I’ll have a Whopper Jr. w/ Fries and a Coke Please

The skies cleared momentarily and were blue. The sun was shining. There were no conference calls to be made or reports that needed to be sent. We had a bit of free time, and a craving - a big craving, for something juicy and flame broiled. Rumor had it there was a new burger joint in town. It was said to be located on the other side of the lake in the new Times Square Shopping Center. Within minutes we flagged down a taxi and were on our way; windows down, hair blowing in the breeze, and a Chinese tune on the radio. I didn’t know the words but the melody was catchy and I hummed along. Now the details of the actual meal are sketchy at best. I remember opening the door and what happened after that is really anybody’s guess. This I know for sure: when we exited the restaurant and stepped out into a wave of humidity, our stomachs were full and we were content. With dinner over in five minutes flat, Klynt suggested we survey The Square, and so we did.

This photo’s a little blurry, but I’m standing near the Expo Center, designed to look like the Sydney Opera House in Australia.

Last Time

When shopping in Shanghai recently, I remember thinking: ‘This is it. This will probably be the final time I browse the markets, hear the words “watch, bag, shoes” every two minutes, or enjoy lunch at the famous Green Leaf Restaurant.’ Often, you don’t have the advantage of knowing that you may not travel this way again. Now even though I’m anxious to pack it all up and call it a day, our time in China is quickly coming to a close. I so appreciate the opportunity to take in the sights and sounds (sorry, I can’t include smells) of such a vast, overwhelming city, one last time.

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Green Grass, Blue Sky and Sunshine

Now that’s not a shabby way to kick off the weekend; is it? May 1st was the beginning of a national holiday here in China. On Friday Klynt managed to skip out of work early, so we hopped on the scooter, headed down to the park and found a nice shaded spot to sit back, chat and watch the kites. Everyone seemed to be in celebratory mode, and the city was busy with people.

Welcome Spring

I will be the gladdest thing
Under the sun!
I will touch a hundred flowers
And not pick one.
~Edna St. Vincent Millay, "Afternoon on a Hill"

Guanqian Jie (Walking Street)

You may have heard me mention Walking Street before, but in case you haven’t, it’s a popular shopping district downtown Suzhou. There are no cars, scooters or bicycles allowed, hence the name. I know there are a few photos of vehicles, but these were taken near the entrance. Since we’re on holiday, Klynt and I decided to spend the afternoon doing a little people-watching…with our cameras of course!

Apple Pickin'

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Nope, I didn’t take these. My little sis sent ‘em to me and I decided to share them with you! You’re welcome! Jena and the boys recently spent an afternoon at an apple orchard. That’s her up top pictured with Kaleb, Jacob is next and then there’s Noah. I don’t know about you, but it sure looks like a perfect way to spend the day to me!