Wednesday, September 15, 2010

15 September 2010 ~ Sunset/Moonset

Another awesome bike ride!
When I left my apartment, the sun was setting.
And when I arrived at the beach, the first quarter moon was also on its way to meet the horizon.

Sunset over Dalian American International School...


Moonset over the Yellow Sea...

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

14 August 2010 ~ Buddha

"You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection."

Monday, September 13, 2010

13 September 2010 ~ Flora and Fauna

I saw many beautiful flowers and creatures on my bike ride yesterday. Christiane, I saw quite a few birds too, but I need your birding expertise. They all flew away before I could get a good look!

The beauty of a weed...this is a dandilion!
Hello Grasshoppa!
Too beautiful for words. Nature just amazes me.
Happy flowers! : )
"Whadda you lookin' at?"
Even a flower shriveling up and on its last leg has something beautiful about it.
Am I really in China?

Sunday, September 12, 2010

12 September 2010 ~ Sunday Ride

I took the greatest bike ride out in the country above the school this morning. It was a bit smoggy, but the sun was shining and it was a gorgeous day! I found what I thought was a cemetery, so I parked my bike and started walking down this lovely intricate stone path. There were headstones and grave markers as I walked dating back to the 1990, so the cemetery was a new one. I was hoping to see headstones and markers dating way back, but no luck.

As I walked further into the cemetery, there was a path heading up into the hills, so off I went. Soon I found myself surrounded by farms nestled into the countryside. Sunflowers, corn and an assortment of vegetables were growing all around me. As you can imagine, I took a ton of pictures, but am only able to upload a few here. I must find a site soon that enables me to upload the whole album with ease...

A field of sunflowers with all their heads facing down. 
 Just beautiful!

The dome at school peaking through the trees.

Beautiful stone path leading through the cemetery with DAIS in the background.

Can you see the heart shaped stones? Hi, Mom!! I love you too!

After exploring the cemetery, I hopped back on the bike and headed further up the road. I came across a beautiful private residence with an old tower guarding the entrance. It made for great picture taking!




Action shot! Not bad for riding and snapping a picture at the same time. : )  I just love this dragonfly bike!

We měiguórén (Americans) really need to watch out for big busses, trucks and cars! I was nearly run off the road a couple times!

What a glorious day it was! 
 Thank you Universe for the many gifts in my life!





11 September 2010 ~ Feeling Frazzled?

Found this statue sitting all by its little lonesome in the middle of the square in Kaifaqu today. (One sees the oddest things here in China!) Kinda sums up how I feel sometimes as I acclimate to my new life...
limbless and dumbstruck! LOL!!!
I will adapt...I will adapt! : )


Friday, September 10, 2010

10 September 2010 ~ Happy Teacher's Day

Today was Teacher Appreciation Day in China! When my students came back from Mandarin class this afternoon, they surprised me with cards and the whole class chanting "Lao shi jie kuai le!" (Happy Teacher's Day!) Then our office staff came by with flowers and gifts!! : ) What a great day!





Thursday, September 9, 2010

9 September 2010 ~ Transportation


Modes of Transportation in China

Donkey and Cart
Pedal Power
Bicycles - Rain or Shine
Love to see this one in action. Not sure where the driver sits...
Fish Carts
Ride Home From JinShiTan Market
Fishing Boat
View From My Apartment Window