For now I will revel in the fact that I've managed to find organic milk from Australia.

Just Some Members Of Chase's Fan Club ...

Trip: Xi’an, China

As Chase’s first birthday is right around the corner, we decided we would surprise her with a trip to see the Terracotta Warriors, just outside of Xi’an, China.

Xi’an is located in the Shaanxi province; it is considered the heart of China. Xi’an is known as the Grandmother of Chinese cities, as it is the oldest. It is also known for being the Eastern end of the Silk Road, and for this reason there are strong Buddist and Islamic influences.

There were enough sites (smells and sounds) to keep us busy, we ran from place-to-place all weekend. Luckily, we found the city easy to navigate. The people were friendly and helpful - Chase definitely got her fair share of attention. We were there in the “low” (a.k.a. cold) season; the skies were grey, and heavy with pollution. I can’t imagine what it must be like there during the Summer months when the air is still and temps top 30 centigrade.

Day One

We caught the first flight from Dalian (bright and early), which put us in Xi’an at 10 a.m. After checking into our hotel, we went directly to the Shaanxi Museum. A classic Tang style building, the Museum housed a fabulous collection of relics and artifacts dating back to prehistoric times. We saw a skull that was 1.5 million years old!! We were also happy to find the museum sold genuine artifacts with certification and export cards.

Next stop – The Big Goose Pagoda, a Ming style building built by Emperor Gaozong around AD 648 (Qing Dynasty), in memory of his deceased mother.

We then decided to go for a little stroll to see the locals in action. We stumbled across a calligraphy exhibition and a fun park, and a guy who created edible spun sugar designs.

Then we hopped a cab, which drove us right through the City Wall, en route to the Bell Tower (dating from the 14^th Century). Along the way we saw...

The mango man:

The woman with too many boxes:














The traffic cops:

And finally, the Bell Tower ...

Next stop was the Drum Tower...

From there, we took a right and found ourselves in the Muslim quarter, the home of the Hui community. There were narrow lanes, old mud brick houses and lots of little shops selling “antiques,” miscellaneous goods and food. I was struck by the number of birds in cages. They hung from (and between) the street lamps and filled the air with bird song. It was so lovely.

After this, we headed back to the hotel – exhausted. Ordered room service and watched some bad, American cable movies.

Day Two

We awoke early and met Lucy, our Terracotta Warriors tour guide, in the lobby of our hotel. Lucky for us, we were the only ones in the tour group.

The Terracotta Warriors were discovered in 1974 by three peasant farmers who were digging a well (they are over 2,000 years old). Our tour guide indicated there were 8,000 warriors, but my lonely planet guidebook stated there were 7,000 figures. (I’m not sure how they are counting them, as many still remain buried and broken under layers of clay and soil.)

What I found most impressive was that each figure was different. Each was made by hand. Some were tall, some were short, some were fat, and some were skinny. Some were Northern Chinese (characterized by high, sharp, cheek bones), while some were Southern Chinese. Each had unique head, heart and life lines on the palms of their hands. Each was originally painted brilliant colors. (When the Chinese first found the warriors, they still had the original color, which sadly faded within a week of being exposed to sunlight. As the Chinese have not been able to find a way to preserve the color, they have left more than half covered by dirt and clay).

Tragically, all of the warriors (except the one pictured below) were broken and burned shortly after the Emperor Qin Shi Huang (whose tomb has yet to be excavated) passed away. (As an aside, Emperor Qin Shi Huang was a very interesting man. While his was the shortest reign of all Chinese Emperors, he accomplished a great deal – from ordering the construction of the Great Wall to standardizing China’s currency.)

Originally built to protect him in his afterlife, the warriors were destroyed by peasants fearing they would come to life after the death of the Emperor. Each warrior held real swords, spears, etc. – almost all were taken by the revolting peasants (surprisingly they found a couple which had been left behind – and they were still sharp!)

All in all it was simply amazing. I’m so happy we went before the “international village” was completed. The “village” was comprised of empty buildings, which will soon be filled with more shops selling terracotta replicas, over-priced restaurants and even hotels.

From there, we went to see the natural hot springs ....

...and then back to the hotel (we stopped at Hee Hee’s Noodle House to pick up lunch).

Exhausted, we all took a rather long nap and when we awoke, we decided to try to fit in a couple more sights.

We hopped a cab to get onto the City Wall – it was closed when we arrived. So back to the hotel we went. Later, we decided to try a restaurant in the city. Hubs had seen a lot of Spanish in the markets, so we decided to try our luck at a Spanish restaurant. The concierge indicated there was actually An Austin House restaurant – so we thought Tex Mex, let’s give it a whirl. Well, when we got there, it was actually an Oyster House (think I’ll pass on Oysters served in the center of China!). So back to the hotel we went – at which point, we called it a night.

Day Three

Awoke early. Went back to the City Wall. Paid to walk on top, but should have walked through the park that is just below it. Much more going on.

Next we tried to catch a cab to a local craft market. Sadly, our cab driver could not find it. So we ended up getting out and taking another stroll, this time through what I can only call the Chinese version of the Boston Public Gardens – complete with Duck boats!

And just outside the garden was a woman selling cotton candy from her bicycle ...

From there, we went back to the hotel, rested our aching feet (and backs – my, my Chase is growing!), checked out and made our way back to the airport.

What a great weekend!

Internet Connection Returns After Major Windstorm

5 March: Windstorm

Last night there was the most incredible wind storm. I have no idea how fast the wind was blowing, but it literally ripped through Dalian. It tore down billboards, took trees down, bent metal sign posts in half and broke the front revolving door of our building.

Many people lost their power and water. We were lucky. Everything remained on - perhaps our building was powered by generators.

This morning, I was one of only two parents who braved the wind and cold to take their child to Gymboree. The staff told me other parents had already called in order to cancel the classes scheduled for later this afternoon.

Bless Punky. She was an hour late, but walked most of the way because the buses were not working.

Chase’s language teacher told me the winds were a 12, on the Chinese scale of wind measurement. I asked her what the highest number was. She said 12. She thinks the winds were considered hurricane level.

6 March: Settling In

Hubs and I had a crazy weekend. We had five social events.

I mention this only because meeting people has been so hard.

It all started off with a trip to Metro, only grocery store in Dalian that sells Western goods and real cheese (although all too often it is moldy, moldy, moldy). Then we were off to shop with one of Brian’s colleagues, who volunteered to take us to a couple shops that sell Western clothes (and more importantly - Western sizes). At first blush, the shops looked like a dream come true. Lots of Polo, Armani and other Western brands were available for very reasonable prices (and no, they were not knock offs). After trying on countless jeans and tops, it became clear I need to go on a diet designed to shorten legs and arms.

After visiting a number of small, boutique shops, we braved the underground shopping maze. It was huge, with no natural air or light and smells of Chinese food. (I would not venture there without a seasoned, Chinese speaking guide. No amount of breadcrumbs could help you find your way out of that place.)

On the way to the underground shopping maze, we passed a couple people trying to sell puppies. It was freezing cold and the puppies were shivering in cages and cardboard boxes. I wanted to scoop them all up and yell at the people who were trying to sell them. Feeling sad and helpless, I started daydreaming about starting an animal shelter, buying acres and acres of land and just letting animals run free. Walking past those dogs was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do in a long time.

It just breaks my heart to think about them.

Then we joined up with a couple I met at Starbucks (with an 8-month-old) for an Indian dinner (Chase loved the dancers). On Sunday, we met Nicolas (Chase’s German boyfriend) and his parents for coffee and then headed to the Shangri-La for dim sum with another couple. From there, we hurried home to pick up and start cooking dinner before one of our neighbors arrived.

The good things from this weekend: I now have good cheese in the house, I know where to find good Western clothes, a Chinese doctor, and I think we’ve found another possible babysitter for Chase.

8 March

This no Internet thing is driving me crazy.

It has been days and days and days.

I might as well be in Siberia (but I bet they have a connection there!).

I feel so disconnected.

I think I am addicted to the Internet.

I think we all are.

I blame it on the fact that I am a “communicator.”

But I’m quite positive that even the most introverted have a deep connection to the thing.

I have tried to will it to work. No dice.

And so I must wait…

Patience is a virtue, right?

Dance, Baby, Dance

Last night Hubs and I went to a German restaurant. The restaurant was pretty good overall, offering plenty of sausages and good beer on tap.

The most remarkable thing about last night wasn't that we found a good alternative to dumplings. We saw Chase dance for the first time.

There was a Philippina girl cover band (dressed like slutty school girls), that started performing at around 8.45. They were a bit provocative - swinging their hips around, etc. (Asian cover bands can be quite hilarious to watch).

Chase LOVED them. She could not stop rocking back and forth. She was all smiles. Hubs and I couldn't stop laughing.

We only stayed for two songs, but it was clear Chase wanted to dance the night away...

Painting Class

Today I had my first Chinese painting class. It was AMAZING.

The instructor just happens to be a nationally recognized Chinese painter and calligrapher - his teacher was taught by one of the "greats." (I had no idea until today). So while Chase was busy with her Chinese tutor, I learned how to to paint shrimp.

He also gave me a Chinese name, which sounds like Langley, but it means beautiful day with a light breeze.

His (now hanging on our fridge)...

Mine ...

Tissue Fun

Chinese Play Date

Have I mentioned how much I wish I was fluent in Chinese?

Chase and I were invited to a neighbor's flat this afternoon. They only spoke Chinese. I brought You Pung. I have no idea what they talked about for an hour.

Both parents were home. The dad took out his camera. They brought out all the toys (most were mechanized; quite different from Chase's silent toys).

The little boy was wearing pants that looked like jodhpurs, sans diapers. I thought to myself it was a little funny that here was this little boy who was having a little girl over and his little wee was hanging out. I suppose some day he will be quite the ladies man.

I asked You Pung about the no diaper concept - and she said it is quite common. They only wear diapers when they leave the house. I wonder at what age they potty train here?

It's funny to me to see what other parents deem appropriate for small children (especially in other countries). They had this really strange flower that sang "Row, row, row your boat," in English. Lots of jeeps, motorcycles, things with toy guns (the boy is only 11-months-old). They had this one fold out number chart - most of the things that went along with the numbers were basic (balloons, hats, etc), but for number 2, there were 2 guns. Yes, that's right. Guns. And for number 7, there were 7 razor blades (like the kind you would use to do traditional Chinese paper cutting art). Still a little strange in my book.

Hmmm, I wonder what other parents think of Chase's toys when they come over?

Growing Girl

Our growing girl has decided she isn't so keen about her morning nap, and is only sometimes "in the mood" for a rest in the afternoon. It used to be sure thing. Now the only sure thing is that I don't know what to expect.

On the subject of growing=change, it is becoming increasingly clear to me that we need to try to wean her off bottles. The books tell you to do it around 10-12 months, but because there has been so little constant in her life, I decided somewhere along the way, to wean her around 12 months - and suddenly it is right around the corner.

So I put her formula in her sippy cup this morning and she looked at me like I was crazy. To my little gourmand, it simply didn't taste the same. She didn't drink it until I poured it back into her bottle 45 minutes later. So I've decided to buy new sippy cups that don't look like the old ones (the ones she uses for water).

We'll see how that goes....would love advice if anyone is dishing it out...

The Car

I am so happy. Chase got to ride in a car seat, for the first time in months, today.

When I put her into the car seat, she squirmed around and looked at me as if to say, "why am I not sitting in your lap, mama?" I could just see her thinking, "I'm not sure I like being strapped in like this!"

And, while I don't condone TV for kids, I think I'm going to like the fact there is a screen built into the driver's headrest, so Chase can watch Chinese Soap Operas when she gets squirmy.

Our driver, Qing, is really nice. He drives very slowly when we are in the car, but I can tell that deep down inside he wants to be a race car driver.

Oh The Insanity

Today's Gymboree music class was madness. But I couldn't stop laughing.

There were about 3x as many kids (maybe because it is getting warmer?), so the classroom was hot, hot, hot. The usual instructor (a Mary Poppins from the Philippines - I love her!) was away, so were led through the various activities by another woman, who I can only say probably once had (or perhaps still has) ambitions of being in the Chinese opera. Her voice had that sort of "out of body" quality, and while it was lovely, it just seemed a little much for a room full of squirmy, hot, kids.

Which brings me to the madness. So while the Chinese opera singer is singing "three little kittens have lost their mittens," the room was getting warmer and warmer. The kids were all over the place. Some were happy, while a couple were crying. By the end of the class, Chase's cheeks were bright pink and her hair was wet and starting to stick to her head (poor dear).

Long Long (all Chinese babies have double names), my favorite little Chinese boy, who looks like a drunken sailor when we walks, kept me laughing. He's not afraid of the big white woman, like some of the little kids. He is always dressed in designer labels (as is his mum).

Chase also met Vincent today. His mother is Chinese and his father is European. He's a cutie and his mom already told me that Chase is not allowed to have any boyfriends except Vincent. Totally cute.

And then, at the end of the class, I was invited to a neighbors flat for a play date this afternoon. Whoa! The Chinese women stick together, so I was surprised and delighted. Only problem is, she doesn't speak ANY English. (This will be interesting! I have to say, I don't know her name or her son's name - he was dressed in pink and yes, I thought he was a girl - my bad again!)

And finally, to make everything just slightly more comical, I have no pants that fit. My pants are all too big so I am constantly trying to pull them up when I sit down, so as not to expose anything to those looking on from behind. Naturally, when I stand up, they get all bunched up, so I have to pull them down. It's ridiculous. Meanwhile, most of the other moms are in Gucci.

I think it's time for a makeover!

Birthdays

As I start thinking about Chase's birthday, I can't help but think of the birthdays that my parents so lovingly pulled together for me.

I remember that one of my birthdays, long ago, was held on a farm. I don't remember much about it, except there were all sorts of games and a scavenger hunt for socks. I think the ones I found were florescent green (gotta love the 80's).

I also remember my father going to great lengths to throw "surprise parties" for me. And, while I sure appreciated it (thanks, Dad!), I never really liked having surprise parties.

There's just something about being an insecure little girl and having your e-n-t-i-r-e class attend a function hosted by your parents that is "like, sooooo embarrassing." This embarrassment, is of course heightened when boys you have crushes on are invited, attend, and you show up to your own party, in just-going-to-the-grocery-store clothes.

Now, as a parent, I can certainly understand the concept of a surprise party. I can see how fun it would be to plan. I can just imagine the look of surprise (aka shock and embarrassment) on my own little girl's face years from now. And of course, this would mean that I did a good job, because she never saw it coming.

And so, as I contemplate what kind of birthday party throwing parent I'm going to be - and what to do for Chase's first birthday - I realize that whether she likes it or not, her first birthday will, in fact, be a surprise party.

The funny thing is, I can tell her a thousand times, buy the presents and decorations in front of her, and she will still be surprised on the day. How fun is that? Maybe this will be the only surprise party I throw. Hmmm, maybe not - it's just too much fun.

Sorry little darling! Surprises are in your future. But don't worry, I'll be sure to drop hints, like "Sweetheart, why don't you wear that sparkly pink party dress to the grocery store."

Chase's First Birthday

Chase's first birthday is in a few weeks (March 18). Let the party planning begin!

Thank You, Jack!

We just bought Jack Johnson's Sing-A-Longs and Lullabies for the film, Curious George (which we have yet to see). I can't say enough good things about this album.

It's about time that someone, in today's barbie-emulating, shaved-Britney-head, celebrity world, has taken the time to write positive songs for children. The album talks about such modern concepts as sharing, recycling and taking responsibility for one's actions. Imagine that!

Don't believe me? Here are a couple good ones ...

"With My Own Two Hands"

I can change the world
With my own two hands
Make it a better place
With my own two hands
Make it a kinder place
With my own two hands
With my own
With my own two hands
I can make peace on earth
With my own two hands
I can clean up the earth
With my own two hands
I can reach out to you
With my own two hands
With my own
With my own two hands
I'm going to make it a brighter place
With my own two hands
I'm going to make it a safer place
With my own two hands
I'm going to help the human race
With my own two hands
With my own
With my own two hands
I can hold you
With my own two hands
I can comfort you
With my own two hands
But you've got to use
Use your own two hands
Use your own
Use your own two hands
With our own
With our own two hands
With my own
With my own two hands

and ...

"The Sharing Song"

It's always more fun
To share with everyone
It's always more fun
To share with everyone
If you have two
Give one to your friend
If you have three
Give one to your friend and me
It's always more fun
To share with everyone
It's always more fun
To share with everyone
If you've got one
Here is something you can learn
You can still share
Just by taking turns
If you've got a ball
Bounce it to the gang
If there is a new kid
Invite him out to hang
If you've got one sandwich
Cut that thing in half
If you know a secret joke
Tell it and share a laugh
If you've got two drumsticks
Give one to your friend
Make one beautiful rhythm
Share a beat that never ends
And if you're feeling lonely
Share time with your mom
Share some milk and cookies
And sing the sharing song
It's always more fun
To share with everyone
It's always more fun
To share with everyone

Pool: Take 2

Chase, unfortunately, was in no mood to swim today. I learned this only after we got into the water. She clung to me like a little, wet, koala bear. Refusing to let go, refusing to splash, refusing to smile. Looking into her eyes, I could see her begging to leave.

Oh well, we'll try again in a couple days.

Making Friends

Hubs and I went for a walk today. On the way back, we passed a (white!) guy (who lives in our complex!). He was roughly our age - and was kicking a ball with his small child.

As usual, Hubs and I debated for a couple minutes as to whether or not to introduce ourselves (I believe there is a fine line between wanting to make new friends and looking like stalkers – or worse, appearing too "needy").

Well, we decided he was worth a small detour. After exchanging names, I asked, “so, does your daughter attend the Maple Leaf school (local private school for foreign kids –and strangely, no Chinese kids are allowed to attend) or a local kindergarten?” To which he coolly replied, “my son attends a local kindergarten.”

And that was that. No new friends for us today.

But seriously, his little boy looked like a little girl.

Swimming In February

After a lazy week at home (mostly spent inside because everything is closed due to Chinese New Year celebrations), we decided to check out the pool.

Admittedly, it has taken us far longer than originally expected to get our tails to the pool (even though it is less than a 5 min walk from our front door), as we had to (1) buy Chase a new bathing suit, (2) buy Hubs a new bathing suit, and of course (3) get motivated to get into the bathing suits - it is February, after all.

While Hubs swam laps, Chase and I checked out the warm water pools (the water is piped in from the hot springs near our complex) and a kiddy pool next to the big pool. The fun part about the kiddy pool is that it has buttons that one can push to make water cascade down and bubble up from various places. Plus it is deep enough for Chase to swim, but shallow enough so she can stand (with her head above the water). Good fun!

And, while I didn't get a chance to swim laps, I got my work out trying to wriggle out of a wet bathing suit while holding a squirmy, wet baby, with a huge, wet diaper; trying not to let her touch the floor. Finally, I threw down a towel and let her stand on it, while I quickly pulled dry clothes on. Now that's a workout.

Chase slept so well last night. It was great.

I see much more pool time in our future.

Visit China

Thinking about visiting us in China? Need a little motivation?
Take a look at http://www.imperialtours.net/destination_main.htm

Hair

Yesterday, we bought Chase a comb and brush of her very own.
As a result, we're facing a difficult parental decision.
Our choice will probably impact the rest of Chase's life ... (oh, the pressure!)

Should we comb it forward? (I think not)




















Comb it to the right?




















Or ... comb it to the left?

Sippy Cup

11 Months

Where has the time gone? I can't believe that in one short month, Chase will be a year old.

She is still in the 90th percentile for height; her head circ. is still in the 75th percentile (exactly where it was when we measured her months ago). I'm not sure how much she weighs (we need a scale), but she is slimming down as a result of being in constant motion.

I have never been so conflicted. So happy to see her getting older and more independent - but at the same time - so sad to say goodbye to that little, helpless, dependent bundle. She has always been a little, independent being, with her own feelings and desires - the difference is that now she can express them in a way that we can understand (most of the time).

She will be walking and talking soon (it is clear there is already so much she wants to say). Potty training is also right around the corner, as she now tells me when she goes to the bathroom. Next thing I know, I'm going to be saying to her "you want to wear what to prom?"

I can just hear Hubs talking to her prom date now, "so tell me, what - exactly - are your intentions with my daughter?"

Chinese New Year: The Aftermath

AP reports:

• At least 125 people were injured setting off faulty Chinese New Year fireworks Sunday in Beijing; three of the injuries were serious.
• One person had to have his eyes removed.
• There were 114 accidental fireworks-caused fires in Beijing.
• Nationwide: Accidental fires from fireworks killed 63 people in China over the holiday last year.
• Fireworks sales (by government-approved vendors) hit 380,000 boxes this year ( compare to the 240,000 sold last year).
• About 560 million illegal firecrackers were seized (more than four times the amount confiscated last year).

Chinese Food

I’m what some might call a jag eater. That is to say, when I get a craving for something I have to eat it until the craving is gone. Not in a bulimic, eat all the cookies in a package until I’m sick kind of way, but in a eat a couple cookies every day kind of way. Eventually, I lose the craving and move on to something else. It doesn’t happen all the time, every day, but when it does happen, I just have to eat whatever it is until I get it out of my system.

For example: When I was pregnant with Chase, I needed to have the same sandwich every day. It wasn’t a pregnant lady craving thing, this is just the way I am. It didn’t matter if it was for breakfast or lunch. It was egg white, with a slice of cheese on whole wheat bread with spinach or greens on top. I think I ate it every day for a month. (Hmmm, it’s starting to sound good again)

At any rate, when I arrived in Asia, I started craving dumplings and won tons. Now, two months later, I have eaten so many dumplings that I’m finding it hard to think about eating another – ever – in my life.

Over our dumpling lunch (must be dumplings, it is New Year’s Day, after all), hubs and I started discussing Chinese food. While the food here is better than I could have possibly imagined, it is actually getting hard to think about eating Chinese food every day. (I think it is going to take us a long time before we order Chinese food after we move back to the US.)

So why not mix it up? Why not cook some Indian food, or some Italian food?

Well, one of the hardest things, I’m finding, is that it is near impossible for me to find Western ingredients here. There are some shops that sell some odds and ends, but for the most part, when I look through my cookbooks, I can not find all the ingredients needed. Also difficult, I’ve found, is that packaging is different (and in Chinese) – so I never really know what I’m getting.

Then there’s Pungy (the lifesaver), who I often send to the grocery store so I can avoid the crowds, but she often comes back with something totally different than what I asked for. Generally speaking, however, she is excellent at picking out produce, etc.

Anyway, I sent her to Walmart on Friday, with a list of about 14 items. Granted, it was right before the Chinese New Year, so it’s bound to be crazy, but the trip took her an hour and a half and when she got back, she had only found half of the items on the list. And for some things, she did a little improvising. For example, I asked her to buy cream (I was having a friend over for tea and really wanted to make scones), but then she came back with cream cheese. Hmmm, right.

So now I find myself in a hard spot, because while Chinese food is good, inexpensive and plentiful, I am craving thai curry, indian food, French, Italian ... Anything but Chinese ...

Chinese New Year

Last night was Chinese New Year's Eve. The house was sparkling clean (for good luck), the knives and scissors were put away (to keep from cutting the good luck), there were three unopened lilies amid a bouquet of many more (one bloomed today signifying we are bound to have a prosperous year – hurray!), I had frozen dumplings ready to go for New Years day (good luck), and a bowl of oranges (for good luck and wealth).

The fireworks started around 6 p.m. There were massive explosions everywhere. The fireworks lit up the sky, leaving ash and paper on the streets, and the smell of gunpowder lingering in the air. The celebrations continued all night long; the largest display took place at midnight.

I’m finding it difficult to describe what it’s like to have massive fireworks going on outside your window for 6 hours. After about the first hour, it all turned into white noise. But it’s not over, yet.

I believe there will be more fireworks tonight and the “big” fireworks display, which will take place quite close to our apartment, is scheduled for Monday night.

Given the sheer quantity of huge fireworks (being set off in the streets and parking lots nearby), I’m pretty sure that the average Joe can purchase the same fireworks that are used in most professional displays in the US.

And so today was pretty mellow. Most shops and restaurants were closed. There were very few taxis out and about. We spent the day on the couch. Trying to figure out what we are going to do for the rest of the week.

Traditionally, the Chinese spend the entire week with their families. This means that very few places are open. And so, while we have this whole week to ourselves, we are coming up short on what we should do with this time. We were thinking about going to Beijing, but we’re not sure what is open. We were thinking of traveling outside of China, but getting the plane tickets is proving difficult.

Stay tuned...

A Note Of Thanks

To all those parents out there who teach their kids to interact with other children. To parents who teach their children to S-H-A-R-E. I could note why I am thanking parents I don't even know, but in doing so, I would reveal more than I should do. As my mom used to say, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.

Things I just don't "get" about China: Chinese Holidays

The government dictates that the Chinese may have the week following the Chinese New Year off, but they are required to work the Saturday before and the Sunday after. In other words, you exchange two days, that you would have otherwise had off, for five days off in a row. Interesting.

Happy Valentines Day

Happy Valentines Day to all! Love is in the air, couples are everywhere. I'm happy to report that Chase had her act together enough to send out a couple valentines (via Grandma Aiya). I, on the other hand, did not get my act together to make today extra-special for the man I love.

I seriously need a time machine.

Sadly, I can't help thinking about my deceased gran, Mary the Great, who would be celebrating her 99th birthday today, if she was still alive. I miss her. And so, in memory of her on this day, I will tell my favorite granny birthday story (do I remember this properly, mom?).

My mom took my grandmother out to a nice restaurant to celebrate her 98th birthday. My mom made sure to inform the wait staff that it was her birthday, so that they would pay special attention to her. One of the waiters, who had only the best intentions, made a huge deal about her birthday, which, of course, my demure grandmother hated. The wait staff sang happy birthday and then, when everyone in the restaurant was focused on her, the waiter asked her, "so what's your secret to long life?"

My gran coolly replied (with slightly pursed, perfectly painted lips) "minding my own business."

I love you and miss you, Mary the Great!

Chase Update

So what's new with our littlest? Well, for starters, she's not so little anymore.

She's incredibly easy going. She is happy about 99.99999% of the time, laughing and clapping all day long. She loves adventure. Leaving the apartment makes her so happy, it's like she can't wait to see where we're going this time. She has a basic understanding of the word, "no," although she often chooses to forget what it means.

She loves to hide on the right side of our couch. Well, okay, not really hide. She lies on a cushion I set beside the couch, and is totally quiet, until I "find" her, at which point she giggles uncontrollably. It's the cutest thing in the world.

Her favorite toys are still musical instruments. She loves electrical devices. She pounds on laptops (if given the chance), sucks on mobile phones and bangs the remote controls on the table. She doesn't think much about stuffed animals and spends very little time with them. She is an absolute book worm. I have set up little "stations" around the house - and she'll just crawl over to the books, pull them down from where they sit, and page through them. I've caught her thumbing through my Chinese dictionary more than once. To my delight, she does not try to rip out pages anymore.

She also has a little cooking set with stainless steel pots and pans. When I'm cooking in the kitchen, she bangs the pots and pans together. I look forward to being able to cook with her when she gets older.

She is now wearing larger clothes (12-28 mo. depending on brand); her feet are almost 5" long. I can't believe she can fit into PJs that are size 2T. Seriously, she's going to be super tall. Shocker!

Her mandarin is coming along nicely. She loves her tutor. And speaking of languages, I heard about a French school that's located nearby, so I'm going to look into a French tutor for her. How great it would be for her to grow up with three languages - right from the start. It would open so many doors.

She still loves banana, papaya, mango and kiwi. She also likes pasta, grains, pumpkin and spinach. She enjoys yogurt, mixed with Tahini, brewers yeast, wheat germ and grains. She also likes toast with melted cheese (who doesn't?). Pretty soon she'll get to try strawberries, honey and peanut butter (not together, of course). Yummy!

It's pretty amazing watching her grow up. We are so blessed.

Little Lolly

I noticed the other day that I need to start posting more pictures of Chase "Lolly" Allbritton.
Here she is!

Traffic Lady

I love the traffic ladies. They are super slim, leggy and dressed head to toe in leather (think cat woman). I have never seen them actually direct traffic. We have tried several times to get a good picture, but it's difficult when the cab is swerving to avoid oncoming traffic. This is the best picture we've got so far...