Chase was rolling around on the floor yesterday. No particular reason, it seemed. Just couldn't get up. And then she stood up and came over to me. Hung on me. Really hard. I sat down. She cuddled up to me in a way that made me feel as though I was going to be pressed right through the couch.
"What's up?" I asked her.
No response.
"Are you angry?"
A shaking head no.
"Are you sad?"
A shaking head no.
"Are you lonely because you don't have anyone to play with?"
Oh yes! Fierce nodding. And then she said, "but I'm not lonely for friends, Mama. I'm lonely for you!"
Oh, melt my heart and fill me up with guilt. But here's the thing... I'm around all the time. So I'm not exactly sure how to fix the lonely for you thing. She is probably just getting anxious about school. About being away. Or maybe she is just sensing I am feeling sad about it.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
What to do?
We have to make a difficult choice.
Hubs' company has informed us we have less than a year left in Hong Kong (the company needs to cut costs by hiring locally - quite understandable and not a surprise). Having been expatriates for some time, this is not a new or unexpected concept.
And so we find ourselves weighing the benefits of trying to stay here (Lifestyle!! Yah!) with the benefits of moving elsewhere (pretty sure you can't beat this lifestyle anywhere else in the world).
And I find myself on an emotional roller coaster. I love so much about Hong Kong, and our life here, but I am so worried about the air quality. About my children's health. And I can't help but wonder if we moved elsewhere if I would get to see my husband more? Would we be able to keep up Chase's Mandarin? Would Madoc's breathing improve? Would I seriously have to cook and clean again? (I am trying to remember how to do this).
Oh and I do need to start a business, go back to school for my Masters in Communications. And maybe even find a part-time job. Oh and raise two kids. And spend time with my loving (although I think his nose doctor removed part of his brain) husband. Hmmm, not quite sure how to get all this done.
And it's getting late - so I must run... much to do
Hubs' company has informed us we have less than a year left in Hong Kong (the company needs to cut costs by hiring locally - quite understandable and not a surprise). Having been expatriates for some time, this is not a new or unexpected concept.
And so we find ourselves weighing the benefits of trying to stay here (Lifestyle!! Yah!) with the benefits of moving elsewhere (pretty sure you can't beat this lifestyle anywhere else in the world).
And I find myself on an emotional roller coaster. I love so much about Hong Kong, and our life here, but I am so worried about the air quality. About my children's health. And I can't help but wonder if we moved elsewhere if I would get to see my husband more? Would we be able to keep up Chase's Mandarin? Would Madoc's breathing improve? Would I seriously have to cook and clean again? (I am trying to remember how to do this).
Oh and I do need to start a business, go back to school for my Masters in Communications. And maybe even find a part-time job. Oh and raise two kids. And spend time with my loving (although I think his nose doctor removed part of his brain) husband. Hmmm, not quite sure how to get all this done.
And it's getting late - so I must run... much to do
Friday, July 22, 2011
My Seven Links
I was recently nominated by a friend to participate in My Seven Links, designed to unite bloggers and revisit favorite posts.
It sounds like a really nice way to revisit previous posts, but I've been blogging for over 5 years. In that time, we've lived in 5 countries. We've visited at least 13 countries (lost track along the way). Had two kids. Had ups and downs. Health scares. Joys and sorrows. So when I sat down to pick seven posts to fit into someone's proposed categories - I found I couldn't do it. Not the right way, anyway.
So here goes my version.
Your most beautiful post:
OBVIOUSLY the exact minute my daughters took their first breath of air. But I'm not going to post that. So instead, I chose this post, which I think is the most beautiful - my eldest daughter holding her new sister on the day she was born.
Your most popular post:
I really have no idea. I know people read my blog, but no one ever comments on it. One friend told me the posts seem "too personal" and commenting doesn't seem right.
Your most controversial post:
I don't write controversial posts. Or at least I don't set out to write them. Probably the hardest post I've written in a long time was the one just before this - about the pressure kids are under in Hong Kong. It was hard because I didn't want to offend my Chinese friends (because I really really get the pressure their kids are under) and most of my Western friends have a completely different approach (more play, less classes).
My most helpful post:
This would be easy if I was writing a self-help blog. But I'm not. And my posts aren't exactly designed to help other people do anything. They are to help document my children's lives, so they have something to treasure and maybe, just maybe will be able to hear my voice when I am long gone. And so I guess I would say my Flowers post is most helpful - should anyone want to study flowers with their children, this might be a good starting point.
A post whose success surprised you:
This might sound funny, but I guess that I am most surprised that people read my blog. People who I haven't seen in years and years. I don't have many comments on my entries, so judging a blog post's success is too hard to do. So instead, I have to say my blog has most surprised me. Because it gave me an outlet where I could express my feelings about transitioning from full-time career woman to full-time mom. It gave me a way to express my feelings when I was feeling isolated and missing home after moving to a new country. It gave me a place to share things I've seen and things I've learned, and keep track of friends and family along the way.
A post you feel didn’t get the attention it deserved:
I'm not even sure what to say about this one.
The post that you are most proud of.... Only because I somehow managed to keep my cool.
http://thechaseison.blogspot.com/2011/03/oh-drama.html
My blog nominations:
It sounds like a really nice way to revisit previous posts, but I've been blogging for over 5 years. In that time, we've lived in 5 countries. We've visited at least 13 countries (lost track along the way). Had two kids. Had ups and downs. Health scares. Joys and sorrows. So when I sat down to pick seven posts to fit into someone's proposed categories - I found I couldn't do it. Not the right way, anyway.
So here goes my version.
Your most beautiful post:
OBVIOUSLY the exact minute my daughters took their first breath of air. But I'm not going to post that. So instead, I chose this post, which I think is the most beautiful - my eldest daughter holding her new sister on the day she was born.
http://thechaseison.blogspot.com/2008/12/big-sister.html
Your most popular post:
I really have no idea. I know people read my blog, but no one ever comments on it. One friend told me the posts seem "too personal" and commenting doesn't seem right.
Your most controversial post:
I don't write controversial posts. Or at least I don't set out to write them. Probably the hardest post I've written in a long time was the one just before this - about the pressure kids are under in Hong Kong. It was hard because I didn't want to offend my Chinese friends (because I really really get the pressure their kids are under) and most of my Western friends have a completely different approach (more play, less classes).
My most helpful post:
This would be easy if I was writing a self-help blog. But I'm not. And my posts aren't exactly designed to help other people do anything. They are to help document my children's lives, so they have something to treasure and maybe, just maybe will be able to hear my voice when I am long gone. And so I guess I would say my Flowers post is most helpful - should anyone want to study flowers with their children, this might be a good starting point.
http://thechaseison.blogspot.com/2011/05/flowers.html
A post whose success surprised you:
This might sound funny, but I guess that I am most surprised that people read my blog. People who I haven't seen in years and years. I don't have many comments on my entries, so judging a blog post's success is too hard to do. So instead, I have to say my blog has most surprised me. Because it gave me an outlet where I could express my feelings about transitioning from full-time career woman to full-time mom. It gave me a way to express my feelings when I was feeling isolated and missing home after moving to a new country. It gave me a place to share things I've seen and things I've learned, and keep track of friends and family along the way.
A post you feel didn’t get the attention it deserved:
I'm not even sure what to say about this one.
The post that you are most proud of.... Only because I somehow managed to keep my cool.
http://thechaseison.blogspot.com/2011/03/oh-drama.html
My blog nominations:
http://babygalvin.blogspot.com/
http://brennemans.blogspot.com/
http://cowboy-and-indian.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-namaste-india.html
Thursday, July 21, 2011
I fear for the children
I met a little Chinese boy at Chase's tennis class. He is adorable. Funny. Loads of energy. And Chase adores him - and even better, he adores her! They laugh through the entire class. Turns out they are born the same week. No wonder.
So I started talking to his helper (I have no idea who his parents are...) I asked her about his schedule (one of my favorite subjects with Chinese parents). She rambled off his class list - school, drumming, art, tennis (they actually commute an hour each way to this class), etc... I asked her if he could do math - oh yes, she said. Could he read? Oh yes. When does he see friends? Did he have any availability for a play date? Oh no. He has classes all day, every day.
One thing I love about Hong Kong? I think they really GET that children are incredibly capable. Capable of learning all kinds of things if given the opportunity. The fact I can find a tennis class, ballet class, Mandarin class and soccer class for my 2-year-old is proof enough. I know my friends and most family members think I have lost my mind, but my mom, who is an educator (and I think doubtful of what I was doing to my children) left Hong Kong with a firm understanding of how people really GET children here - their potential, and how conditioning kids early can really create a mind-set and capabilities for the future.
The problem, of course, is when it's taken too far. The pressure the local kids are under is unreal. At the same tennis class, I met a mom from South Africa, who told me her kids who went to an American-style school, were given 2-hours of homework a night (ages 5 and 11), and that parents were pushing kids to do more. That her 11-year-old's friend was learning four languages and 3 instruments (how?). I asked her how could this be? And she told me that competition in HK is so fierce, there is no other option - you have to do your best to outshine the others (which is hard when everyone is pushing their kids to the absolute limits). But I understand it. Apparently it is near impossible for kids to actually land a spot at University.
And so, while I think pushing kids this hard is wrong, I find myself surprised and delighted that my kids have access to so many kinds of classes. They can be taught to copy a masterpiece at age 5. It's crazy. And yes, I think it's wrong that kids, especially local kids, are under so much pressure. It will surely wreck a child if a parent pushes too hard - but what other choice do parents here have? No other choice. They are not going to get a space for their child at university because their child is good at playing. Or socializing. So I guess what I'm saying is that I get it. I'm in awe of it. But I worry for the children. For the next generation.
And I worry for America. Kids are very, very good at socializing. Or at least they were, until TV and video games and fast food came along. The kids here are too busy to eat crap and watch TV. Well, they may eat crap, I don't know, but they aren't just hangin out in front of the TV. They are too busy learning 13 languages.
So I started talking to his helper (I have no idea who his parents are...) I asked her about his schedule (one of my favorite subjects with Chinese parents). She rambled off his class list - school, drumming, art, tennis (they actually commute an hour each way to this class), etc... I asked her if he could do math - oh yes, she said. Could he read? Oh yes. When does he see friends? Did he have any availability for a play date? Oh no. He has classes all day, every day.
One thing I love about Hong Kong? I think they really GET that children are incredibly capable. Capable of learning all kinds of things if given the opportunity. The fact I can find a tennis class, ballet class, Mandarin class and soccer class for my 2-year-old is proof enough. I know my friends and most family members think I have lost my mind, but my mom, who is an educator (and I think doubtful of what I was doing to my children) left Hong Kong with a firm understanding of how people really GET children here - their potential, and how conditioning kids early can really create a mind-set and capabilities for the future.
The problem, of course, is when it's taken too far. The pressure the local kids are under is unreal. At the same tennis class, I met a mom from South Africa, who told me her kids who went to an American-style school, were given 2-hours of homework a night (ages 5 and 11), and that parents were pushing kids to do more. That her 11-year-old's friend was learning four languages and 3 instruments (how?). I asked her how could this be? And she told me that competition in HK is so fierce, there is no other option - you have to do your best to outshine the others (which is hard when everyone is pushing their kids to the absolute limits). But I understand it. Apparently it is near impossible for kids to actually land a spot at University.
And so, while I think pushing kids this hard is wrong, I find myself surprised and delighted that my kids have access to so many kinds of classes. They can be taught to copy a masterpiece at age 5. It's crazy. And yes, I think it's wrong that kids, especially local kids, are under so much pressure. It will surely wreck a child if a parent pushes too hard - but what other choice do parents here have? No other choice. They are not going to get a space for their child at university because their child is good at playing. Or socializing. So I guess what I'm saying is that I get it. I'm in awe of it. But I worry for the children. For the next generation.
And I worry for America. Kids are very, very good at socializing. Or at least they were, until TV and video games and fast food came along. The kids here are too busy to eat crap and watch TV. Well, they may eat crap, I don't know, but they aren't just hangin out in front of the TV. They are too busy learning 13 languages.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Brainiac Strikes Back
So I just had this amazing idea (as I started stressing over the whole concept of having to make my children lunch and snacks for school). And because you're reading this, I will share it with you.
I am going to make a menu plan for one month. Different food each day. At the end of the month, you just start over from the beginning. Which means your child only eats the same meal once every month (long enough for them to forget they didn't like it). You see, I really am a genius.
If Chase/Mads feel very strongly they don't like it, I will just cross it out and add another in. It's brilliant I tell you. Brilliant.
I am going to make a menu plan for one month. Different food each day. At the end of the month, you just start over from the beginning. Which means your child only eats the same meal once every month (long enough for them to forget they didn't like it). You see, I really am a genius.
If Chase/Mads feel very strongly they don't like it, I will just cross it out and add another in. It's brilliant I tell you. Brilliant.
Summer in Hong Kong
Summer is Hong Kong is hot. Sticky. Rainy. Quiet. And filled with bugs.
This evening, our helper opened the kitchen door and in seconds, our kitchen was filled with giant mosquitoes. Really fast ones, too - and I have to believe that if they are fast, they are also hungry.
A shame, really, because I'd love to tell the girls "go outside and play." Which would be the same as saying "go jump in that pond of Piranhas, they won't hurt you, see they're friendly, they're smiling...."
This Summer - time for that matter - seems to be speeding up for me. Already we are nearly through July. How did that happen? So here are the updates...
- Chase -
Chasie-Boo has been in charge of learning how to read, write - as well as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Shhhh, don't tell her, but she is going to be WAY smarter than me next year. I actually do very little, except answer occasional questions and throw worksheets in her direction when she is looking bored. She is also doing extremely well in Mandarin. I looked at her vocabulary list and thought "how did she get this far already?" Darn, I have a lot of catch-up!
As for sports, Chase loves her swimming, tennis and gymnastics. Today she told me tennis was her favorite and that she was sad other kids could hit the ball and she couldn't, so I told her we would practice every day this week and she would be better by next week. (fingers crossed!)
Overall Chase is such an eager and inquisitive girl she is an absolute pleasure to spend every waking moment with... that is, of course, until she turns into a limp noodle on the floor and complains when there is nothing to do. I am finding that she can be an absolute clown in front of her peers, she loves to make her friends laugh.
She also misses Denver. At least the idea of Denver. Terribly. With small, heaving sobs, she'll tell me she misses her friends, her school. I keep telling her we will try to find a way to go back, and then explain how every time we go back to America we need to visit our family (conveniently located on three different Coasts) and how that doesn't leave much time to visit other areas. But she is insistent. She needs to go back to Denver.
She is so sweet, so sensitive, so lovely. Oh my Chase girl, I love you so!!!
- Mads -
Oh Madsie-Loo, where do I start? Such a big girl. No more diapers. Hasn't worn one in a long time. Doesn't wear them to bed. How did you grow up so fast?
Now we're working on bedtime. On how to put yourself to sleep, instead of having your mom cuddled next to you. Talking her into it, night after night - no really Mads, you can do it! Not quite there yet - will have to introduce the bed time fairy soon if things don't change.
Mads is taking Mandarin, Soccer, Tennis and Ballet. Her Mandarin is great. She's a pro at soccer. She's a natural at tennis and she loves, loves loves to twirl in ballet. Being a little sister can be hard work, but I have to say it does amazing things when it comes to skill development. All that time trying to keep up with Chase has paid off.
Mads is also learning how to "be sad," how to get her way, how to make other people laugh, and how to get through the day without a nap. Just the other day, she was really sad about something (I don't recall) and she went and sat by herself, with her head low between her shoulders. I went over to comfort her and she turned around and put her head in between her arms. (SO SAD). So I started blowing raspberries on her back. And she started giggling. And that was that.... but it was work to turn her around.
And of course, if her big sister does or says anything... anything at all... Mads will, for the most part, agree. And throw a fuss on her big sister's behalf.
The girls play together quite well. For about 15 minutes. And then I've got to change it up to keep them from squabbling, which usually ends up with Chase putting her head on Mads (like our dog, Taggart, used to do to her), and Madoc will just make a little fist (no idea where she learned this) and whack her big sister. You get the picture. So it's all about running them until they drop. Until they are too tired to fight each other. Until they happily fall into bed at the end of a very busy day.
This evening, our helper opened the kitchen door and in seconds, our kitchen was filled with giant mosquitoes. Really fast ones, too - and I have to believe that if they are fast, they are also hungry.
A shame, really, because I'd love to tell the girls "go outside and play." Which would be the same as saying "go jump in that pond of Piranhas, they won't hurt you, see they're friendly, they're smiling...."
This Summer - time for that matter - seems to be speeding up for me. Already we are nearly through July. How did that happen? So here are the updates...
- Chase -
Chasie-Boo has been in charge of learning how to read, write - as well as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Shhhh, don't tell her, but she is going to be WAY smarter than me next year. I actually do very little, except answer occasional questions and throw worksheets in her direction when she is looking bored. She is also doing extremely well in Mandarin. I looked at her vocabulary list and thought "how did she get this far already?" Darn, I have a lot of catch-up!
As for sports, Chase loves her swimming, tennis and gymnastics. Today she told me tennis was her favorite and that she was sad other kids could hit the ball and she couldn't, so I told her we would practice every day this week and she would be better by next week. (fingers crossed!)
Overall Chase is such an eager and inquisitive girl she is an absolute pleasure to spend every waking moment with... that is, of course, until she turns into a limp noodle on the floor and complains when there is nothing to do. I am finding that she can be an absolute clown in front of her peers, she loves to make her friends laugh.
She also misses Denver. At least the idea of Denver. Terribly. With small, heaving sobs, she'll tell me she misses her friends, her school. I keep telling her we will try to find a way to go back, and then explain how every time we go back to America we need to visit our family (conveniently located on three different Coasts) and how that doesn't leave much time to visit other areas. But she is insistent. She needs to go back to Denver.
She is so sweet, so sensitive, so lovely. Oh my Chase girl, I love you so!!!
- Mads -
Oh Madsie-Loo, where do I start? Such a big girl. No more diapers. Hasn't worn one in a long time. Doesn't wear them to bed. How did you grow up so fast?
Now we're working on bedtime. On how to put yourself to sleep, instead of having your mom cuddled next to you. Talking her into it, night after night - no really Mads, you can do it! Not quite there yet - will have to introduce the bed time fairy soon if things don't change.
Mads is taking Mandarin, Soccer, Tennis and Ballet. Her Mandarin is great. She's a pro at soccer. She's a natural at tennis and she loves, loves loves to twirl in ballet. Being a little sister can be hard work, but I have to say it does amazing things when it comes to skill development. All that time trying to keep up with Chase has paid off.
Mads is also learning how to "be sad," how to get her way, how to make other people laugh, and how to get through the day without a nap. Just the other day, she was really sad about something (I don't recall) and she went and sat by herself, with her head low between her shoulders. I went over to comfort her and she turned around and put her head in between her arms. (SO SAD). So I started blowing raspberries on her back. And she started giggling. And that was that.... but it was work to turn her around.
And of course, if her big sister does or says anything... anything at all... Mads will, for the most part, agree. And throw a fuss on her big sister's behalf.
The girls play together quite well. For about 15 minutes. And then I've got to change it up to keep them from squabbling, which usually ends up with Chase putting her head on Mads (like our dog, Taggart, used to do to her), and Madoc will just make a little fist (no idea where she learned this) and whack her big sister. You get the picture. So it's all about running them until they drop. Until they are too tired to fight each other. Until they happily fall into bed at the end of a very busy day.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Space
We kicked off our week of studying Space by watching the last US space shuttle launch with Chase. Hubs and I watched it live and were torn as to if we should wake her. In the end, we decided to let her sleep and let her see it in the morning. Here it is for those who missed it, or want to see it again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPkJ8ugK3_0
For those who are too young (my children) and those reading this who are not Americans, the last launch of the space shuttle was extremely significant. It marks the end of a 30-year space program. It was one of those moments we will always remember; one of those moments our kids will read about in history books and say "Yah, what-evah" as they grab the car keys to head out with friends - just another thing that happened in "the old days," you know... 2011.
I kept telling Hubs there was "no way" this was the last shuttle America was going to send into space. He kept telling "THIS IS THE LAST ONE!"
Chase was keen to make a pop-up space shuttle, so I gave it a go. Here she is working hard on it.
Mads wanted one, too. No comments, please.
We talked about outer space. About the Sun, how it casts light and warmth on Earth.
We talked about how the moon revolves around the Earth.
And about how Earth fits into the larger solar system.
We built a space center (back by popular demand).
And made Chase and Mads rockets (again!).
We also went to the Museum of Science. And, for the first time, the massive ball drop was working! There was a funnel section, that we managed to tie back to how the planets orbit around the Sun.
We also came across this fun exhibit that has nothing to do with Space. Little digital butterflies flutter about and land on the shadow of your child (if they stand still).
And we checked out the section on satellites. Hubs did a great job of explaining it to the girls.
And we found a giant Earth! (how great!)
I also made cinnamon rolls this week, from Jessica Seinfeld's book, but they turned out pretty funky, so Chase dubbed them "moon rocks." And Chase named her tuna noodles "moon crumble." HILARIOUS.
Next week Chase wants to take a closer look at castles ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPkJ8ugK3_0
For those who are too young (my children) and those reading this who are not Americans, the last launch of the space shuttle was extremely significant. It marks the end of a 30-year space program. It was one of those moments we will always remember; one of those moments our kids will read about in history books and say "Yah, what-evah" as they grab the car keys to head out with friends - just another thing that happened in "the old days," you know... 2011.
I kept telling Hubs there was "no way" this was the last shuttle America was going to send into space. He kept telling "THIS IS THE LAST ONE!"
Chase was keen to make a pop-up space shuttle, so I gave it a go. Here she is working hard on it.
Mads wanted one, too. No comments, please.
We talked about outer space. About the Sun, how it casts light and warmth on Earth.
We talked about how the moon revolves around the Earth.
And about how Earth fits into the larger solar system.
We built a space center (back by popular demand).
And made Chase and Mads rockets (again!).
We also went to the Museum of Science. And, for the first time, the massive ball drop was working! There was a funnel section, that we managed to tie back to how the planets orbit around the Sun.
We also came across this fun exhibit that has nothing to do with Space. Little digital butterflies flutter about and land on the shadow of your child (if they stand still).
And we checked out the section on satellites. Hubs did a great job of explaining it to the girls.
And we found a giant Earth! (how great!)
I also made cinnamon rolls this week, from Jessica Seinfeld's book, but they turned out pretty funky, so Chase dubbed them "moon rocks." And Chase named her tuna noodles "moon crumble." HILARIOUS.
Next week Chase wants to take a closer look at castles ...
Saturday, July 09, 2011
Tennis
Madoc started tennis and ballet this week!
Super cute! Here she is, age 2.5 on the tennis court!
I know some of my family and friends think I'm crazy - how can a 2.5 year old play tennis? I was skeptical, but there is a little boy the same age, who can nail the ball every time.
Super cute! Here she is, age 2.5 on the tennis court!
I know some of my family and friends think I'm crazy - how can a 2.5 year old play tennis? I was skeptical, but there is a little boy the same age, who can nail the ball every time.
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Saturday, July 02, 2011
Fish fins
Our Chinese host brings his own fish to restaurants, breaks the fin, puts half in his pocket, so he knows he is being served his fish.
Madoc consumed copious amounts of fish yesterday. Clams. Squid. She could not get enough!
Chase on the other hand, had one bite of fish and some noodles.
Madoc consumed copious amounts of fish yesterday. Clams. Squid. She could not get enough!
Chase on the other hand, had one bite of fish and some noodles.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Hanoi
With so many interesting places to visit in Asia, it has been really hard to decide where to go. Especially with two darling girls. Most folks take beach holidays, because they are easy and relaxing, but we decided to go to Hanoi, Vietnam. Definitely not easy or relaxing.
I had been warned about the traffic. About how we were taking our lives into our own hands. About how I could not let go of the girls, not even for a second. And how one should wait to go after the rainy season. And definitely not while a Typhoon was there...
But somehow we managed it and I must say it was one of the best family holidays we've taken!
I do feel I need to add that one thing that really made this holiday hassle-free was the fact we hired a driver (which allowed us to cover a lot of ground, see a lot of sights and stay dry).
I must also say that we really did not allow enough time - as we only had a long weekend. Had we been able to spend more time there, I would have taken the girls to Sapa (overnight train to hill tribe and terraced rice fields) and Ha Long Bay (for a night on a junk). My mom managed to get out into the country for an afternoon, but the girls at that point were totally over stimulated, so we lounged by the pool.
Ready, steady .... go!
At the airport ...
All checked in ... Go dogs, go!
First stop ... The Temple of Literature. Founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong and dedicated to Confucius. Interesting place! They even have seats carved into stone that look like you are riding a turtle - but you only get to sit there if you have earned a doctorate there.
It didn't take long before people were lining up to pose with Chase.
I carried Mads just about everywhere ...
I had been told the food in Hanoi was great. What an understatement! A born foodie, it was heaven on Earth for me. Gorgeous fresh french bread and pastries. Loads of fresh herbs (combos of dill and lemon basil), savory clear broth, succulent duck cooked to perfection. Ice cream that tasted so good that after one bite, it was all Mads could think about for the rest of the trip.
But I think we all agreed that the best restaurant we found was Green Tangerine. Words can not describe ... all I can say is if I lived in Hanoi, I would eat everything on this menu 50 times. And then I would ask the chef every day to teach me how to cook. Every day. Until I wore him down. Until he finally gave in.
Seriously, why don't all kids meals look like this? Mads had the seared sea bass with lemon cream sauce and a side of veg.
Chase had the chicken cordon bleu ...
Tortoise tower in Hoan Kiem Lake...
Scenes from old town ...
St. Joseph's Cathedral (built in 1886), which was completed shortly after the Treaty of Tientsen, which gave France control over the whole of Vietnam.
Hao Lo Prison (aka Hanoi Hilton), is where US POWs were incarcerated for 6 years during the Vietnam war. By 1953 they were holding 2000 prisoners in a space designed for 500. I would not recommend bringing children here.
Hubs and mom also went to the Vietnam War Museum.
On a lighter note, we also took the girls to see the Water Puppet Show. Front row seats! Fabulous.
The woman in green is playing a traditional instrument - I don't recall what it's called, but I loved the story about it. Apparently women were not allowed to play it or listen to it for the longest time, because it was feared that they would fall in love with the man playing the instrument.
Really fun to watch. Only problem was there was water falling from the AC unit in the ceiling directly above me the entire time. It was like water torture; I tried my best to ignore it.
More street scenes ...
Babes on bikes...
We also crossed the red bridge to the temple at the center of the lake. At the temple, the girls had so much attention it was overwhelming ...
love this picture of Chase ...
We practiced a little gymnastics ...
Just chillin ...
We drove by this lovely temple a couple times before we told the driver to pull over. It was beautiful inside. We never did find out the name ...
Inside the temple...
I think this was the opera house...
More love for Chase and Mads...
Ministry of Foreign Affairs ...
Ho Chi Min Mausoleum. He's in there. We didn't go in as the girls were too tired and our own interest level wasn't too high. It was impressive looking as we drove by ...
One Pillar Pagoda was originally built in 1049 by Emperor Ly Thai Tong. It has been rebuilt many times - the last time was in 1955 after the French destroyed it. The Emperor built it after having a vision of a goddess holding a son - and so his trusty adviser told him to build the Pagoda and then his wife would have a son.
Hmmm, another gorgeous and official-looking building that I never did get the name of...
Swan boats were available for hire. Paddle them as far out as you like, just make sure you have enough energy to bring them back. If we had more time and more predictable weather, I would have taken the girls out.
More information on this temple to come...
A picture of Chase posing with one of the many children who wanted to take pictures with her...
Ah, sister love...
And then we decided to go to Fanny, for ice cream. They had an amazing menu. Adult options included vanilla ice cream shake with chilies and vodka. They had ice cream creations the kids loved. Both ordered a "Pinocchio."
Hubs ordered a banana split.
Mom ordered something delicious...
So happy ...
On the way to the airport, we drove by rice paddys where we were able to see them being harvested ...
Here is a shot of our driver...
Goodbye, Hanoi!
I had been warned about the traffic. About how we were taking our lives into our own hands. About how I could not let go of the girls, not even for a second. And how one should wait to go after the rainy season. And definitely not while a Typhoon was there...
But somehow we managed it and I must say it was one of the best family holidays we've taken!
I do feel I need to add that one thing that really made this holiday hassle-free was the fact we hired a driver (which allowed us to cover a lot of ground, see a lot of sights and stay dry).
I must also say that we really did not allow enough time - as we only had a long weekend. Had we been able to spend more time there, I would have taken the girls to Sapa (overnight train to hill tribe and terraced rice fields) and Ha Long Bay (for a night on a junk). My mom managed to get out into the country for an afternoon, but the girls at that point were totally over stimulated, so we lounged by the pool.
Ready, steady .... go!
At the airport ...
All checked in ... Go dogs, go!
First stop ... The Temple of Literature. Founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong and dedicated to Confucius. Interesting place! They even have seats carved into stone that look like you are riding a turtle - but you only get to sit there if you have earned a doctorate there.
It didn't take long before people were lining up to pose with Chase.
I carried Mads just about everywhere ...
I had been told the food in Hanoi was great. What an understatement! A born foodie, it was heaven on Earth for me. Gorgeous fresh french bread and pastries. Loads of fresh herbs (combos of dill and lemon basil), savory clear broth, succulent duck cooked to perfection. Ice cream that tasted so good that after one bite, it was all Mads could think about for the rest of the trip.
But I think we all agreed that the best restaurant we found was Green Tangerine. Words can not describe ... all I can say is if I lived in Hanoi, I would eat everything on this menu 50 times. And then I would ask the chef every day to teach me how to cook. Every day. Until I wore him down. Until he finally gave in.
Seriously, why don't all kids meals look like this? Mads had the seared sea bass with lemon cream sauce and a side of veg.
Chase had the chicken cordon bleu ...
Tortoise tower in Hoan Kiem Lake...
Scenes from old town ...
St. Joseph's Cathedral (built in 1886), which was completed shortly after the Treaty of Tientsen, which gave France control over the whole of Vietnam.
Hao Lo Prison (aka Hanoi Hilton), is where US POWs were incarcerated for 6 years during the Vietnam war. By 1953 they were holding 2000 prisoners in a space designed for 500. I would not recommend bringing children here.
Hubs and mom also went to the Vietnam War Museum.
On a lighter note, we also took the girls to see the Water Puppet Show. Front row seats! Fabulous.
The woman in green is playing a traditional instrument - I don't recall what it's called, but I loved the story about it. Apparently women were not allowed to play it or listen to it for the longest time, because it was feared that they would fall in love with the man playing the instrument.
Really fun to watch. Only problem was there was water falling from the AC unit in the ceiling directly above me the entire time. It was like water torture; I tried my best to ignore it.
More street scenes ...
Babes on bikes...
We also crossed the red bridge to the temple at the center of the lake. At the temple, the girls had so much attention it was overwhelming ...
love this picture of Chase ...
We practiced a little gymnastics ...
Just chillin ...
We drove by this lovely temple a couple times before we told the driver to pull over. It was beautiful inside. We never did find out the name ...
Inside the temple...
I think this was the opera house...
More love for Chase and Mads...
Ministry of Foreign Affairs ...
Ho Chi Min Mausoleum. He's in there. We didn't go in as the girls were too tired and our own interest level wasn't too high. It was impressive looking as we drove by ...
One Pillar Pagoda was originally built in 1049 by Emperor Ly Thai Tong. It has been rebuilt many times - the last time was in 1955 after the French destroyed it. The Emperor built it after having a vision of a goddess holding a son - and so his trusty adviser told him to build the Pagoda and then his wife would have a son.
Hmmm, another gorgeous and official-looking building that I never did get the name of...
Swan boats were available for hire. Paddle them as far out as you like, just make sure you have enough energy to bring them back. If we had more time and more predictable weather, I would have taken the girls out.
More information on this temple to come...
A picture of Chase posing with one of the many children who wanted to take pictures with her...
Ah, sister love...
And then we decided to go to Fanny, for ice cream. They had an amazing menu. Adult options included vanilla ice cream shake with chilies and vodka. They had ice cream creations the kids loved. Both ordered a "Pinocchio."
Hubs ordered a banana split.
Mom ordered something delicious...
So happy ...
On the way to the airport, we drove by rice paddys where we were able to see them being harvested ...
Here is a shot of our driver...
Goodbye, Hanoi!
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