Three to Get Ready?

Then why aren't I?

 

We went to meet with a factory for work today, which was a 2 1/2 hour car ride each way. The meeting went well; all of our excitement about our company was renewed and intensified. The drive, however, gave me a lot of time to think. And I realized, I'm not nearly as ready to go as I thought I was.

 

In all my excitement to go home I forgot that I would actually be leaving. It didn't hit me until today that I won't be here tomorrow. And I don't know when I'll be back again.

 

It's been so fun to be able to see China and experience some of the culture. I love seeing new things and visiting new places. But neat as it may be, it's just a place. We often say of new places "It's like a whole other world", which often times seems true. But in gazing out the car window at the passing green hills and distant mountains, I realized that it is indeed the same world. Maybe a different face, a different side, but the same world. The hills are covered in trees as opposed to dirt, and the mountains are drenched in green instead of snow; but they are still hills and they are still mountains. It's crazy; when I was home I thought of China as this distant, far-away land. Foreign and untouchable. Now that I'm here, it's China, another country with people living and learning; just like anywhere else. Wherever I go, there are people living and learning, each on their face of the world.

 

I realized that what makes leaving hard is the people I meet. I can leave a country with a wonderful experience, having seen world wonders and modern marvels. I'm not saying I don't miss the places I've been, each holds a special part of my heart. But the people... the family, Sylvie, Hannah, Grace, Jenny... They are the ones that make it difficult to leave. People become intertwined in your life in a way I feel that a place alone cannot. You come to know them and their stories; and to care about what happens in each. Once that happens, I think it eliminates the possibility of ever really being "ready" to leave.

 

To think that I'll be gone and miss the day to day trials and triumphs that shape their lives... it's a little disheartening. I'm going to miss them terribly. (By the way, that is a very strange expression). It was an amazing night to end on, though. With me and Denise talking and laughing in the kitchen like schoolgirls, having a mosquito massacre party with all of us (including Izzy and Josie) in the girls' room, finally getting some last minute pictures, and Josie and McKenna hanging out in my room until they couldn't even force themselves to stay awake. I couldn't have asked for anything more. (Except, maybe one more day).

 

I've come to love this family with my whole heart. They truly have become part of me. So I guess you could say I really did find myself in China...

And Then There Was One...

...One day to go, that is. It will go by fast though, considering we'll be visiting two factories and not sitting working in the living room. (Which is pretty much all my day consisted of today). Though, I'm not particularly looking forward to it. Simply because the factories are 3 hours away. That totals 6 hours in the car, before my 33 hours straight of travelling on Saturday. Here's a quick run-down of my itinerary:

 

Leave Ningbo at 4:30am Saturday for Shanghai. At 10am my 3 hour flight to Tokyo departs. {3 hour time change} Arrive in Tokyo at 2:15pm. Depart at 5:10pm. Ten hour flight from Tokyo to LA. {11 hour time change}. Arrive in LA Saturday at 11am. (Yes, supposedly only an hour after I left China). Meet the parentals for lunch. 5pm-ish California time flight departs for Utah. Arrive in Salt Lake at 8:25pm. {1 hour time change}. After luggage and jazz, it puts me in Provo around 10pm on Saturday.

 

What is technically twelve hours somehow magically morphs into 33. Oh the joys of international travel. I tell you what, my body is going to be screwed up something fierce. I'm gonna have one stellar case of jet-lag!

 

 

The Night Life

Got out a lot again today! It's making for a great last week here!

 

Hanna and Sylvie called and invited me to join them for some Peking Duck, a traditional Chinese must! I caught a taxi there, only to find them sitting on the stairs of a gutted restaurant. No Peking duck for us, unfortunately. We wandered around Gu Lou (I finally learned how to spell it!) waiting for Nick, Sylvie's boyfriend. For the second time today, actually, as I'd gone real quick earlier. We finally settled on a restaurant in Gu Lou they've been to before and loved.

 

On entering the restaurant we ran into two people that Sylvie knows. How these things happen, I'll never know. We'd always run into people from our group in Europe too. In London me and a friend were sitting waiting for Les Mis to start and looked down our row only to find people from our group that we hadn't talked to since leaving Paris the previous day. In all of London, to have bought tickets to the same show, on the same row. It was crazy! Anyway, I digress...

 

Dinner was quite an assortment of characters... two Australians, two Americans (Nick), a German and her Chinese husband, and later joined by another American and Chinese. Dinner was fantastic though; sweet and sour chicken in a pineapple, more of the heavenly green bean vegetable dish, dumplings, slivered potatoes, noodles, spicy salad.... mmmmm! Dinner was amazingly cheap too. More than enough food for 6 people, only 139 (roughly 20 bucks). Gotta love China! 

 

We sat around socializing for the longest time, which was a ton of fun. Me and Sylvie are really regretting not getting together sooner though. We agreed we should have started hanging out when I first got here! I'm really glad I've gotten to know her before leaving though. Hannah too; they've both just been stellar, taking me out and all. The Internet makes our world that much smaller though. After dinner I politely decided to retire, as they were heading to a bar. I figured a 3 hour meal was enough for me, despite how appealing going to a bar sounded. (Sarcasm, anyone?) Besides, I didn't have a key, and I didn't want to be inconsiderate to the fam.

 

I finally caught a taxi after some guy snatched my first one while I was saying goodbye to Sylvie and Hannah. So rude. I was only standing right next to it! I made it home again, all on my own! Some may say I didn't really experience what China's night life may have to offer, but it was wonderful and just the right night life for me!

VICTORIOUS!

I just had to record my victory!

 

The past 2 hours I've been battling with a mosquito in my room. Each time I thought I'd smashed him, his little mosquito body was no where to be found. I snuck up on him 3 different times to no avail, he kept escaping me! Well, I finally got the better of him. (Though it was a close one... it took two attempts).

 

This may seem trivial, but we've had quite the battle against the little blood suckers this weekend. (I think I mentioned about building a fort for McKenna and having Bri sleep on my floor.) My room tends to stay free of the little buggers because it keep it so cold and always have my door closed. I saw one tonight, however, which was unacceptable. I have a zero tolerance policy. I have two bites too many already. (I'm lucky though, the girls have min of 20 each, no joke). The grossest part is when you smash them and it leaves a blood stain... most likely your very own AB+. Ew. 

 

Anyway, just had to let you know I've conquered the little beast. Yes, I can now sleep easy. Thank you for your concern! I shall leave you with with an old favored camp song...

 

Oh I wish I were a little mo-squi-to (MOSQUITO!)

Oh I wish I were a little mo-squi-to (MOSQUITO!)

Oh I'd nippy and I'd bitey

Under everybody's nitey

Oh I wish I were a little mo-squi-to (MOSQUITO!)

 

Night y'all!

One for the money, two for the show, three to get ready...

And day four I go!

 

It's the weirdest thing to think about; that I only have three days left. It just doesn't feel like I'm leaving. I've been looking forward to home, yet there's no body clock countdown... you know that internal timer that makes your heart start beating faster when you get close to "time's up!" It probably won't hit me until until I'm on the plane. I think it's because my excitement comes from being home, not from leaving here, if that makes sense.

 

Another good day to add to my last week, though! I went with Hannah (Sylvie's friend) to Tienyige this morning. That's the old library I went to with the fam a couple weeks ago. I know I'd already been, but I really wanted to get out of the house and see more of China before I leave. It was great being out and about! We grabbed a cab and made it there for 13 Yuan (about $2). We walked around the library, and I enjoyed the beautiful gardens all over again.

 

After the library, we headed off to see Moon lake. It took a little wandering, but we got there without trouble. (For those of you who don't know, my normally horrible sense of direction becomes compass-like in foreign countries. I don't know why). It was really neat actually, we found our way not by main roads, but by wandering through an almost inner-city village. I can hardly describe it. Narrow streets with tiny living quarters, no real floors, no paned windows, and roofs that looked like they were hundreds of years old. Tattered apartment like buildings with the laundry hanging out all the barred windows. Chinese characters on little store fronts on the street with random assortments of who-knows-what. Yet despite how horrible it all sounds, it wasn't. It was quaint. It's a truly humble life that these people live, and that somehow erases any unfavorable perspective. The hole in the wall (size-wise) food places that are probably too dirty to even stand in, really don't seem that dirty or unsanitary. That's just how it is. It the hardest thing to explain...

 

Moon lake was super pretty, more of a "city" feel though as it is back out in the open area out of the area we had walked through to find it. We walked the whole way around it, stopping here and there to wander through a side garden or take a picture of a beautiful view. We saw people playing Chinese chess at stone tables that have the playing boards etched in. There was an old man doing Tai Chi and plenty of people just kind of lazing around. We had plenty of people trying to talk to us; they are somehow able to carry on conversations despite the fact that we speak no Chinese. The old Chinese are the best though. I have no idea what they are saying, but you can tell they just have so much character.

 

We bought some Chinese breads and rolls for lunch, which were really good. (Not to mention super cheap... 2-5 Quai, or 30-60 cents) Can't get better than that! We decided to call it a day after 3 hours of exploring and sweating. And i was able to tell the taxi driver how to get to my house after reaching Dong Hu... Zuo gui, You gui, Zuo gui (give or take the spelling!).

 

All in all a good day! Worked in the afternoon, dinner, some time to myself, and now bed! Couldn't ask for more, really!

 

One For the Books!

My post is delayed this weekend, not because of another relaxing weekend at home, but because I've been to busy to sit down and focus! It's been wonderful!

 

I would have written Friday night, but I there were three little girls asleep on my bed. I had been working out when Aubrey decided she wanted to join me. McKenna then came in, but opted to watch from the bed. (Smart girl). Soon enough Brianna was in here, and we were just kickin it watching the pictures on my screensaver. I finally decided to go clean up, and returned from my shower to find all three asleep, curled up on my bed. I finished getting myself ready for bed, then moved them one by one to their own rooms. By the time I was done, I crashed. Come to think of it, there wasn't much else exciting Friday anyway.

 

Yesterday, though, was a full day! I got a chance to get out into China in the afternoon! After getting the girls off to their acting workshop (Denise and Troy are gone to Hong Kong for a mission reunion) I spent the morning playing with Haley and reading. Then Sylvie and her friend Hannah picked me up and we headed off to the Buddha markets to do some shopping! It was so nice to be able to be out! The area we went was very "China!"; roofs with the pointed corners, crazy traffic, and bikes and pedestrians everywhere.

 

The market we went to was huge! Four levels of mazes of tiny little shops. It was hot and crowded, but fun! (Part of the experience, I say) We even saw a fight. From what I guess, the girl had attempted to steal the shirt the lady was whacking her over the head with. The bargaining wasn't quite as good as in Shanghai, several stores were no bargaining at all. (Hannah apparently offended one lady who went a little sour after she offered a lower price). I found several treasures though, nonetheless, all still super cheap! I'm almost done with my shopping in fact! One more trip to GouLo with Denise to get a set of Bowls should cover it!

 

I had a blast being out with Sylvie! She's just the funnest, warmest person to be around! We started joking around immediately; she's just one of those people who you makes you feel like you've been great friends for ages. (Though, I'm secretly jealous of her awesome Australian accent!) I've decided that you meet the neatest people while travelling. Each is traveling for their own reasons, one normally more fascinating than the next. It was proven time and time again as we stayed in hostiles in Europe. Sylvie and Hannah are leaving here in two weeks to go film a TV pilot in Cambodia, with Sylvie and her boyfriend Nick playing the leading roles. I told them they'll be my claim to fame when I see them on HBO or BBC! Oh, and Australia is my next place to travel to, as now I have personal tour guides and an offer of a place to stay! 

 

It's kind of funny though, as I realize I'm one of those "interesting" travellers as well. I relating my travel plans to Sylvie and Hannah, about how I'm flying to LA, then on to Provo. They couldn't get over the novelty of me flying back to the states and "meeting my parents for lunch in LA" before flying to Salt Lake. We live there, so no big deal, but I guess it's like someone saying "I'm just meeting with my parents for lunch in Paris before heading to Rome". It was one of those "Hey, my life is pretty cool!" moments! 

 

Today was a simple Sunday, a short lesson for the girls followed by a "liken the scriptures" movie. If you've ever seen those... the Nephi one... the "Sons of Lehi" rap. Haha! If you haven't... it's just one of those things you have to see to get.

 

I'm looking forward to this week though. My last week here... still haven't convinced myself of that one. Denise and I are finishing up our "China list" and I have some dinner plans with Sylvie and Hannah. This week is going to fly by, guaranteed!

The Weekend Is Well On It's Way!

Productive day today! Good thing too, or else I'd be exhausted for nothing! The magnetic pull of my bed is getting stronger and stronger.

 

We got a lot done with the company today; got our official logo, are making business cards, and I'm getting a handle on all the legal mumbo jumbo we have to have straightened out. Oh the joys...

 

I've spent this week here at home, save a few bike rides with the girls. I'll be getting out this weekend though. I'm going with Sylvie (our Australian friend) to the Buddha markets to get in the last minute shopping. You know, gotta have tons of stuff so I don't forget China, right!? That's my excuse, at least!

 

You can blame no post last night on the girls. Everyone was tucked in bed, or so I thought, so I took advantage of the empty bathroom to shower. I came out to a creaking door at the end of the hallway. I stopped, and the creaking stopped. I paused for a second, then continued into my room, only to hear creaking again. Sure this time I was being watched, I popped my head out the door to see two faint shadows frozen in the dark! Turns out McKenna and Brianna couldn't sleep, and were apparently spying on the hall.

 

I tried for a half-second to let my adult take over, but to no avail. I ushered both the girls into my room where we had our own little late night party. Hey, I needed help eating the heaping pile of snacks I still have. No way I'd get through them all in one week! After freaking ourselves out about the "mom" coming down, (and a dash or two hiding behind my bed) we decided to move the party to their room. (Snacks included). We amused ourselves for an hour, attempting to stifle everything from giggles to full out laughter. Once I could tell they would probably be able to sleep, I left, and sure enough, they'd both fallen asleep within 15 minutes.

 

Would Denise disapprove? Nah. It may not have been her first choice at the moment, but in 15 years the only thing that would remain would be the memory of the giddy giggles of two little (and one not so little)...

On Chopsticks: "You do not sew with a fork, and I see no reason why you should eat with knitting needles." ~Miss Piggy

Actually, I'm pretty dang good with chopsticks now, after using them everyday for 6 weeks!

 

So the day after my first authentic Chinese food experience at Don Xiang Lake, we were off to another factory, which meant another lunch. This time I wasn't nearly as excited to be out of the office for hours as I had been the day before. Not now that I knew what was coming. Much to my surprise, my anxiety over the ensuing meal was quickly subdued. The meal turned out much more pleasant than the previous day!

 

There was still a fish dish or two, but there was much more that tickled my taste buds! There was a beef dish that melted in my mouth and a pumpkin (or was is squash?) dish that was delicious, as well as shrimp that, once I got past having to take off the tail and head with the little black beady eyes, was pretty good! The whole experience, in fact, was much better. The factory owner's assistant, Katie, spoke English fairly decently, and tried to keep me engaged in conversation throughout the meal. Actually, I'm pretty sure she was just kind of enthralled with me and my being Foreign. She was the sweetest, cutest little thing. (I say that like she wasn't years older than me; but when I've got 7 inches and 30 pounds on her, I can't help it). She really was sweet though, helping me out with the food I couldn't figure out, and serving me more of the stuff I seemed to like.

 

With the good comes the bad, Unfortunately. Muscles. *Shudder*  The worst thing I have ever eaten in my life. Yes, Elizabeth, even worse than the peanut butter hamster treats. I thought I'd be brave and try one, just for the experience. If gagging down the squishy slugness of the muscle wasn't enough, including the goop inside and tentacle who knows what poking out, Katie assumed I liked it because I'd eaten it and loaded my plate up with a second. I didn't want to be rude, but that wasn't even my dilemma. I could make myself choke down a second one, sure, but what if that inspired her to give me a third!? Luckily no third came, probably because I decided to attack the rest of the food I enjoyed, and left her no chance.

 

Overall though, a much better lunch, and a much more pleasant experience. My following meals with Lola (the girl who was my "trainer" in the office) and the select staff members at restaurants around Lau Wai Tan (where our office is) were delicious. I was able to give a little input, so my delicious broccoli beef dish and fried bananas set of their choice of fish head. (Oh yes, just the head). I adjusted to the heavy accents and broken English of the office staff, which made lunches much more enjoyable (and conversation filled).

 

A few interesting things I've noticed:

 

Here, it is not rude to chew with your mouth open. The family warned me, but I learned quick enough on my own. Smacking, chomping, and talking with your mouth full is not considered bad manners; everyone eats like that. It didn't bother me at first. Today, however, Jenny and Grace ate lunch here and I literally could not sit at the table and wait for my lunch. I had to go downstairs and listen to music on my headphones. The surround sound of smacking and chewing was just too much...

 

It is bad manners, however, to use a toothpick without coyly hiding your mouth behind your free hand.

 

They think all Americans drink Coke. I accepted out of politeness at the fish restaurant after everyone looked surprised when I almost declined. Day two everyone looked extremely confused when I politely refused asked for juice, like everyone else. Though, I think I still ended up with glass anyhow...

 

You don't drink out of the bottle or can. You pour it into a tiny glass, and refill if necessary.

 

Chinese drink their water hot. You have to ask for cold water if you want it. I tried drinking hot water one lunch...only lasted about two sips.

 

That's all I can think of for now... look forward to hearing about the traffic!

FYI...You've Never Has Chinese Food

I'm sure there are exceptions, but Panda Express and Dragon House don't even come close.

 

My first experience with authentic Chinese food was during my first week while visiting a factory. I went with two of the girls from the office to meet with the factory owner, who took us out to lunch to discuss business. Now if my description sounds like I was solely focused on the experience and zoned out to what was going on around me, it's because I was. They were all speaking Chinese, which was probably for the best because I had to focus most my attention on figuring out my meal.

 

We went to a restaurant near Don Xiang lake (you can pretend you have some idea where that is if you'd like). Actually, it was on the lake, dock-style. It was actually kind of neat, once you got past the fish and wet-dog smell. We walked past people making the bread, and avoided stepping on the small dogs running around. (Which now that I think about it is a little disconcerting that there were dogs running around where they made the food...) We were led to an individual room for just our party, and seated around a large circular table with a giant lazy sue (susan? suzy?) in the middle. No one asked my input, so I figured they ordered for me. I sat patiently waiting, hands folded (and fingers crossed).

 

When they brought out the food, it was clear why I didn't have to order. Everything is shared. They load up the lazy susan and you just spin it around to get what you want. No scooping up a serving on your plate, you just pick up a bite straight off the dish with your chopsticks. The plates did come in handy, though, for the fish bones and and anything else you may not want to swallow. And there was plenty to choose from. They brought out dish after dish after dish. I thought that was it, but then there was round two; dish after dish after dish. And then round three. Funny thing was, despite everything to choose from...it was slim pickings for the things that were appetizing. We had duck, chicken, fish, and vegetables. Sound good? The duck and chicken was served cold. I didn't recognize a single one of the vegetables. And the fish...was a fish. Full out on a rectangle plate. Head, eyes, fins, and scales. And bones. Lots and lots of bones. There fish soup as well as a fish tail dish. Fish was the specialty, given we were on a lake and all.

 

I impressed myself by trying everything, and impressed them with my ability to pick up a peanut with my chopsticks. (Thanks Dad!) Though, I did have to have a little help serving myself the fish. They were very polite in always letting me serve myself first, but they didn't understand that I needed to watch them first to figure out how!  Apparently fish meat slides right off the bone (the larger bones at least), which unfortunately also makes it very difficult to hold in chopsticks. I had a fish staring at me, taunting me really, because I had no clue how to go about eating him. He got it in the end though, as it looked like a bird had picked him over by the time we were done. Karma, fish...Karma.

 

I tried everything though, some fairly good, others took a little choking. But in the end I was full, and apparently the business went well. To my good fortune, my food experiences have only gotten better... but more on that tomorrow. Time for bed now...

Can you say Tsunami!?

I can't believe I forgot my favorite part of the weekend!

 

If you know me, you know I LOVE thunderstorms and rain. Despite beautiful weather during the day, I walked into my room Saturday night to find it flashing like there were paparazzi outside my window! After I quickly discarded that and a few other ideas (mainly because I'm not aware of being famous, and I'm on the 2nd story) I quickly realized it was lightening! I called all the girls into my room, and they told me they get sudden tsunamis here pretty often. This one was really small, more like a lightening storm, but awesome, nonetheless. We all bundled up in sweatshirts, took a blanket out, and sat on my balcony watching the storm; Hailey on my lap, and the other girls lined up next to me. I've never seen so much lightening in my life! A flash lighting up the buildings bright as day, followed by a chorus of "OoOoOOoo!" More thunder and rain with smaller flashes. Then a huge bolt right above our heads ("AaaAAaHhhhh!!!!!!") with thunder rumbling through our bones! We sat out watching for a good 45 minutes until the lighting, thunder, wind, and rain finally settled down. I have some really cute pictures of all of us out there in our hoodies.

 

The girls went on and on about how fun watching the storm was. Haley even came into my room tonight to say goodnight, adding in a very decided manner, "next time they's a stowm, and..and..and next time you will stay the night, then we watch it. Okay!?" I wholeheartedly agreed, though she was more informing me than asking. She was sure to clarify "and, and I sit on yow lap, okay? Okay!?" Her little toothy grin upon my compliance confirmed it...it's never too early to teach 'em to love the rain!

Another Day Down, Another Half Shade Darker

I took advantage of the fact that it was a beautiful, sunny Sunday and did some reading outside. Nothing like a good book while soaking up sunshine!

 

It's been another weekend of hanging out and relaxing. Saturday we went to see see the girls artwork that's on display at their school (again) so Troy could see. Afterward we went to a dvd shop we'd heard about and I was able to expand my already famously large dvd collection. How could I not when the movies were only 1.25 each!? We weren't sure if we were in the right place at first, but when the store workers saw us come in and start wandering around confused, they opened a door leading to a tiny back room lined with dvds. Some may call it sketchy... we call it VIP. =)

 

After our movie shopping, Brianna and Mckenna took off for Tai Kwon Do, and the rest of us went out to eat at a Thai Restaurant, which was amazing! The food was so good; curry chicken dish, beef kabobs, bean vegetables cooked in a heavenly sauce I couldn't even begin to describe... mmmm! Plus of course rice and coconut milk to wash it down. We all left with full tummys and happy taste-buds!

 

More to come these next two weeks. Denise and I have a lot planned, getting in all of our last minute "China-stuff" in! So weird, I only have one weekend left here...I'm gonna be home before I know it!

 

 

China Pictures!

facebook Rebecca Forbush 8:47am Jun 4th China Pictures! To rlforbush122.revv@blogger.com   Don't know if this will work, I tried sending the album straight to my blog. I can't check it though, so you may just have to check them out on faceplace. (facebook) Rebecca has shared a link to an album with you. To view the album or to reply to the message, follow this link: http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=17831233&k=Z61UZ46ZVZ6NUCCHSF36PRP If you do not wish to receive this type of email from Facebook in the future, please click here to unsubscribe. Facebook's offices are located at 1601 S. California Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94304.

Four and a Half Down...

...Two and a Half weeks to go!

 

It's crazy to think I'm more than halfway through with my time here! You know in the cartoons, where the character takes off running on a rug or something, and it all piles up behind them without them moving forward an inch? That's what I feel like. I've already piled 4 1/2 weeks behind me, yet it feels like I haven't been here at all, and home is still so far away.

 

I'm having such an amazing experience here, but I'll be ready to come home when the time comes, there's so much to do with the company that will be way easier state-side. Plus, I get giddy when I think about going home. We moved into the house we're renting the day before I left, so I had no time to settle in. I'm so excited to settle into our house, to get to know our new ward, and to enjoy the summer in Provo! I've heard it's nothing like during the school year, and supposedly a blast!

 

The only thing that makes me want to stay here are the girls. They get out of school right when I leave, so I'll miss the summer playing and swimming with them. From what Denise has told me, they don't want me to go either. I've gotten so close to them, I really do feel like their adopted big sister. That's what I was hoping for when I came. It has been such a blessing. I never really got to do the whole big sister thing, but Denise said she would have never guessed that I haven't had a ton of experience with kids; that I'm a natural. And it's something I kind of needed to hear.

 

I've had my own insecurities about how I would be with kids. I'm not always the most patient person ever, especially when kids are bratty or spoiled (luckily the girls aren't, at all). I've always been the youngest, and I was never one of those laurel baby mongers at church. I've been so blessed here though, to have my insecurities dealings with kids resolved. I've learned that patience comes right when you think you're at your wits end, and that no matter how frustrated you may get, it doesn't last more than two seconds before they are doing something that is just melting your heart.

 

I truly do love these girls. Each one is so different. They each have a different personality, a different set of strengths, and a different set of fears. It's been such an experience getting to know each one of them. I've been able to relate to each of them in a different way. I really have been able to be the big sister. I'm gonna miss them when I'm home... they've already added me to their gmails though, and have made me promise to call them on skype as often as possible, and have promised they'll visit whenever they come back to the states.

 

It's just an amazing thing to think about, one that I'm so grateful for. I came here for an internship. Not only did I get that, but I'll be leaving with a company in tow, life changing lessons, and lifelong relationships.

 

Overwhelmingly grateful is an understatement...

Shaghaidaway...a Weekend of Escape!

Okay, so it wasn't really an escape per say, but it was a weekend away with a change of scenery! And another day off work, so no complaints! I decided to cover the whole weekend with one post, so sit tight, it's a long one!

 

We left early Saturday morning in order to make it to the primary activity that started at eleven. Mr. Joe (our driver) was on holiday, so we hired a van to take us out there. There was definitely more space, and shocks, but this driver was very fond of his horn. Especially just to let cars know we were coming up, just in case they decided for some reason to suddenly switch lanes right into us or something. I tried to figure it out, but by the end of trip I still couldn't tell what exactly it was about a car that made him decide it was more liable to switch lanes than another car, hence eliciting a honk. He also had no qualms about speeding up just to hit the brakes to slow down. Despite the luxury of the van, by the end of the trip and several exchanged looks between me and Denise, we were wishing for Mr. Joe and his 30 years driving experience. We made it there and back safely though, which is the important part.

 

So we made it (almost on time) to the primary activity and branch BBQ. It was was a little odd to be around so many ex-pats. (Ex-patriots, just a little lingo the people here use, no big deal *brush my shoulder off*). It was fun and good for the girls, I think. After, the three oldest took off to stay at a friends house while me, Denise, Haley and the baby went shopping! There's a pretty neat market place with a ton of shops in Shanghai by the metro station under the Science Museum. I had to keep myself from laughing as the shop owners called out after me "Lady! Lady, you want bags? Lady come look! Hey lady, you like?" Haha! And the classic "I give you special price, just fo you. Today only. I give special price, because you American. Cheaper than for Chinese". Or some do the reverse... "I give you special price, I give you Chinese price because you speak Chinese so good". The funny thing was, Denise hadn't spoken Chinese yet when the girl said that to her! I found a lot of things I was looking for, though, and bartered my little heart out! I know I the shop owners still plenty off of me, I couldn't get as low as a local or experienced barterer, but I think I was much more difficult than they'd expected! The key is to be willing to walk away. Which I did. They'll follow you right out of the store and down the way continuing to bargain. One guy even came and found us, asking if we were coming back to his shop! They are persistent, to say the least! It was fun, but exhausting. Both me and Denise were ready to be done by the end of it. We couldn't decide if we'd like bargaining to be the norm in the US. Do we want the effort for low prices, or the ease of settling for sales? We're still undecided... 

 

After shopping we headed to where we were staying, with the branch relief society president. She was the bubbliest, sweetest lady; just kind-hearted and fun. They live in this AMAZING community though, apparently mostly of ex-pats and foreigners. It was like driving through some elite club, or at least what I'd imagine one to be. The grounds were gorgeous, and the houses...or mansions I should say...just beautiful. Marble inside, from floor to stairs, and minimum of ten-foot ceilings in every room. Each house was flourished with brilliant landscaping; bright flowers, bridges, and ponds. Apparently Stepford does exist; I just thought it was in Connecticut, not China!

 

The neatest thing about the house we stayed in, though, was the decor. At first it felt like I'd walked into a model home/museum. It was things they'd collected from their travels, though, which made it really neat. Turns out they lived in Paris for two and a half years, only a year before I went there on my study abroad. They lived in Le Vesinet as well, only 1 metro stop from where I was! Crazy coincidence! They had an absolutely GORGEOUS painting hanging above their fireplace of Paris, classic impressionism type of painting of a city street leading to the Eiffel Tower. I couldn't tear myself away from it. Denise caught me numerous times in the living room just staring, she even joined me admiring it from the couch. I'd include a picture, but I can't figure out how. 

 

My only complaint would be the mosquitoes that seemed to love my room. Picture this, if you please. I'm sitting on the bed; sweatpants pulled down over the heels of my socks, sweatshirt zipped up and tied down around my face. Through my hood I hear the incessant buzzing right by my ear. Thinking I'd outsmart those mosquitoes, I slowly raised my hands up on either side of my head. Quick as a flash I slammed my hands together in an attempt to smash the buzzing creature. I forgot about the fact that my head was still between my hands, and I'm pretty sure I popped both my eardrums. K, maybe not, but they are still sore. One of those things where it just didn't occur to me that I was premeditatively planning on slamming my hands as hard as I could against my head... dumb mosquitoes. Dumb me...

 

Like I said though, our host was wonderful. She and her husband have 4 boys, and it so made me want to have boys when I'm older! They were all so cute, they're gonna be studs when they get older for sure! It was also neat getting yet another perspective on raising a family. I really liked their family and parenting approach. I'm just learning so much here!

 

We were also able to go to the branch meeting on Sunday! Denise and I were talking about how nice it was, and how there is definitely a reason why we gather together to meet. It's so uplifting and strengthening to be surrounded by others with the same beliefs and values. It's a support system, even just knowing there are others around you.

 

Sunday evening was had an amazing dinner of a pineapple chicken dish, relaxed, admired the painting some more, watched The Work and the Glory, then ended up talking with Denise on my bed until way too late. I love talking to her, we're really similar and even the same in a number of different ways. It's so helpful, because they are relevant and pertinent to things I'm going through right now, and she can completely relate. Just listens and understands without feeling the need to give biased or judgemental opinions. Her simple relating of experiences and takes on things makes for invaluable advice. I think I was even able to help her a little!

 

This morning we both were wishing for a little more sleep though. We were up early and off to the consulate (which was on the 8th floor in a mall) to add pages to her passport. I had to wait outside because my passport was in the car and was able to finish my book, so all was well! After grabbing a quick lunch at KFC (my sandwich was surprisingly good) we took off to pick up the girls and head home. We finally got home around 6pm, but it was a weekend well worth it! 

 

Only two more weekends here in Ningbo to fill with adventures...crazy!