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!
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