Suzhou

We've lived nearby Suzhou for over two years, but had never spent any time there.  We've had 3 trips there cancelled, so we found a random weekend to just spend some time in "The Venice of the East."  While it is similar to a few other water towns we've seen in China, it was still a nice getaway and chance to explore.

Walking around Old Town

Amazing Suzhou Gardens

Tiger Hill 

Yunyan Pagoda aka "The Leaning Tower of China"
(it's older than Pisa)

Legend says this rock was split in half by a magical sword

Riding the canals of Tongli Village

Garden Waterfalls

Halloween 2019

Ladybug Girl and Hermione had fun trick-or-treating, going to parties, and dressing up for favorite literary character day at school.  We've all been busy with school and the girls have been enjoying their extra curriculars of drama, ukulele, and electronics.  Kara also has gotten a chance to exercise her artistic side through a weekly parent art class.  Kara's continuing to volunteer with the orphanage and also with the parent uniform committee that upcycles uniforms to donate to a sister school.

Field trips and Friends

The last week was a busy change of pace as Ben hit the road for the annual week-long field trip and Kara's close friend from Century, Judy, came to China.  Judy and her husband, Bill, made the rounds seeing the Great Wall and other famous sites before making their way to Shanghai.  We loved getting to spend time with them.  Some highlights include touring the ancient water village of Zhujiajiao, exploring the interior architecture of several buildings along the Bund, enjoying a river cruise cruise, and seeing a couple museums.  Their travels and past experiences abroad provided excellent perspectives and thoughts about Shanghai.  The week went too quickly.  We are grateful that they visited!

Ben was one of many teacher chaperones who took a group of 8th graders to the Fujian Province in Southeast China.  He learned a lot about tea making, the Hakka people, Tulous, and the city of Xiamen.  It was a great trip of fun activities, lovely weather, biking, bug bites, and laughter.