27 November 2010, Part 1 ~ Three on the Bund

Woke up this morning in Shanghai to this beautiful view.

We had an early breakfast at the hotel and hit the road for shopping and sightseeing.

Claire and Nancy were into shopping and I was into sightseeing, so the first place we headed was to an underground shopping area below the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum. The taxi driver dropped us off near this incredible piece of art and I couldn't help but take pictures from every angle.

My favorite shot...

Scroll up and down quickly across this picture...it looks like it's turning!

To our dismay, the whole area surrounding the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum was cordoned off and there were police officials everywhere. After "reading" a few signs and "communicating" with a few people in the area we surmised that the whole area was closed due to some type of road race. There would be no museum exploring or shopping for us in this area.

We get the picture...DO NOT ENTER!

So we hailed another taxi and formulated Plan B. I had done a bit of research before I left and knew of a couple places I wanted to see. One of them was Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, also known as The Bund, a beautiful waterfront walk along the Huangpu River (a tributary of the Yangtze River). So off we went to find The Bund.

Perfect sign: Three on The Bund!

And here are "Three on The Bund!"

It was a beautiful day! We had an amazing view of Pudong's skyline and its variety of architectural styles including Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Classicism and Renaissance. It was an incredible sight to see! This is the famous Oriental Pearl Tower.

The skyline was amazing!

Our shadows on The Bund

My rudimentary understanding of Mandarin lead me to read the name of this boat as "Shanghai Good." I definitely agree. Shanghai...GOOD! I love Shanghai. It is a very modern, European city with so many things to see and do. And much warmer...nearly 70 degrees! I will certainly be back during my stay here in China!

Evidence of the World Expo held here in Shanghai this year was seen everywhere. I would have loved to come, but it was sold out even before I arrived in August.

These cute little refreshment cars were all along The Bund.

Loving Shanghai!!

26 November 2010 ~ Shanghai, Here We Come!

Ahhh! It's Friday afternoon and Jack pulls up to Campus Village to take Claire, Nancy, and me to the Dalian Airport. Our destination? Pudong airport, Shanghai, China!

Having a drink and snack at Dalian Airport and getting into the holiday mode!

Daily long arm shot.

Our flight was delayed an hour, but we did not mind. We were on holiday and bound for Shanghai! We took off about 7:30, arrived in Pudong at 9:00, grabbed our bags, hired a taxi, and arrived at the Crowne Plaza in Shanghai at about 10:30.

When traveling with Claire the hotel must have a few stars behind its name...the Crowne had four!

I'm not complaining!

The lobby had many Chinese lanterns hanging from the ceiling...just beautiful!

Can I stay forever?

We were all a bit pooped, but there was no way I could just go to bed because I was in Shanghai, so I dragged Claire out to explore the city! We had only walked a few blocks when we came across this sign. It was a perfect invitation for Claire, who is our resident lyric savant. No matter what the occasion, she can instantly belt out a song to fit. Inside we went to find two local talents singing both English and Chinese songs. We loved it! The bartender tried repeatedly to get us up there to sing. We decided to have a listen instead.

We bellied up to the bar and ordered a favorite...rum and coke. Mixed drinks are not available in China, so it was called a shot of rum and a can of coke. The shots came in an Tsing Tao/NBA glasses : ) and were soon followed by a plate of peanuts. If it weren't for these two distinctly Chinese looking cats staring up at us from the bar, we could have sworn we were in North America!

We sat and listened to the young guys belt out Chinese tunes, The Eagles' "Love Will Keep Us Alive" and Nat King Cole's "L-O-V-E." It was classic!

On the way back to the hotel, we walked through a beautiful residential area with interesting doors leading into courtyards. This was one of them...

I loved being in Shanghai! Can you tell?

25 November 2010 ~ Happy Thanksgiving

My Thanksgiving morning started with a phone call from my sweet nieces, Lesley and Kelsey. It was so wonderful to see their smiling faces and to be wished a Happy Thanksgiving because I was on my way to work. : / The first Thanksgiving Day of my entire life that I was up, dressed and running off to work at 8:00 in the morning. It was very strange and a bit sad, but seeing these two faces brightened my day tremendously!

As it turned out, Kelsey and Lesley were at my aunt and Grandma's house with the whole family and soon my computer screen was filled with more smiling faces...Greg, Matt, Grandma Grady and Aunt Deb. I tried so hard not to cry as my apartment was filled with their presence. I love Skype!

That night, Lisa, the owner of the school, organized a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner for the staff of DAIS tonight at Campus Cafe. It was awesome to gather and celebrate this special day of thanks together. I am so grateful for my new family here at DAIS.

The Smiths: Doug (Secondary Science), Isaac (1st grader), Matthew (second grader-I have the honor of being one of his teachers : )) and Brandi (Elementary Science)

Serving up the yummy feast.

Digging in!

April (Secondary English), Kimberly and Alejandra (Kindergarten)

Ham, turkey, mash potatoes, green beans, sweet potatoes, stuffing, pumpkin rice and of course the chopsticks!

Thanksgiving dinner eaten with chopsticks! Lovin' it!!

Nancy (Secondary Art), Susan (Elementary ELL) and Ann (Counselor)

Tim (Elementary Technology) and Agnes (1st Grade)

I had a connection to Tim and Agnes before I arrived. Ten years ago, they worked with my dear friend Judy in Kuwait. This picture was taken just for you Judy! Tim and Agnes want you to know that this was taken one day after the 35th anniversary of the day they met! : ) They are a fantastic couple and ever so kind and caring!!

Tim, Agnes, Nancy, Susan, Ann and Kimberly

Alejandra and Kurt (Head of School)

Lawrence (Head of Hua Mei-Bilingual National School) Andrew (English), Ashton (IT Guy), David (Hua Mei Teacher), Gomer (Judy's husband), Judy (Mandarin Teacher)

Andrew (goofball)

Annie (Mandarin), Kou (Mandarin), Katy (Mandarin) and James (Technology Wizard)

Katy is my Mandarin teacher...my very patient Mandarin teacher.

Kara (Third Grade) and Veronica (ELL and wonderful co-teacher!)

Kimberly and Jennelle (PE)

Veronica and Kimberly

Brandon (Secondary Math), Robert (IT Director), Jess (Secondary Math), and Cristian (Secondary PE)

Alejandra, Lisa (Owner of DAIS), and Kimberly

Mazzy and Katy

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE, WHEREVER YOU ARE!!!

I am so grateful! I am so blessed!