Visitors from the West

Cheryl and Shana (Andrea's mom and youngest sister) came to visit. Here are some highlights.

Buying juice (?) at the store

Getting their nails done from a friend

Visiting parks and gardens

Making dumplings or wantons

Mom's skills at the exercise garden

Scavenging for food at hot pot

Taking the subway

Hot, sweaty, and tired

The Codfish

Everyday sights like small bikes carrying a lot of stuff

We did a lot of just experiencing life in hot 100 degree August weather along with some tourist sites. And a lot of shopping. They were flexible as things kept changing and helpful as all I wanted to do was lie on the couch. It was so fun, and we miss them a lot!

"Chips & Salsa"

Here chips and salsa are imported and expensive - unless you make them yourself. Tonight we experimented with a new cucumber salsa and made our own chips from dumpling wrappers. (Thanks, Nancy & Erica for the ideas.) Definitely better than so-so which means no more talking Eric into running to the import store so I can satisfy pregnancy cravings.

Chicken Feet

Last night for the first time, I finally tried them. I don't know why, but the people here LOVE them, and up until this point I've avoided trying them. Last night though it was unavoidable.

A woman I know at the vegetable market had been wanting me to come help her nephew finish up his English summer homework before school starts next week. We were busy with Mom and Shana visiting and traveling, so I kept pushing it off. This week though we're actually home, so last night I said I'd come help him.

We met at the market, closed up their stall, and headed to their apartment - with the 11-year-old boy riding on the back of my bike (completely normal here, but a first for me). We worked on homework while my friend and the grandma made dinner. The other food was great, so I started there. I even tried to dodge trying the feet by saying I wasn't used to it...didn't know how to eat it... but then they handed me one and told me to watch how the grandma and grandpa ate them. Ya... No way out.

I got through about one talon (toe??) and couldn't make it any further. I think they gave me the biggest one. It was enormous. And really nothing but skin and tendons to gnaw on. After that I politely set it aside and continued to eat the other food. Thankfully they said nothing more about it. After dinner we worked on homework for a little more. I think I saw her 7-year-old daughter finishing the foot for me. Yum.

Birthday Cake

My friend Jill got me a basic cake decorating kit for my birthday (since I can't borrow hers or Luann's anymore). Eric made a great dinner and even offered to make the cake, but I decided to do it myself.

Summer Break

Summer vacation has finally arrived. We had visitors from IA, finals, and one more week with students. So last week we got to take a little vacation to Beijing. Despite the train ticket situation (who knew all the tickets would be sold out in a day??), we had fun visiting many historical places as well as the 2008 Olympic venues. Here are some picts and videos.

The Forbidden City / The Palace Museum

Eric dancing on the street

A rainy day on The Great Wall

Some other foreigners enjoying "street food"

Water Calligraphy Artist

Flying kites by the Water Cube

The Bird's Nest

Noodles

Two ways to make noodles here. I think the second is especially impressive.

Pizza

Pizza is a complicated thing here. Frozen is less than amazing. Papa John's is expensive. So we finally made our own. Half pesto, half marinara sauce, 1/3 veggie, 2/3 meat. We went the cheap route for cheese (not the best idea), but it turned out good!