tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66380144109319217632024-03-05T22:16:17.762+08:00Ovenless in ChinaLesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927593042205373259noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638014410931921763.post-44512285312181623712012-08-31T16:34:00.001+08:002012-09-01T07:56:19.850+08:00Xi'anHi there. So I'm pitifully behind on the blog...still haven't posted about our trip to Thailand all the way back in March! But I'm just going to skip ahead and hope to return to the last few months eventually...<br />
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Our July vacation was supposed to start with 10 days in Tibet and Nepal. After 2 days on the train from Shanghai, we were set to explore Lhasa for a few days, then make our way to Rongphu with a short hike to Mt. Everest Base Camp, staying the night at the Rongphu Monastery before crossing the border and spending a few days in Kathmandu. But a week before we were set to leave, the government decided to close Tibet to all foreigners. So in a pinch we were off to Xi'an for four days instead.<br />
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Xi'an was the start of the silk road and a buzzing metropolis long before Beijing was ever on the scene. Today its bustling Muslim quarter is one of its biggest attractions--from the smells of good street food mingling with the stench of questionable street side butchers, to outstanding people watching, we found ourselves back among its crowded streets again and again.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not too crowded by day...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A typical Chinese street scene</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naturally, when you want to by fake artifacts, that includes crossbows!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who knew there were so many types of dates!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We never figured out what this is...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click to enlarge...#9 sounds delicious!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He's making edible sugar balloons</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many local butcher shops</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In case the color of the meat doesn't give it away, the stench of this one was unreal</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delivery truck, complete with swarm of flies and pools of blood</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drum tower...marked nightfall in the past</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bell tower...bells used to ring at dawn</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back to the Muslim Quarter--it comes alive at night!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying our first yangrou paomo...you break up flat bread, then they serve lamb soup on top.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yangrou paomo--the best part was the pickled garlic! yum!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barely controlled chaos...</td></tr>
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<br />Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927593042205373259noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638014410931921763.post-59694544489109504742012-07-23T13:53:00.000+08:002012-07-30T10:08:47.204+08:00<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lGG7k1HUrDBdSKPVYk3u4M12YwEjBIwwZeO28WbtGnthgCG_ClLscRkL6RsQKDnf7HwKfQy2Y5R_YDk5DQTbIiFUiSQO_J_088EFJjDCdydzvvi5au-iv4MmW9R5ZRr7U-_R3FvAlvI/s1600/photo-727205.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lGG7k1HUrDBdSKPVYk3u4M12YwEjBIwwZeO28WbtGnthgCG_ClLscRkL6RsQKDnf7HwKfQy2Y5R_YDk5DQTbIiFUiSQO_J_088EFJjDCdydzvvi5au-iv4MmW9R5ZRr7U-_R3FvAlvI/s320/photo-727205.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5770778741603458402" /></a></p>Saw 10 mantas on this morning's dive. Amazing!!Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927593042205373259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638014410931921763.post-38455351971364084242012-06-27T12:13:00.000+08:002012-06-27T12:22:08.455+08:00You know urine China....Last weekend we flew to Hong Kong and back on another of our monthly visa runs. It had all the makings of a smooth, non-eventful trip. After Brian's traumatized retelling of this story, I actually regret sleeping through it! Leave it to China to make an ordinary moment absolutely unforgettable at the drop of a hat, er, cup. Take it away Bri....<br />
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On the flight back to Shanghai we were seated behind roughly 4-year old twins, their mom, and grandparents. The disinterested father was across the aisle from me. Mid-diaper change, one of the girls announced she had to go to the bathroom. So rather than slapping the old diaper back between her legs and hustling to the loo, grandma stands her up on her lap, and has her pee in to the cup from dinner service. Talk about having blind faith in the aim of a 4-year old! Can you imagine being the flight attendant on the receiving end of that cup on your next garbage run down the aisle? No? Not to worry, you don’t have to, because as Grandma stands up and goes to walk it back to the flight
attendant, she bumps into her seat and spills it....on the father
sitting across from me! Poor dad, who was just minding his own business, valiantly ignoring his kids, trying to enjoy a book during a fleeting moment of silence when they aren’t flying through the air jumping seat to seat, and he’s interrupted by a cup of pee dumped in his lap!<span style="font-family: inherit;"> (Leslie bets the disgruntled mom probably pushed the grandma in his direction!) </span> Amazingly, he just casually brushed a few not yet absorbed droplets off his pants and went back to reading as if he didn't even realize what had just been poured all over him. Be assured, had the cup landed in <i>MY</i> lap, there would have been a significantly different reaction! <br />
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P.S. To Gerard Depardieu: you're most welcome. We bequeath this <i>oui oui </i>tall tale to you and look forward to your attempts to use it as a plausible cover story the next time you fly.<br />
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P.P.S. Two weeks ago, I would have laughed at this. Now it just makes me cringe. <br />
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<b>One Year Ago:</b><br />
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<b><a href="http://ovenlessinchina.blogspot.com/2011/06/thanks-dad.html">Thanks Dad!</a> </b><br />
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<br />Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927593042205373259noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638014410931921763.post-90383349638421091372012-06-24T07:00:00.000+08:002012-06-27T20:23:55.048+08:00Read this NOW!A huge thank you to Connie for passing this book recommendation on to us. J. Maarten Troost's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Planet-China-Understand-Mystifying/dp/0767922018/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340420751&sr=8-1&keywords=Lost+on+planet+china"><i>Lost on Planet China</i></a> is the funniest, most accurate and relatable depiction of our experience here in China. If my blog was a book, I would want this to be it. Troost is a travel writer who has lived in nearly every corner of the world, yet is at first stupefied by much that is China. From pollution to the inability to stand in lines, public urination (stay tuned for <a href="http://ovenlessinchina.blogspot.com/2012/06/you-know-urine-china.html">a story that easily beats his</a>!) to seemingly ubiquitous prostitution (we live behind a classy bathhouse/brothel), he still discovers the magic of China off the beaten tourist path, blending humor with history in the most enjoyable of reads. Two enthusiastic thumbs up!!<br />
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<b>One Year Ago:</b><br />
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<a href="http://ovenlessinchina.blogspot.com/2011/06/three-bs.html"><b>The Three Bs</b></a><br />
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<br />Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927593042205373259noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638014410931921763.post-30617255495468544692012-06-23T10:56:00.000+08:002012-06-23T11:01:06.237+08:00The best laid plans...First order of business--the answer to the latest edition of <a href="http://ovenlessinchina.blogspot.com/2012/05/muay-thai-food-fight.html">Food Fight</a>. I got a few (hilarious!!) guesses from you all. Amanda correctly named the largest mystery item--it was eggplant! From everyone else's guesses, it sounds like a review trip to the veggie, errr, fruit section of the grocery store is necessary (This means you Deb :-)! As for the other 3 foods, they are ALL eggplant! See how sneaky I was?! The smallest ones are almost horribly bitter, but were in green curry everywhere we went. The rest all taste like, well, eggplant!<br />
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And now, back to the Philippines. Sometimes, in spite of all your best intentions and advance planning, you just can't win. Take, for example, our month in Australia: in 30 short days we lost (and found!) our passports, had all but one day of an entire week of diving cancelled, and had to scramble when an airline we'd booked was suddenly grounded indefinitely due to safety issues. We're learning very quickly that when it comes to planning a month long vacation something undoubtedly, <i>inevitably</i>, will go wrong. And sometimes that can turn out to be the best thing in the world. <br />
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After leaving the rice terraces of the northern Philippines we flew south to Puerto Princesa on the island of Palawan. We arrived two days before we were set to depart on a scuba liveaboard so we could poke around town and float the underground river, which was just named one of the new 7 Wonders of the World. Unlike our experiences here in China, the Philippines actually has a vested interest in preserving the underground river, so they have restricted the number of daily visitors on a permit only basis. It's a very popular attraction and since we didn't reserve a permit in advance, we were out of luck. <br />
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So we spent a rainy day wandering the tiny town, which really didn't have much to offer. Puerto Princesa seems to function primarily as a jumping off point to bigger and better things. We did find a stretch of road with several handicrafts shops where we bought enough carvings and statues to redecorate our entire home in a Filipino theme. We rarely so easily agree on art that we both like, we just went crazy buying everything we saw! We shipped it all back to the US, so hopefully no buyers' remorse when we see it again in a few years. At least it was all dirt cheap!<br />
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Then that night, as we were once again gorging on kinilaw (amazing ceviche dish) and calamansi juice (oranges you pick while still green--it's limeade on steroids!), the phone call came. The liveaboard, the entire reason we'd flown to Puerto Princesa, would not be departing the next day due to engine trouble. We made a 9am appointment with a crew member to discuss options. We were content after the meeting, as we'd been told to give them 1 hour to make the substitute hotel booking and travel arrangements we requested, and we'd be on our way. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kinilaw--Raw fish with calamansi, coconut milk, ginger, peppers and more! If you're in Puerto Princesa, eat it at the Hibiscus Garden Hotel's restaurant!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Philippine Siren...the trip that wasn't...</td></tr>
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Fast forward a very cranky 23 hours and we still found ourselves in
Puerto Princesa waiting for a car to our new destination of El Nido.
I'll spare you a recap of the frustrating run around and mixed messages we got from the liveaboard. Suffice it to say we were on the war path. So when our 8am finally showed up (late, of course,) we foolishly thought we were on our way. Wrong. In spite of our insistence that we get to El Nido as soon as possible (silly us for believing them that would happen yesterday--why didn't we just hop on the local bus?!?!), the driver presented us an itinerary that had us stopping for lunch at 10:30am and doing sightseeing along the way to catch a 3pm boat to the resort. We told him to go directly to the airport to meet the boat. So, at 10:30am when he pulls over for lunch, we tell him "NO, keep going." He indicates the bathrooms, which we didn't need, but he gets out, we assume to make a quick pit stop. The next thing we know, he's sitting down to lunch! More seething ensues...Once back on the road, he pulls over in Taytay at Fort St. Isabel. The schedule allotted an hour here. We were done in 15 minutes--our driver seemed irritated that we'd cut his nap so short. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fort Santa Isabel</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Built 1667-1738 by the Spanish</td></tr>
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Finally, we pull into the airport/boat pier at 1:30pm, only to learn that there is no 3pm boat as we were told by the liveaboard. We just missed the 1pm boat and were now waiting for the next at 5pm. Talk about comedy of errors. But we'd finally made it. The airport was darling, and the scenery even better. When it was time to finally get on the boat for the 40 minute ride to the resort on a private island (yes, I said private island!) we were ready to put it all behind us. We were headed to paradise.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlG5XraHFyhrRwBB_gDimhaGLxtfBzwF7gpzBLSlZS13SjA4nphyphenhyphenQtBBiW_KbVF7A2UKS-64_njGj8xQihFynR4zVgzKqiFK_o4B9kU3safL4YqMyl0yr3ydCZVQ9QhSQ2AmrUgA-dHw/s1600/IMG_3905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlG5XraHFyhrRwBB_gDimhaGLxtfBzwF7gpzBLSlZS13SjA4nphyphenhyphenQtBBiW_KbVF7A2UKS-64_njGj8xQihFynR4zVgzKqiFK_o4B9kU3safL4YqMyl0yr3ydCZVQ9QhSQ2AmrUgA-dHw/s400/IMG_3905.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The El Nido Airport</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TlTLKSko6AEVYZUq5VoKjSQyMjynXRFfjVSKkDD_4WQPyl9BmTDW90PN6c4EVz67GynNO-oBoMNcXAUvOZJbKN28XQhMpfaVQcbE6XPFhjqIFyJUAJdLSDaNxMk3Ef-65MwxmiCrW5I/s1600/IMG_3906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TlTLKSko6AEVYZUq5VoKjSQyMjynXRFfjVSKkDD_4WQPyl9BmTDW90PN6c4EVz67GynNO-oBoMNcXAUvOZJbKN28XQhMpfaVQcbE6XPFhjqIFyJUAJdLSDaNxMk3Ef-65MwxmiCrW5I/s400/IMG_3906.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutest airport ever!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw9HoGS9KVrfg8H8XZ6j5Ydzl-1aJgH5nvse5ttOTJPfWYoXuJZA-wZp7BnZVj-O-Dl5TYiv84c7Xi5MCLzOE04GqyV4hiUlQEyL1Zcvg3Wl2zOYqauq5EdLzA2SYs5tTeW67ihSTVO9I/s1600/IMG_3902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw9HoGS9KVrfg8H8XZ6j5Ydzl-1aJgH5nvse5ttOTJPfWYoXuJZA-wZp7BnZVj-O-Dl5TYiv84c7Xi5MCLzOE04GqyV4hiUlQEyL1Zcvg3Wl2zOYqauq5EdLzA2SYs5tTeW67ihSTVO9I/s400/IMG_3902.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Airport mascot</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijklZGekG5m2c5p9yHtdyxx73M91nzhpjw5xqGBs4FCIUPl_RVdHDPrzo-G2M_2gvNzzt-TcKTzH1FqvK_V6bU7r_lI9DhcqT7LVaUHYtEyFP5isEEl2FNjKqzS8ZPe-_yQrifSpRoLYI/s1600/IMG_3907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijklZGekG5m2c5p9yHtdyxx73M91nzhpjw5xqGBs4FCIUPl_RVdHDPrzo-G2M_2gvNzzt-TcKTzH1FqvK_V6bU7r_lI9DhcqT7LVaUHYtEyFP5isEEl2FNjKqzS8ZPe-_yQrifSpRoLYI/s400/IMG_3907.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to meet the boat</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXn350KLod62aSkzgrf3kNVNCTVRfMQkSWOibihSUWAvdYv5EMnc_EUHVD73nyRwVqEnUOU7lahuYyB6btURAmL3ZaE6itbxGNXgP1wSwRWRGNtVDnxUq6oGpZ7ilnuwYTkFKwiG679UE/s1600/IMG_3908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXn350KLod62aSkzgrf3kNVNCTVRfMQkSWOibihSUWAvdYv5EMnc_EUHVD73nyRwVqEnUOU7lahuYyB6btURAmL3ZaE6itbxGNXgP1wSwRWRGNtVDnxUq6oGpZ7ilnuwYTkFKwiG679UE/s400/IMG_3908.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Have you ever seen a more beautiful airport location?!?!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sWiLCRRqqv6QTWD8vuRMfkdN79LmiJx2qLENstjuEZmai5aa_QwRn_vF0DMdlHbaKehaShyvdpUbnc7Y6sjxV_vdu-xPp41JCuRX7Cii1VlxIiUA4swDuD-TK71IZMj971r6qYHvurs/s1600/IMG_3909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sWiLCRRqqv6QTWD8vuRMfkdN79LmiJx2qLENstjuEZmai5aa_QwRn_vF0DMdlHbaKehaShyvdpUbnc7Y6sjxV_vdu-xPp41JCuRX7Cii1VlxIiUA4swDuD-TK71IZMj971r6qYHvurs/s400/IMG_3909.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're finally, almost there!!!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtP7xg24xfq3qgJTsEHtp1JB2XLHO3hDkoLIurU_7NeF-h_IAdcvuFv-hOwY5mnHIX0RQSGrj_3EagQWuK4tbmGPFk4XGxbKXn7Pek7UNHzuE9ux6lBOV5ESQrxZ3w_RwMAfr3CIJZtqM/s1600/IMG_3911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtP7xg24xfq3qgJTsEHtp1JB2XLHO3hDkoLIurU_7NeF-h_IAdcvuFv-hOwY5mnHIX0RQSGrj_3EagQWuK4tbmGPFk4XGxbKXn7Pek7UNHzuE9ux6lBOV5ESQrxZ3w_RwMAfr3CIJZtqM/s400/IMG_3911.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx92GLT9BTusNti6bxOq8Q8t7YAau1wZRsPPuWMvmvNbWcFp3M6HiSk2v9KfiVNJ9OmyP2MuglECWcVCq334xKzsFU0EwJmZ5CBb11iBcZMD60UJbtd0PEBXbkIUGus93kPQ7SApt44hY/s1600/IMG_3934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx92GLT9BTusNti6bxOq8Q8t7YAau1wZRsPPuWMvmvNbWcFp3M6HiSk2v9KfiVNJ9OmyP2MuglECWcVCq334xKzsFU0EwJmZ5CBb11iBcZMD60UJbtd0PEBXbkIUGus93kPQ7SApt44hY/s400/IMG_3934.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVE17wEsrMy2MH8ty1mY-YVRTlOqnpnI3aJf3urhMtxraoHX5bNNs9cUnUWcctinAdRBn2I-yjmLx664qGfXtpe0N8DHsZLp9WEipQuKsxTLMmQe1ydJ33PlAGPyzG3bazFpuHFEho_nM/s1600/IMG_4232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVE17wEsrMy2MH8ty1mY-YVRTlOqnpnI3aJf3urhMtxraoHX5bNNs9cUnUWcctinAdRBn2I-yjmLx664qGfXtpe0N8DHsZLp9WEipQuKsxTLMmQe1ydJ33PlAGPyzG3bazFpuHFEho_nM/s400/IMG_4232.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our room, 2nd from the right</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPM3wfFujQbRwPQU4qaCb6Lwb3bFCPsg4ZEVL7Al7fE8g4oZlePZbCm66nhHxU3dVhdQ-otBM3atRswsOZhxXMkzCkg-umiMTqH2Pahl_VRu39cgjqJh8QRXbfb1YYtgO8vQkQELETnto/s1600/IMG_4078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPM3wfFujQbRwPQU4qaCb6Lwb3bFCPsg4ZEVL7Al7fE8g4oZlePZbCm66nhHxU3dVhdQ-otBM3atRswsOZhxXMkzCkg-umiMTqH2Pahl_VRu39cgjqJh8QRXbfb1YYtgO8vQkQELETnto/s400/IMG_4078.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-pjeOjx5w7LPsr6HADerwrTTA_oT3SbDz1nVr_kzqiYdvAxwo-1ud_Llm5U_30njs_BnKSwiiNryERV0A8GZYas32NwZg_4m2GfjBFuoJcN-NTIuCRCtqYZMOnauQ0YhOWxcCLYnL2I/s1600/IMG_3953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-pjeOjx5w7LPsr6HADerwrTTA_oT3SbDz1nVr_kzqiYdvAxwo-1ud_Llm5U_30njs_BnKSwiiNryERV0A8GZYas32NwZg_4m2GfjBFuoJcN-NTIuCRCtqYZMOnauQ0YhOWxcCLYnL2I/s400/IMG_3953.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1MD_3RC1Vr4KPFub0GL366IF-Y08dCqOOzKiFqIa7HCi8x6KBRxhg4pItCXaMTI2GmqG9-i7CeGO2-T9G7mEDWUGJZygsmv9K7acyU0laxqt1SdRe1dWmqOPDh_3Wd4CCIeLNeP46UG4/s1600/IMG_3956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1MD_3RC1Vr4KPFub0GL366IF-Y08dCqOOzKiFqIa7HCi8x6KBRxhg4pItCXaMTI2GmqG9-i7CeGO2-T9G7mEDWUGJZygsmv9K7acyU0laxqt1SdRe1dWmqOPDh_3Wd4CCIeLNeP46UG4/s400/IMG_3956.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBlK3RgytsiLGQUpyaPuh3TY9jhp8BQHPVDZBl6KD_i8bC9fiXftjO4Kp375BGAJkmafFN04MHaIcmNix66_-ft5_SUArtySeW8De4QB9K56qW9vO7X4PXkDtK6bQeGWB_5iZvc6wF88/s1600/IMG_5364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBlK3RgytsiLGQUpyaPuh3TY9jhp8BQHPVDZBl6KD_i8bC9fiXftjO4Kp375BGAJkmafFN04MHaIcmNix66_-ft5_SUArtySeW8De4QB9K56qW9vO7X4PXkDtK6bQeGWB_5iZvc6wF88/s400/IMG_5364.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I suppose this would do...</td></tr>
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<b>One Year Ago:</b><br />
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<a href="http://ovenlessinchina.blogspot.com/2011/06/duanwu-festival-part-1.html"><b>Happy Duanwu!</b></a><br />
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<br />Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927593042205373259noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638014410931921763.post-2111456636170519602012-05-23T22:18:00.000+08:002012-05-23T22:26:10.761+08:00Muay Thai Food Fight!In March we took a fun cooking class in Thailand--I'll share some of the easy, delicious recipes soon. But for now, here's an overdue Thai edition of Food Fight! One is a freebie, but do you recognize some of the other ingredients did we used? Use the comments to make your best guesses!<br />
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<b>One Year Ago:</b><br />
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<b><a href="http://ovenlessinchina.blogspot.com/2011/05/trip-to-market.html">A Trip to the Market</a> </b><br />
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<br />Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927593042205373259noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638014410931921763.post-17078276732883030562012-05-22T12:40:00.000+08:002012-05-22T23:06:36.404+08:00Near death in the Philippines: Part 1The next day we were off to Batad. At two hours down the "road" from Uhaj, we happily splurged on renting a jeepney for $75 for the day. Plus, the last 45 minutes aren't even passable by trike! Jodi mentioned that the previous week it rained non-stop and we must have brought the good weather with us. I can't even begin to imagine these roads in the rain.<br />
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Just a pretty view along the way...<br />
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Unlike the gently sloping valley of Hapao, the closer we got to Batad, the more moutainous the surroundings became. As if real estate didn't already take a back seat to the terraces in Hapao, here it was even more pronounced, with homes literally hanging off cliffs. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vMCW115QjnwK_KPJrvHv7IIXgmyw5VPGa8zHg0cV3HBwVQ5qeCn6AY8snQE351rO7Ef6O3_QWdaad3WaTWcWrSJvlGvpO6Tyd7o3nX_O06_Xw-F1Mg7O2PjMoQA4m1yQtn6I3zcnhSQ/s1600/IMG_3618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vMCW115QjnwK_KPJrvHv7IIXgmyw5VPGa8zHg0cV3HBwVQ5qeCn6AY8snQE351rO7Ef6O3_QWdaad3WaTWcWrSJvlGvpO6Tyd7o3nX_O06_Xw-F1Mg7O2PjMoQA4m1yQtn6I3zcnhSQ/s400/IMG_3618.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Could you sleep soundly here at night?!</td></tr>
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Even though I'm pretty comfortable with my crouching tiger technique, I prefer a western-style pay toilet almost any day of the week over many of the free public squatty potties that look like murder scenes. I was glad though, that I had no need of this one.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfmYzTD4aiHEMySk-2Z47ZxCv6XopiJ2tyaaDsIhdePq5774h8ebZ5xUWrG9Aj7hcKaDSB94RafBf1qXaqb8EZ9y_72gO70dToTdScsBxSaTUHZoJS-to5Cf1LUM17iNVZy6COPeae0Q/s1600/IMG_3638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfmYzTD4aiHEMySk-2Z47ZxCv6XopiJ2tyaaDsIhdePq5774h8ebZ5xUWrG9Aj7hcKaDSB94RafBf1qXaqb8EZ9y_72gO70dToTdScsBxSaTUHZoJS-to5Cf1LUM17iNVZy6COPeae0Q/s400/IMG_3638.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's right. The trailhead's pay toilet hanging over the cliff. Don't walk under it!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click to enlarge the photo and you can just see Batad at the start of the 2nd ridge.</td></tr>
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The hike started with 403 uneven, steep, STEEP, steps. Straight down. Talk about quivering loins! The photo below is from the bottom of the stairs. We weren't so confident of making it back out! And this is coming from two people who have survived 1,000 Steps in Bonaire <i>with</i> scuba gear on. Luckily, we wouldn't have to think about this final stretch of the hike for many hours to come!<br />
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An hour later we made it to the top ridge of Batad. We put an order in for lunch at this pension and continued on our way--they watch for you to return in the distance and have food ready and waiting.<br />
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Much to our legs' chagrin, we continued down the valley to the village of Batad. Sadly, we came across a burning hut just as the fire was being doused. Men had scrambled up the thatch roof and were tearing off the burning portions with their bare hands. I felt so helpless but luckily the fire was out almost as soon as we came upon it. PeterPaul said this is unfortunately common as many families still cook inside over semi-open fires. Many families are therefore switching to corrugated steel roofs. Plus, a good thatch roof only lasts three years. The steel roofs certainly don't have the same charm though.<br />
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The individual terraces were very tall here, especially compared to Hapao--about 8-10' versus 3-4' tall. Batad is also much cooler than Hapao, so the terraces were further behind in the planting process.<br />
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We wandered through Batad and headed up over the next ridge. Which meant we had to go down. Again. Boy was it worth it! We followed a river and came to an incredible waterfall. We had a nice long swim in the ice cold water. It possibly saved our lives!<br />
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Feeling rejuvenated we started on our way back. Sadly, within about 1 minute we were both strongly entertaining the possibility that we might not make it out and would have to sleep along the trail that night. We made embarrassingly frequent stops and in the 90 degree heat (not so sure we believe Batad is cooler!) we went through nearly 2 gallons of water, but we eventually did make it back to the restaurant for lunch, completely exhausted. We'd ordered huge meals and finished them completely. In Brian's words, "we hiked the terraces, died, then ate hot soup." In my delirium I found this incredibly funny. But it's true: you always get served dissatisfying, piping hot water or tea to drink in the summer, because the Chinese believe cold water is bad for your stomach and your chi. Yet, here we were snarfing down boiling soup as if we hadn't eaten in a month!<br />
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Armed with 2 more liters of water we slowly made our way back to the trailhead. We were constantly put to shame by people of all ages trotting by us in flip flops with a load of groceries or even concrete on their shoulder. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wcyn1KuvCn-XPt6wp7VxCQSarUV7kSEvrw_QpH5up_jNghS8y4fYbMcXtmFZdV28FIarwwcKe0Mfj3lYrPv66w-Fe5xNk-GdNiPx0PZAdnAtd0UxY0RJYRCDxSbP_Q3VD71ajQ_v_l4/s1600/IMG_3730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wcyn1KuvCn-XPt6wp7VxCQSarUV7kSEvrw_QpH5up_jNghS8y4fYbMcXtmFZdV28FIarwwcKe0Mfj3lYrPv66w-Fe5xNk-GdNiPx0PZAdnAtd0UxY0RJYRCDxSbP_Q3VD71ajQ_v_l4/s400/IMG_3730.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost there! Click to enlarge and you'll see Batad atop a ridge. The falls were beyond the landslide.</td></tr>
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PeterPaul told us he could get from Batad to the trailhead in 30 minutes via the stairs. We opted for the longer but gentler switchback trail and made it back in 80 minutes. But what a sense of accomplishment! Another beautiful, remote corner of the world we feel so lucky to have experienced.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Victorious! </td></tr>
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All too quickly it was day 3 and we were departing that evening on the bus. If we got to do it again, we would stay for 5 days or more. We'd definitely add on Sagada's cave hikes. Instead we took our sore legs for some easy sightseeing and souvenir shopping in Banaue.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banaue</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trikes waiting for the bus to arrive from Manila</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Build wherever you can...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banaue Bus Station</td></tr>
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There is only 1 bus per day to Manila and we forgot to buy our return tickets when we arrived in Banaue, so we were lucky to get the last seats available. The last row on the bus, they didn't recline at all, but how picky can you be over a $10 bus ticket? At least we would be back in Manila at 4am (who sets this timetable?!) with plenty of time to catch our flight to Puerto Princesa. <br />
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Or so we thought....<br />
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Around 10pm we limped in to a gas station. Off came all the luggage and several men started rummaging thru a tangle of hoses and wires. Luckily we seemed to be at a large junction, as there were three other buses destined for Manila. The other drivers were trying to help ours make the necessary repairs and lingered a long time, such that it seemed they were either waiting for our bus to be repaired, or to cram us all on their buses. No such luck. One by one the other buses departed and we got word a new bus was being sent for us. Thankfully we were on the road by 2:30am and in Manila by 8am with time enough to grab our suitcase and breakfast at Ethel's and screech to the airport for our next adventure.<br />
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<b>One Year Ago: </b><br />
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<b><a href="http://ovenlessinchina.blogspot.com/2011/05/knitwit-abroad.html">A Knitwit abroad</a> </b><a href="http://ovenlessinchina.blogspot.com/2011/05/knitwit-abroad.html"> </a><br />
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<img border="0" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcDvY5zm8oK9muER0neGxSkDx8Q1qehDzZ2pM_RFbuKCz_JPsMMCI9W-JNOPATz27kpw69EyGi_hyFzX6a91jLYiWyHYHucuy1sioLSfkJQ-3Ty_axZ5UREllJlxSje17uspqDe_3tqM/s200/IMG_2215.JPG" width="100" /></div>
<br />Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927593042205373259noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638014410931921763.post-1132456790362764412012-05-05T12:17:00.001+08:002012-05-22T18:49:06.139+08:00FINALLY! (aka For Darcy)<br />
Absolutely <i>nothing</i> I can say or show you will do the rice terraces of Ifugao province in the Philippines justice. Believe me, I've tried writing this post many, many times. It's a small part of why I've neglected the blog for so long. That, and the arrival of spring here in Jiangyin, but also the frustration that ebbs and flows with knowing this blog get 2,000+ views a month, but rarely a comment or email. So you, my mystery readers, have my sister Darcy's threat of disownment over my lack of posts to thank for this one.<br />
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I sometimes forget that Brian can't always read my mind, and that simply saying things out loud instantly improves the situation. Perhaps I've fallen in the same trap with you. "If I don't write on the blog, people will start to miss me and actually get in touch rather than just reading my posts incognito," was my not so well thought out train of thought. Because I wasn't reaching out to you as individuals either. So two months later I'm still in the same boat. I'm so grateful for this adventure Brian and I are on, but sometimes the distance is really hard. More often than not, it feels a bit "out of sight, out of mind" and I know I can easily fix that. But my tendency is to just clam up instead of opening my mouth (or a new email). So here's to turning a new leaf. I'm going to try to send more personal emails instead of just relying on the blog to keep you up to date. And can you help me by letting me know what you do and don't like about the blog? Posts you particularly like and want more of? It takes HOURS to upload the photos here in China, so it'll be helpful to know I'm writing posts that are actually of interest! And to those of you who do comment and email--THANK YOU! It absolutely brightens my day!<br />
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But back to the Philippines.<a name='more'></a>
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What I <i>can</i> tell you is that the 4 hour flight to Manila, 9 hour bus trip to Banaue, and 45 minute ride crammed in the sidecar of a dirtbike over horrible roads to get to Uhaj, were absolutely, without a doubt, WORTH IT. Nothing we saw or did the rest of the month rivaled the terraces--sure things came close and we had a fantastic vacation, but for us, the terraces were just magical....as my inability to edit the pictures down to just one post may demonstrate! <br />
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My great aunt Ethel lives in Manila and she opened her doors to us, so we were able to use Manila as a staging point several times during our vacation. Our first stop in Manila was less than 24 hours and we made the most of it at the Greenhills Pearl Market. Ethel owned a pearl farm in the Philippines so she was a huge help in my first foray in to buying pearls! The market was crowded with stalls full of loose pearls everywhere--fresh and saltwater. For the price of 1 large saltwater pearl, I got several strands of freshwater pearls. Happy early birthday to me from Brian! Since Ethel's tutorial I've had more success bargaining at the Shanghai pearl markets as well!<br />
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Then it was off to the bus station, which was really more of a lean-to on a street corner for our 10pm departure to Banaue. Other than a pit stop at a public restroom that would give my mom hives, I slept most of the drive, and woke up just after sunrise in a sea of green. The road was incredibly narrow and twisted, so I was thankful I was only awake for the final stretch! We were deposited in Banaue around 7am and greeted by a swarm of tricycle and jeepney drivers. We met a nice young man Jodi and for $4.70 he crammed us in to his trike for the bouncy 1 hour ride to Uhaj and the <a href="http://www.nativevillage-inn.com/" target="_blank">Native Village Inn</a>. Jodi also works as a guide for the terrace hikes, so we hired him and settled on a plan for the next three days.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEjbqKncyLHWNovx9g7CxLWJw3r86ec7SyePP2hKKnL3UzHZwIPhpUS47Xlj98IEcKOVR7o1rkJwDTHgZPB14OKv0IBeZoTqgxXq0UfEN1fQHUEfHRuHaxcDN1GtK-tKsNfCwOZZ_P5A/s1600/IMG_3447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEjbqKncyLHWNovx9g7CxLWJw3r86ec7SyePP2hKKnL3UzHZwIPhpUS47Xlj98IEcKOVR7o1rkJwDTHgZPB14OKv0IBeZoTqgxXq0UfEN1fQHUEfHRuHaxcDN1GtK-tKsNfCwOZZ_P5A/s400/IMG_3447.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking a break for photos along one of Banaue's better roads</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uz_K55sNzg_zOrlGEX9sCw4mEpZ1326cP8DivMcoYBFxb35A3OxlZJ4Q0Acb2FyIrTlAL7kiWTb9rCgO4pCt2Rmd8FgSTo_HlOrLtZesMQygQEC_LE4KBEhgVNI-xll9sfXJp03HcOE/s1600/IMG_3453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uz_K55sNzg_zOrlGEX9sCw4mEpZ1326cP8DivMcoYBFxb35A3OxlZJ4Q0Acb2FyIrTlAL7kiWTb9rCgO4pCt2Rmd8FgSTo_HlOrLtZesMQygQEC_LE4KBEhgVNI-xll9sfXJp03HcOE/s400/IMG_3453.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our hotel! Loved it!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3tw-r4jEee4-eTTGmKXSeCvjKwPp3fGmjNmLXWPNzMheCb6TJ0Z_VpS8ys1mWvsanlFTD3XIcPzmim5IrpDq0u4MLc6APRTzIaGzto-4GRKwSi_v7t_yoSXDyWVP-y-AEhOjDxiQd_U/s1600/IMG_3590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3tw-r4jEee4-eTTGmKXSeCvjKwPp3fGmjNmLXWPNzMheCb6TJ0Z_VpS8ys1mWvsanlFTD3XIcPzmim5IrpDq0u4MLc6APRTzIaGzto-4GRKwSi_v7t_yoSXDyWVP-y-AEhOjDxiQd_U/s400/IMG_3590.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">communal bathrooms were spotless!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObYAvg2Fo-VhvKzVxhfJj61TmZYTv09fzMve5bBveezyIno4pIPGlhNfghdRmdusHtA5rus9aBzMvRA7p3K_9RG4h6gy1pl6Nb2TMQZFVcdxN-DWCU1-AWS3LY6Kws0MBCG3t7Wqp8hg/s1600/IMG_3577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObYAvg2Fo-VhvKzVxhfJj61TmZYTv09fzMve5bBveezyIno4pIPGlhNfghdRmdusHtA5rus9aBzMvRA7p3K_9RG4h6gy1pl6Nb2TMQZFVcdxN-DWCU1-AWS3LY6Kws0MBCG3t7Wqp8hg/s400/IMG_3577.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And what a view!</td></tr>
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So after a quick nap and lunch we were off to 2,000 year old terraces of Hapao and the hot springs. No rest for the weary! Jodi came with his brother Peter Paul who ended up being our guide (who as luck would have it we liked even better!) and Jodi did the driving. That's right--4 people on a trike. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOqnyFVZrhHtx1PYt4_hTRs1Pc9CjCSFD_3S15xadKBzUX1Cs30TUWh4B_Sr0z5tGlCVWuOIWS6NJpHTIjidI9lijzcheveUutG86f9tbzAZ5lS8HaiHrKKmdCiX_vFs_4K1LBtFLtBw/s1600/IMG_3573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOqnyFVZrhHtx1PYt4_hTRs1Pc9CjCSFD_3S15xadKBzUX1Cs30TUWh4B_Sr0z5tGlCVWuOIWS6NJpHTIjidI9lijzcheveUutG86f9tbzAZ5lS8HaiHrKKmdCiX_vFs_4K1LBtFLtBw/s400/IMG_3573.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">road to hapao</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YYgYyFt6GgTfU_zk7iq5_17Z6rvCq-Ziw0jYxwwkb-aUeMUqOwjxhD4xUfH0eImsUsVKjzt7PlP7fWFBtAJ2YPCz02wiobU6lljdUdNmIVPQU86ln2DIaOl3XjSzEPJjXSvY3P8_EpA/s1600/IMG_3467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YYgYyFt6GgTfU_zk7iq5_17Z6rvCq-Ziw0jYxwwkb-aUeMUqOwjxhD4xUfH0eImsUsVKjzt7PlP7fWFBtAJ2YPCz02wiobU6lljdUdNmIVPQU86ln2DIaOl3XjSzEPJjXSvY3P8_EpA/s400/IMG_3467.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beautiful Hapao.</td></tr>
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The walk through the Hapao terraces was breathtaking. From the sounds of the kids in school, the quaint Catholic Church in the center of the valley, and the many stunning shades of green in every direction, we were in heaven. PeterPaul was a fantastic guide--we learned so much from him. He is 22, grew up working in the terraces, and is finishing a degree in criminal justice in hopes to become a police officer.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PeterPaul</td></tr>
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None of the terraces in this area are commercial--they grow simply what
the family needs for the year. There is definite division of labor
according to gender. The whole process is completed without any machinery. Men repair the walls and prepare the beds for
planting. Women plant the seeds in clusters, which are pulled up,
separated, and replanted 2 months later. Only men handle the final
product, which will be harvested and dried in October. We met a woman PeterPaul used to work for and we even got to help her (hopefully she considered it help!).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian, defying gender roles</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These red bushes are used to mark property boundaries and signal planting is complete</td></tr>
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There is a very strong sense of community here. A nearby village's terraces were badly damaged by a landslide. The local governement gave everyone the day off to go help repair the terraces. If a family needs help planting or repairing, no one hesitates because they know the favor will be returned one day. We passed many piles of unplanted seedlings. If a family has more than they need, they simply pile them up for someone else to use.<br />
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After an easy hour we made it to the hot springs. Which were WAY too hot to be enjoyable. So we just swam in the icy river instead! We took a break and PeterPaul asked if we had any photos of home we could see. We didn't have many, but we did show him the photos of the <a href="http://ovenlessinchina.blogspot.com/2012/01/look-on-sunnyside.html">vineyard harvest</a> we helped with in November. He had never seen grapes before and we really struggled to describe their taste. Then we pulled out a pack of dried mangoes we bought in Manila--which he had also never had! He loved them (as do we! We brought tons back!) What <i>does</i> PeterPaul have though? A Facebook account. Unbelievable.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">quaint Catholic church</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japanese Fish--farmers were rooting thru the beds by hand to catch these as they burrow and weaken the walls.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So incredibly peaceful</td></tr>
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What a day it was. Thanks to it's remoteness, Hapao is not yet overrun by tourists. In fact, I think we saw less than 10 all day. It was serene, untouched, and absolutely authentic. We were in love.<br />
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<b>One Year Ago:</b><br />
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<b><a href="http://ovenlessinchina.blogspot.com/2011/05/lion-eating-poet-in-stone-den.html"> Holy Shi!</a></b><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1815958791" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/images/stories/large/2009/01/17/PoemWhite.jpg" width="79" /></a></div>
<br />Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927593042205373259noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638014410931921763.post-38608532102666625532012-02-23T07:43:00.001+08:002012-05-22T23:04:43.911+08:00Bon Voyage!Well, believe it or not, it's time for us to take off for another vacation! Living in China truly does have its benefits. This time we're off to the Philippines and Thailand. Here's the highlights of our coming month...<br />
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After arriving in Manila, we'll take a pleasant 10 hour bus ride to Banaue, where we'll spend 3 days hiking the rice terraces.<br />
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Then it is off to Puerto Princesa for a few days before leaving for a scuba liveaboard to Tubbataha.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinoyambisyoso.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/PuertoPrincesaUndergroundRiver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://pinoyambisyoso.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/PuertoPrincesaUndergroundRiver.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puerto Princesa's underground river and one of the new 7 wonders of the world.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.islandream.com/photos/indo_siren_philippine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://www.islandream.com/photos/indo_siren_philippine.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our hotel for the week!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://divegallery.com/tubbataha%20reef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://divegallery.com/tubbataha%20reef.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Next stop, Bangkok!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.travelpod.com/users/cullism/thailand_1990.1045790340.thailand_-_grand_palace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://images.travelpod.com/users/cullism/thailand_1990.1045790340.thailand_-_grand_palace.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Palace</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thaitravelnews.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/ayutthaya_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://www.thaitravelnews.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/ayutthaya_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ayutthaya</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Then Chiang Mai for 5 days, including a 3 day elephant jungle trek. This is definitely what I'm most looking forward to!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.visit-chiang-mai-online.com/images/elephant-nature-park4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://www.visit-chiang-mai-online.com/images/elephant-nature-park4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This promises to be the most unforgettable birthday EVER</td></tr>
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Last stop, Phuket for 3 days, then a liveaboard diving in the Similans and Surins.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.phuket-beaches.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/phuket-beaches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://www.phuket-beaches.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/phuket-beaches.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't WAIT!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.asiawebdirect.com/m/phuket/portals/phuket-com/homepage/island/phangnga/allParagraphs/0/image/phang1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://static.asiawebdirect.com/m/phuket/portals/phuket-com/homepage/island/phangnga/allParagraphs/0/image/phang1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We'll spend a day kayaking in Pha Nga Bay</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thailandnorthern.com/National%20Park/similan%20islands%20national%20park%20scuba%20diving%20sting%20ray%20thailand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://thailandnorthern.com/National%20Park/similan%20islands%20national%20park%20scuba%20diving%20sting%20ray%20thailand.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes please!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We'll have periodic access to the internet, so I should be able to post a few photos as we go along. Happy trails!<br />
<br />
<b>One Year Ago: </b> <b> </b><br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_504628075">And We're Off!</a></b><a href="http://ovenlessinchina.blogspot.com/2011/02/and-were-off.html"> </a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQBhqGybgYS8fQuKdrWRa_pj_iNT1oc2PzZ73IWgzVW_XCogZ8apN0WMtHqBedJBuCpXk0pguUTy6vXE1nXpvZFinc1VxI7Nk90gExptIDlUdwFJAXo7Vwcw_Oaerj6rIyZAu57M4Jvk/s1600/IMG_1043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQBhqGybgYS8fQuKdrWRa_pj_iNT1oc2PzZ73IWgzVW_XCogZ8apN0WMtHqBedJBuCpXk0pguUTy6vXE1nXpvZFinc1VxI7Nk90gExptIDlUdwFJAXo7Vwcw_Oaerj6rIyZAu57M4Jvk/s200/IMG_1043.JPG" width="100" /></a></div>
<br />Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927593042205373259noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638014410931921763.post-3306437636674512232012-02-22T11:59:00.000+08:002012-05-09T15:14:04.407+08:0024 hours in South KoreaAfter our January jaunt in Beijing we once again had to leave the country for our visas....so it was off to South Korea to visit friends for 24 hours! We flew in to Busan then headed south to Geoje Island, which was absolutely beautiful even in January. We drove around a good portion of the island, stopping of course to see the shipyard that makes Jiangyin's look oh-so-tiny, ate good Korean food--including fermented baby octopus (surprisingly good!), drank a good amount of Soju and Scotch (separately), and even squeezed in a near fatal trip to Costco before jumping back on the plane.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOAAGOtS_qEsI1DYfvVS75czZuj1apxZ5U5uXef4FgEUw3ZBcy2Tp6WZ3aenK1aFXGgcMB2Rs4Dwb_qxPDpVqk50HJqofWWNHgF3gyGCWaLAvwXrNFMTsKS23O7HzuEfzChPoBcp4csw/s1600/IMG_5258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOAAGOtS_qEsI1DYfvVS75czZuj1apxZ5U5uXef4FgEUw3ZBcy2Tp6WZ3aenK1aFXGgcMB2Rs4Dwb_qxPDpVqk50HJqofWWNHgF3gyGCWaLAvwXrNFMTsKS23O7HzuEfzChPoBcp4csw/s400/IMG_5258.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmoiz_-BEGvVWj4sQU65Bq1riHkneU-Q9VGKT4pWxkuwAOX5m5qSs22Jowvy4VVtizQ47XW4WBumI0oe9Y0KjfnqWVok_K9kANs6_WMfPTbyvFQ0lIqiKdlcBXzCPCnc3d7ws1jyOzbU/s1600/IMG_5259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmoiz_-BEGvVWj4sQU65Bq1riHkneU-Q9VGKT4pWxkuwAOX5m5qSs22Jowvy4VVtizQ47XW4WBumI0oe9Y0KjfnqWVok_K9kANs6_WMfPTbyvFQ0lIqiKdlcBXzCPCnc3d7ws1jyOzbU/s400/IMG_5259.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEWv4nVRQi9CmpDsg8YEOACnNbezHYsHAIt0VbGkBuNIXogARHeLBg8eOcwU4zQpo1hSzfuUEy8_JYwwYXV0KzAJSo_f2q25KgQ0xx7bmv4A_iaGAS5PqIRpYjvJPoBG3ijyunRe29Xc/s400/IMG_5262.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't believe I'm posting this atrocious photo of me....but it's good of Dougie, Bri and Ji-Young. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgMQQ0AbYRogJX_TUxKpQrKQQHZWXFpkUkt0JVw5-WEzuGtAJcS2yJIO5jrmnsXO38LDmbLGZ_rJzAaRs9R9ilYN4QmV9y9bhZhYrjhwKx5FRMtQfGGxFyTUIsCv6uBxog2xRJ2xG27w/s1600/IMG_5265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgMQQ0AbYRogJX_TUxKpQrKQQHZWXFpkUkt0JVw5-WEzuGtAJcS2yJIO5jrmnsXO38LDmbLGZ_rJzAaRs9R9ilYN4QmV9y9bhZhYrjhwKx5FRMtQfGGxFyTUIsCv6uBxog2xRJ2xG27w/s400/IMG_5265.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the summer this is Busan's see-and-be-seen beach...</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVdpcJVe_GBws-nCimULlsZq8UZRi7FEY61UrJWCWNVcfrnpztKuGXk-7TK3uTeirb78qdFCnZP5oM3s9osjdrDbwh2REVgKm9LaQgmlCzCfPspQQ3H1o9a7yIVaJYoi6W7xaW7I5ATY/s1600/IMG_5266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVdpcJVe_GBws-nCimULlsZq8UZRi7FEY61UrJWCWNVcfrnpztKuGXk-7TK3uTeirb78qdFCnZP5oM3s9osjdrDbwh2REVgKm9LaQgmlCzCfPspQQ3H1o9a7yIVaJYoi6W7xaW7I5ATY/s400/IMG_5266.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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It was a whirlwind trip, but great to sleep in a comfortable bed and see Dougie & Ji-Young's town, even if the trip ended with food poisoning from Costco. At least the food poisoning gods were slightly kind, in that it didn't kick in until after our flight. Oy.Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927593042205373259noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638014410931921763.post-22793106720436232192012-02-21T22:41:00.001+08:002012-05-24T11:06:10.795+08:00Too many photos!Well, I finally made it thru the 800 photos we (I) took in 3 days. Considering the fact that 2 years later, I still haven't waded thru all of our wedding photos to tell our photographer which to put in our album, I consider this nothing short of a miracle. In no particular order, here are the best of <a href="http://ovenlessinchina.blogspot.com/2012/02/great-wall.html">the rest of our time</a> in Beijing.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cL495FX6e4TcGfy7bgFPAGc1a0hhFlKf2pA1kBX4Ei1GZOKW8muW_swF_y_Py8G0unsPOHdQ8_wO1jULf5DnelGqgMofsP0ru3eivTaE1hdZkaHbq6lNvcjrM5An8fRMZBxUnPVdEDY/s1600/IMG_4482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cL495FX6e4TcGfy7bgFPAGc1a0hhFlKf2pA1kBX4Ei1GZOKW8muW_swF_y_Py8G0unsPOHdQ8_wO1jULf5DnelGqgMofsP0ru3eivTaE1hdZkaHbq6lNvcjrM5An8fRMZBxUnPVdEDY/s400/IMG_4482.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute hutong inn where we stayed</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5lyXRKaSZpItR_cuqWgOJC_Au75YE8sSwER-rlgXtvwlQmj4LSav94ZeUZiIxn1qXQMdDHD88J72ZFYeNrTxNBkaIc-q7fs0CWbUPaqYlzKV_AJj5qoIHM3REgG74ILZD9hYclkOlho/s1600/IMG_4483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5lyXRKaSZpItR_cuqWgOJC_Au75YE8sSwER-rlgXtvwlQmj4LSav94ZeUZiIxn1qXQMdDHD88J72ZFYeNrTxNBkaIc-q7fs0CWbUPaqYlzKV_AJj5qoIHM3REgG74ILZD9hYclkOlho/s400/IMG_4483.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hutong entrance</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfl7aqJx4usXJhPrncPJBalhAfB159ca_KMyQs0bHhlzs9f6ZHXzQtHb7W_JuB1ay8d_bWmH_AuhQuoztpTlUb9Rm-tZj2MelFwkUmhUO-KYjdor3c6jPA1g3iliAJKq2Ag1jNW-dwC5Q/s1600/IMG_4494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfl7aqJx4usXJhPrncPJBalhAfB159ca_KMyQs0bHhlzs9f6ZHXzQtHb7W_JuB1ay8d_bWmH_AuhQuoztpTlUb9Rm-tZj2MelFwkUmhUO-KYjdor3c6jPA1g3iliAJKq2Ag1jNW-dwC5Q/s400/IMG_4494.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friendly Lunar New Year reminders all over town....</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qAuKp6rSGWXJChvW8bdQocRu14YasqP6uhPuQNffBEe3GrqbLI8h5cVmMBa3JO_Mlz-8btIZANQ5qMQwP3GU8UBJ4-2QRiPFWhyphenhyphence05viIm1pdopaKZOElto2sdZD6GqXVXB8-F_cjI/s1600/IMG_4506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qAuKp6rSGWXJChvW8bdQocRu14YasqP6uhPuQNffBEe3GrqbLI8h5cVmMBa3JO_Mlz-8btIZANQ5qMQwP3GU8UBJ4-2QRiPFWhyphenhyphence05viIm1pdopaKZOElto2sdZD6GqXVXB8-F_cjI/s400/IMG_4506.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In front of the new performing arts center...surrounded by a moat, you enter thru a tunnel!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PRFEw20f44mfqSNsb5_GM2Oe5pXsqCLUfGoFZAjF7fX9mKV77eAcYudFSau9Mk9rZ8Bi1IpXo5pueS3AURgzqRvhFZSF_yS74NzSUlLfGaRfaMyVuK7kKnIarrcg8imEQFGYGMs1HBI/s1600/IMG_4513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PRFEw20f44mfqSNsb5_GM2Oe5pXsqCLUfGoFZAjF7fX9mKV77eAcYudFSau9Mk9rZ8Bi1IpXo5pueS3AURgzqRvhFZSF_yS74NzSUlLfGaRfaMyVuK7kKnIarrcg8imEQFGYGMs1HBI/s400/IMG_4513.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shockingly empty roads....Forbidden city on the left, Tiananmen on the right</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKiriZnq4Zkb3Wq6G1RqldAYx8CzkFT9MRLH-otCS_L0l2VEVgBRg0q05ZlkwVrdh4DQee5dK4xIGOw6yQvUR8j2aXxiVzePaEAH3LNxh_QEqv3cQd0ulhL_z1t9gp5mxvOxeVC8aGl64/s1600/IMG_4532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKiriZnq4Zkb3Wq6G1RqldAYx8CzkFT9MRLH-otCS_L0l2VEVgBRg0q05ZlkwVrdh4DQee5dK4xIGOw6yQvUR8j2aXxiVzePaEAH3LNxh_QEqv3cQd0ulhL_z1t9gp5mxvOxeVC8aGl64/s400/IMG_4532.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiananmen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJL1zk9JqPwfqwtSHPontTLBsc4Zd_dBEsnszPVME5FfZJiuDDX6VKFKlYWqT5CAZ6wK1eNPOcjDi9Xa7gC4OSFgNb7Az6cWtqwZIzZQawLSkEr7Mu0Va6-YFhPS3rRFEM2QikU0u3hy0/s1600/IMG_4543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJL1zk9JqPwfqwtSHPontTLBsc4Zd_dBEsnszPVME5FfZJiuDDX6VKFKlYWqT5CAZ6wK1eNPOcjDi9Xa7gC4OSFgNb7Az6cWtqwZIzZQawLSkEr7Mu0Va6-YFhPS3rRFEM2QikU0u3hy0/s400/IMG_4543.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me 'n Mao at the Forbidden City (which was closed the first day we went)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhLRBkPDVPaJYUm5rBaMlfL7Ixmry70GDbS_RCa4P6vEAv-SS0qK-UIDPmQ4anPbnEC9tOG4LN8s-x8QRugmhnUYXR9E8mFaY_7XPDLZ6EdjtHiDbQPaygkPifSWr9l1Vnxpe5y0hHeQ/s1600/IMG_4552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhLRBkPDVPaJYUm5rBaMlfL7Ixmry70GDbS_RCa4P6vEAv-SS0qK-UIDPmQ4anPbnEC9tOG4LN8s-x8QRugmhnUYXR9E8mFaY_7XPDLZ6EdjtHiDbQPaygkPifSWr9l1Vnxpe5y0hHeQ/s400/IMG_4552.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We weren't the only ones who thought it was brutally cold!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forbidden City</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDJ2R2vaRVHePNmb1Mz2EIOTInMqjFvnClPiyWkXfjhczgfRMoClONOLWsU_0uvENuCgJC6s8x-N5Rn76Nz_RSJ00XG6em7EHLJXpem9EKxlXKe8tR-ZcLSxqsZrLWGmBrEtgAw445ks/s1600/IMG_4617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDJ2R2vaRVHePNmb1Mz2EIOTInMqjFvnClPiyWkXfjhczgfRMoClONOLWsU_0uvENuCgJC6s8x-N5Rn76Nz_RSJ00XG6em7EHLJXpem9EKxlXKe8tR-ZcLSxqsZrLWGmBrEtgAw445ks/s400/IMG_4617.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jingshan Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3IEeOSKLP3-rKztNdotTQtXzHWXd2tz83Mt7dCGNLcJCO4TnaJ_4LkGCBrVo8cYQiovKe-ErWjFa5Z3vs3CjcAifsw1tH2B2Ne3Bz1MF3iy8j5GxrdgmqiqSJfXKNkzOjDVwjISFPTuA/s1600/IMG_4646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3IEeOSKLP3-rKztNdotTQtXzHWXd2tz83Mt7dCGNLcJCO4TnaJ_4LkGCBrVo8cYQiovKe-ErWjFa5Z3vs3CjcAifsw1tH2B2Ne3Bz1MF3iy8j5GxrdgmqiqSJfXKNkzOjDVwjISFPTuA/s400/IMG_4646.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fantastic View from top of Jingshan park...the 980 buildings that make up the forbidden city</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Houhai...surrounded by cute restaurants and shops that were mostly closed</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd trip to the Forbidden City we find....an astroturf basketball court for the guards</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Forbidden City is huge--1km x 0.75km. This is the 2nd courtyard before actually entering</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Oj9iUadC6Rg3oJBoqA1In3yWIDi6hsFJRQypdMj0fotA4dKH2vDXRC_o3LvEPdbIdazZRMdaisK-XlETKUbHXZdkW6iiZzEERBrKE_htUt7SPvsaOdN3vCaoVeiUO5RgZRpYSB_j-Yo/s1600/IMG_5133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Oj9iUadC6Rg3oJBoqA1In3yWIDi6hsFJRQypdMj0fotA4dKH2vDXRC_o3LvEPdbIdazZRMdaisK-XlETKUbHXZdkW6iiZzEERBrKE_htUt7SPvsaOdN3vCaoVeiUO5RgZRpYSB_j-Yo/s400/IMG_5133.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Demons to scare away evil spirits--The more demons, the more important the building</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrkCZvJ3_NYT07A01VlovgwpRQn7nVMP0v1P79nbB5Hb3iZW3_gw6FDwTR-UbIEeH2ihbguthKOIxp6hhECuQxC9UIfyLHhpWMzDu24dGYMyOA6HS71WXUyLchydIjp6LMWih89s0G-k/s1600/IMG_5252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrkCZvJ3_NYT07A01VlovgwpRQn7nVMP0v1P79nbB5Hb3iZW3_gw6FDwTR-UbIEeH2ihbguthKOIxp6hhECuQxC9UIfyLHhpWMzDu24dGYMyOA6HS71WXUyLchydIjp6LMWih89s0G-k/s400/IMG_5252.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The end-all-be-all peking duck meal at Made in China. Ah-maz-ing.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_552818999"><br />
</a>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927593042205373259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638014410931921763.post-40094932158398262712012-02-02T22:45:00.001+08:002012-05-24T11:06:40.501+08:00The Great WallWith just about 4 hours of sleep (thanks to some amazing <a href="http://ovenlessinchina.blogspot.com/2012/01/put-this-on-your-bucket-list-now.html" target="">fireworks</a>) we were up before the sun and off to the Great Wall. We'd met another couple at the hutong inn where we were staying and teamed up with them for the trip. In order to avoid the crowds at the more touristed sections of the Wall, we headed to the more remote Jinshanling section. Thanks to our indecent departure hour, the holiday, and the frigid weather, we were the first and ONLY people there. I can't imagine when I'll ever be able to say that again in China.<br />
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The Wall was truly a sight to behold, winding further than the eye can see, disappearing in to the mountains in each direction. I think Brian would still be there exploring today if I hadn't made him come back with me! He was like a kid who just discovered the <i>ultimate</i> fort. Jinshanling is the starting point of a 10km walk on the wall; the further you go, the more the condition of the wall deteriorates. I have a sneaky feeling we'll be back.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The advantage of group travel--photos of us--together!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian the mountain goat in 7th heaven, exploring the greatest fort EVER.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trailing off in to the distance</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Historically correct reenactment of a Mongol invasion</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unexpected little details..</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHAedyA5nVgNOQeEqGx1G3mKnTlYjDH4JTAEUGr91SJ-qu8BLGQS93ZBBR71q-0ji4KZbAEWouOrIz60cUlbeIcQRLy7BvBOY50Zslu95CinzdkO0J899wItqanKWRSwZjsMpAjt8gO4/s1600/IMG_5001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHAedyA5nVgNOQeEqGx1G3mKnTlYjDH4JTAEUGr91SJ-qu8BLGQS93ZBBR71q-0ji4KZbAEWouOrIz60cUlbeIcQRLy7BvBOY50Zslu95CinzdkO0J899wItqanKWRSwZjsMpAjt8gO4/s400/IMG_5001.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927593042205373259noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638014410931921763.post-14679896782436485442012-01-28T19:31:00.000+08:002012-05-24T11:07:24.735+08:00Food Fight: Takin' it to the StreetsOur recent trip to Beijing included a stop at Wangfujing Snack Street so we could channel our inner Andrew Zimmern. As intimidating as some of the foods appeared, most of them really weren't that bad! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wangfujing Snack Street</td></tr>
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We were brave enough to sample 5 of the 10 bizzare snacks being offered. Can you name them all? <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Y52wl-mjxgWQ1ek_D47ZNd2ILVQ2eKVUUALrpt3eHq8TJ2KHPciCgjGMIG8wi8sfVtiyq9ageOCYO8KLTZKwEBdCkmz90gQP-ullzdNAU9KZEIbxt4KpWUudq7zdOPGu4Z_NcLz7WAo/s1600/IMG_4580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Y52wl-mjxgWQ1ek_D47ZNd2ILVQ2eKVUUALrpt3eHq8TJ2KHPciCgjGMIG8wi8sfVtiyq9ageOCYO8KLTZKwEBdCkmz90gQP-ullzdNAU9KZEIbxt4KpWUudq7zdOPGu4Z_NcLz7WAo/s400/IMG_4580.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a freebie...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This wasn't bad at all--rolled in spices, it was just really crunchy. I was just scared of the first bite!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The texture of this was awful enough to get the 'ole gag reflexes pumping</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Was nervous about this one but it ended up being our favorite</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UaoRJ9YwB5Z2uJtLUVIgNPiSLWth3AthWOyXhrApvjOnwCoYIAA95YzkzyeUBdzY-GOLVK3aA5QA23rDBYpm-Lr-9F8QEyc3b0Xx__A1EQp6pMJVXIM9iBwuA1Qab37nWwifYDkL8zE/s1600/IMG_4597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UaoRJ9YwB5Z2uJtLUVIgNPiSLWth3AthWOyXhrApvjOnwCoYIAA95YzkzyeUBdzY-GOLVK3aA5QA23rDBYpm-Lr-9F8QEyc3b0Xx__A1EQp6pMJVXIM9iBwuA1Qab37nWwifYDkL8zE/s400/IMG_4597.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're not this brave yet....maybe next time!?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927593042205373259noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638014410931921763.post-39349798790547604382012-01-23T00:40:00.000+08:002012-05-24T11:11:34.903+08:00Put this on your bucket list NOW<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='400' height='326' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwUvOBef_KkoVfUO_BQliBRB2hVRJfNVhxlJgrEb8j5FmPu5EWtYTi3atfOVAbpV8vdY0V09vR6R54tvvAyIw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>We have 360 degrees of fireworks in our neighborhood right now. It absolutely non-stop everywhere you look and this is just what you can buy at the corner store! Our hearts were just pounding! Just had 1st slight lull 40 minutes in. This video is just the view from our inn's rooftop. One of the most amazing things we've ever seen! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927593042205373259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638014410931921763.post-15204584002075979942012-01-20T10:19:00.000+08:002012-05-24T11:11:57.027+08:00Happy New Year, Again!Spring Festival (aka Chinese New Year) starts on Monday and Jiangyin is already becoming a ghost town as people start the mass exodus out of town to see their families. We're jumping on the bandwagon tomorrow as we make our first trip to Beijing and then continue on to South Korea courtesy of our 30 day visas. We'll be in Beijing for 4 days, staying at a hutong inn which should give us a glimpse of "Old Beijing." All the usual tourist suspects are on our list--the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall (hopefully covered in snow?!), eating Peking duck, scouring the famous Dirt Market trying to discern trinkets from treasures, ice skating at Shichahai, seeing a traditional Peking Opera performance, and of course, the Beijing Museum of Tap Water. Phew! I'm sure there's no way we'll squeeze it all in!<br />
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Then we're off to South Korea to... I actually don't know where! We're flying to Busan because it is the cheapest flight out of the country we could find. But our best friends here in Jiangyin are actually from a city near Busan and happen to be home on their vacation. So it works out perfectly for us to stay with them for two days and get the official insider's tour. I can't wait!<br />
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So "<i>Xinnian Kuaile!</i>" and I'll see you all in the New Year! (Which I learned last night at our Chinese lesson, means I'm soon to be 33! ouch! But as soon as I'm south of the Yangtze I'll be 32, which is a little better, yet so strange!) <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.chinahighlights.com/attraction/beijing/badaling-great-wall-winter-snow-beijing-china.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://images.chinahighlights.com/attraction/beijing/badaling-great-wall-winter-snow-beijing-china.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fingers crossed for snow!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927593042205373259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638014410931921763.post-14454184514215508362012-01-16T09:21:00.000+08:002012-05-24T11:03:34.755+08:00Oregon Take TwoOur last weekend in Oregon we headed up the Gorge and into Washington (breaking the side ladder on the RV as we crossed the world's narrowest bridge thanks to construction!) so the boys could do some sturgeon fishing in the Columbia. While they all reeled in several fish, none of them were big enough to keep, so mom's worries about cooking 50+ lbs of fish in the RV were for naught. After the boys' departure at an uncivilized hour, we ladies were faced with an exhausting day of relaxation. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ladies' strenuous day, hosted by Sunnyside Vineyards-thanks T&L!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWxPimDOGOt5CYcZUjTPhJ-qo775pZ8SWQtuo4tMu2wtp1bXuWf7Jg_DU7qgxe8kNYatWSN6ST1NuSfM8SITCdTimChIF51PXMF1YKUYRlOPkCHCnBkXLX8CtK9HoiG3tGcak0u8Uxo8/s1600/IMG_0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWxPimDOGOt5CYcZUjTPhJ-qo775pZ8SWQtuo4tMu2wtp1bXuWf7Jg_DU7qgxe8kNYatWSN6ST1NuSfM8SITCdTimChIF51PXMF1YKUYRlOPkCHCnBkXLX8CtK9HoiG3tGcak0u8Uxo8/s400/IMG_0087.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927593042205373259noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638014410931921763.post-50325324642629216942012-01-11T21:56:00.000+08:002012-05-24T11:04:12.546+08:00Food Fight!By now, nearly a year in to our stint here in China, dinners hosted by the shipyard have changed from a study in the bizarre and unidentifiable, to a familiar medley of mildly edible dishes. Just when I thought we'd pretty much seen and tasted it all, they go and serve this at tonight's Spring Festival dinner. <i>Bon appetit</i>, and happy guessing! <br />
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Brian and I were able to spend November stateside, and what a whirlwind trip it was! After accomplishing the small feat of time travel, stepping off the plane in Portland, OR thirty minutes before we left Shanghai, it was straight to dinner with some of my extended family. I'm so sick we don't have any photos! Darn you jet-lag brain (did I mention we didn't sleep on the flight?)! It was a great meal and fantastic to see everyone, especially my newlywed cousin and her husband. Then after dinner we pulled a Rip Van Winkle, right?<br />
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Of course not! After just a few winks we were up with the birds. Our friends Luci and Tom own a vineyard and were ready to harvest but their picking crew was double booked. So my mom, dad, Brian and I were out the door as Luci rounded up 12 or so of their friends and put us to work. We picked nearly 3 tons of 3 different varieties--a pinot noir I don't remember the name of, tempranillo, and a dolcetto. Three TONS! We were soaked thru with dew and sticky grape juice, but it ended up being the perfect cure for jet lag and an absolutely beautiful day. Certainly a highlight of our entire month home. I suppose the following pictures incriminate me as a less than 100% focused volunteer laborer (sorry T&L!), but it was too beautiful not to snap photos of the grapes and the gorgeous light as the fog cleared.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what nearly 3 tons of grapes looks like!</td></tr>
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The day ended in perfect Tom and Luci style at their B&B. I've never been so happy to work for dry socks, a lunch feast, and, of course, good wine!Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927593042205373259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638014410931921763.post-90711715588255880712012-01-06T11:59:00.000+08:002012-05-24T11:05:22.197+08:00Introducing Old Yeller RedThe problem was twofold. Without an old fixer-upper to keep us busy, Brian and I were itching for a project, and Chinese beer just isn't worth drinking. So we brought back all the equipment and ingredients needed to make several batches of beer with us. No more wimpy Chinese beer for us, thank you very much! Not a tear was shed as we dumped 36 beers down the drain in order to get enough bottles. It was either that option for $15 or a trip to the Shanghai IKEA for fancy swing top bottles for a staggering $114! An easy decision, and very telling that the bottles are worth so much more empty than with swill in them!<br />
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In honor of his inspired performance while we were bottling the beer last week, this red ale gets its name from the man in our apartment complex who stands on his porch each night at 8pm and elegantly yells "WHOOOOOOOO" for a minute or two. Ladies and gentleman, we give you "Old Yeller Red" the best doggone ale in the East!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNvySh_g9Attcs2yapNPzg9AtrvRLj_VdiFU5W6V5Tr4EPsGKuQKnsnws03GSzLGnW8g4J3zyoSzFr_rV9xzCPDtzf3asmgmU6pMrfOukuzEg1pibmDmOLL-USRaRR1bDmfNvC_89_G8/s1600/IMG_4451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNvySh_g9Attcs2yapNPzg9AtrvRLj_VdiFU5W6V5Tr4EPsGKuQKnsnws03GSzLGnW8g4J3zyoSzFr_rV9xzCPDtzf3asmgmU6pMrfOukuzEg1pibmDmOLL-USRaRR1bDmfNvC_89_G8/s400/IMG_4451.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ceremonial first fill</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilv9QZ5F2stu8cEbZCiVLedoBtJtMQuF6EB1JzKgVKdX8Rtf87sMykvNJmXhmyb_DXDkesRcCEtfUi7QusGtb6L2ulN2TkZwaNHdwFbp6W298JikYqPbBrkfBwZw-47dlHeW4LYWWImcU/s1600/IMG_4454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilv9QZ5F2stu8cEbZCiVLedoBtJtMQuF6EB1JzKgVKdX8Rtf87sMykvNJmXhmyb_DXDkesRcCEtfUi7QusGtb6L2ulN2TkZwaNHdwFbp6W298JikYqPbBrkfBwZw-47dlHeW4LYWWImcU/s400/IMG_4454.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and capping</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaXp8Hpo4ZioHphdmaennvA2jo269THb09LaF3BAmLQ2ZiMfU3LZpboSR4XVKJHdviweJhXzYPdt8BuIsWnqCjy6GRNfPz_5glVX6oiDkozrFPZW_mkkv3FPSGvsw35H_lOl8rcsddZg/s1600/IMG_4456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaXp8Hpo4ZioHphdmaennvA2jo269THb09LaF3BAmLQ2ZiMfU3LZpboSR4XVKJHdviweJhXzYPdt8BuIsWnqCjy6GRNfPz_5glVX6oiDkozrFPZW_mkkv3FPSGvsw35H_lOl8rcsddZg/s400/IMG_4456.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lone proof of my participation...can we tell who's the photographer in this family?</td></tr>
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So mark your calendars and hop on a plane, we'll be cracking 'em open on January 27!Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927593042205373259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638014410931921763.post-72392433870281796222012-01-05T13:28:00.001+08:002012-05-24T11:12:22.522+08:00A room with a view!Hong Kong is the land of very expensive, teeny, tiny hotel rooms. Since it was our anniversary, we went all out and did this trip for free! Thank you CSL for the flight and our credit card points for the room! Upon checking in, we mentioned it was our anniversary in hopes of a room upgrade. And lucky us, we got a 10'x10' corner room with a view! <br />
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No, not that view.....<br />
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This one! Now that's more like it! Hubba hubby!<br />
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We were sorely disappointed by the New Year's festivities in Hong Kong. The fireworks were absolutely pathetic. Actually we were both slightly disappointed by HK in general. We expected a sleek British/Asian version of New York, but found it to be fairly worn down, cramped, and not that enticing. Based on friends' rave reviews of Hong Kong, we walked around all weekend saying "I like Shanghai better. What's wrong with us? Are we missing something?" So I guess it is a good thing we're only a bus ride away from Shanghai and not living in HK!<br />
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In spite of it, we walked all over that (very hilly!) city and feel like we packed quite a bit in to two days. We drooled over the beautiful grocery stores but didn't buy anything because of the horrifying prices, then were equally amazed by the cheap $0.50 ferry ride from Hong Kong to Kowloon, where we then paid a staggering $70 for dim sum (this would be about $10-15 in our town!).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-eUVH9acTs1su_i9oyF9CQyrdF3qV4cJlIK8_AYln6A1hH3VWOEh2O3z3TIx1mS3h__qnmXtivSTOtHSFwpvop9JWPmrpodv0Q0stupVNpFwqyaYQjUTxS2fpCpIVFF3px6gSi90YR4A/s1600/IMG_4309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-eUVH9acTs1su_i9oyF9CQyrdF3qV4cJlIK8_AYln6A1hH3VWOEh2O3z3TIx1mS3h__qnmXtivSTOtHSFwpvop9JWPmrpodv0Q0stupVNpFwqyaYQjUTxS2fpCpIVFF3px6gSi90YR4A/s400/IMG_4309.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bustling, odor-free market right outside our hotel</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view of HK from Kowloon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42hivENqudD1m3SznwiMYZSUfHwEjcfkZwqoveT4Cd3XL7UJAw7hKoxK3h-m3vMebZu-IVkuRgb_qK0UsW20rI9KS_e5Ud1KwlPZy8r1mKuqfFxf7qDHggfMGrvrt2eRfG8NUmVPBwow/s1600/IMG_4344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42hivENqudD1m3SznwiMYZSUfHwEjcfkZwqoveT4Cd3XL7UJAw7hKoxK3h-m3vMebZu-IVkuRgb_qK0UsW20rI9KS_e5Ud1KwlPZy8r1mKuqfFxf7qDHggfMGrvrt2eRfG8NUmVPBwow/s400/IMG_4344.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">thought the lone sparkler was more festive than the actual show....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUYqqqPePEHpA-nfWE-WiucvLYF4oepj0Q8NFjdj9wMqcgoAbVJRojhRmG922z_OxZuLHLTBLVZJ0eI54ckqE3JPStqFF8xnXAaj8kqe76dGW9Af23FM0i-ydGPx0oL3z1d7KZePprU4/s1600/IMG_4346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUYqqqPePEHpA-nfWE-WiucvLYF4oepj0Q8NFjdj9wMqcgoAbVJRojhRmG922z_OxZuLHLTBLVZJ0eI54ckqE3JPStqFF8xnXAaj8kqe76dGW9Af23FM0i-ydGPx0oL3z1d7KZePprU4/s400/IMG_4346.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's as exciting as it got....</td></tr>
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New Year's Day we caught the tail end of a dragon dance in a local park.<br />
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We wandered thru the financial center of HK over to Lan Kwai Fong and SoHo, the two concentrated expat neighborhoods for a "home cooked" meal. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SoHo is so hilly they have outdoor escalators everywhere!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIQoKMwJey_CsfoCdG5a0y_EejhhoDmdQZgiuehSWTe8JHrre-AFFr2NJ5KCXfLywdwYgHUVNJO1IgSJzN53LW4kmc7uWtcv4DTQtiHKUmPcW9LEk0gP6UdXVHEUCD_LBmE-3pFlRVAA/s1600/IMG_4416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIQoKMwJey_CsfoCdG5a0y_EejhhoDmdQZgiuehSWTe8JHrre-AFFr2NJ5KCXfLywdwYgHUVNJO1IgSJzN53LW4kmc7uWtcv4DTQtiHKUmPcW9LEk0gP6UdXVHEUCD_LBmE-3pFlRVAA/s400/IMG_4416.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Even though HK wasn't our favorite, we now know what to expect and look forward to returning on one of our many visa-prompted trips. We didn't bother to go to the Peak because of the smog, nor did we make it to any of the jade, antique, food or night markets, which we definitely want to do. Other highlights include sane drivers, cheap, cheap public transportation, drivers that don't honk every second and not being stared at incessantly. It's all about the little things!Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927593042205373259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638014410931921763.post-25694011315470771852011-12-31T19:00:00.003+08:002012-05-24T11:12:42.267+08:00Happy New Year!So we've totally lucked out with our new visas, in that we now have to leave China every 30 days. So we're off too Hong Kong for a complimentary anniversary/New Year's trip! We can both hardly believe we've only been married two years. So many exciting things have happened, it seems like an eternity ago!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.internationalteflacademy.com/Portals/67369/images/Chinese_New_Year_Fireworks_Display-Hong_Kong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://www.internationalteflacademy.com/Portals/67369/images/Chinese_New_Year_Fireworks_Display-Hong_Kong.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where we'll be in just a few short hours!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlkhiySgq2OegwPd0iSPaOvxH3IpHyXymeewCatAbA8ZWHo7jP_2zCq27hwLqh-I9KnFvUs6GcLJKk845EcsqTWyOhypYa5V60200BEsSSpJYvE49xSSIJ1TU-1U7UtxLli4LwmWhMXtI/s1600/IMG_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlkhiySgq2OegwPd0iSPaOvxH3IpHyXymeewCatAbA8ZWHo7jP_2zCq27hwLqh-I9KnFvUs6GcLJKk845EcsqTWyOhypYa5V60200BEsSSpJYvE49xSSIJ1TU-1U7UtxLli4LwmWhMXtI/s400/IMG_0058.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1 Year Ago--New Year's in Bonaire, a final family hurrah before the move to China</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEET5ZS6Uyv8teLw3YqS9Q0hOnPtsFJ-XGXytLupJtJIsI2WCR3E1flCBF7XfrROrqOZbqCehusLTjYcVApdU0fxfRGZRkO8Ht-G4YLhu2WWiPy1t3Djfcjf4ilUEPm97uv8NfYhL-fsQ/s1600/becerraphotography-123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEET5ZS6Uyv8teLw3YqS9Q0hOnPtsFJ-XGXytLupJtJIsI2WCR3E1flCBF7XfrROrqOZbqCehusLTjYcVApdU0fxfRGZRkO8Ht-G4YLhu2WWiPy1t3Djfcjf4ilUEPm97uv8NfYhL-fsQ/s400/becerraphotography-123.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just 2 Years Ago, the best start to a New Year EVER.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927593042205373259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638014410931921763.post-45998943245160385612011-12-30T21:50:00.000+08:002012-05-24T11:11:06.435+08:00A BYOO ChristmasSo, after a wonderful month in the States and a busy month of Christmas cooking and covert elfing, I'm back to bring you up to date! I'm going to skip ahead to Christmas and fill in the blanks as time allows. <br />
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Five other expats joined us for a Korean-Scottish-English-Canadian-American Christmas in China at our place. Naturally, it started with an adventure--after opening gifts I went to start the stuffing only to realize we didn't have gas or hot water. A few phone calls later and we luckily got the meter reset so we were back in business. Then we realized our turkey had yet to be cleaned. True, the intestines and stomach were gone but it still proved to be a treasure trove of surprises!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9V0bdLU2MKfJGqxhcuxkKSzHsh7yxXv30WCLVx3lY28MDtbBhbXkaDROEtpVLKlZqoSSP2Bc9e2UyQshP39Kg-HhxFpCLZuE3UBv7kwCjHlNAAfwJZK2QIW-RFnkhYDRcuFvB93v2gaU/s1600/IMG_4255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9V0bdLU2MKfJGqxhcuxkKSzHsh7yxXv30WCLVx3lY28MDtbBhbXkaDROEtpVLKlZqoSSP2Bc9e2UyQshP39Kg-HhxFpCLZuE3UBv7kwCjHlNAAfwJZK2QIW-RFnkhYDRcuFvB93v2gaU/s400/IMG_4255.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian's Christmas quote of the year: "It's as if it's giving birth to itself!"</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_rgNSCkjJ5ujqFEeIdPvvTnqYT3CfYyjIXhyphenhyphenBD0jb4QLoEOyEKVZ6ZUG3AFFUxdoh8hDSH1u_pmDTFMC5qM85hCvhxjuoKVCP4qVspI7ysG41RwkrP91GU8mSN4qiQGHJofK2JodC_A/s1600/IMG_4273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_rgNSCkjJ5ujqFEeIdPvvTnqYT3CfYyjIXhyphenhyphenBD0jb4QLoEOyEKVZ6ZUG3AFFUxdoh8hDSH1u_pmDTFMC5qM85hCvhxjuoKVCP4qVspI7ysG41RwkrP91GU8mSN4qiQGHJofK2JodC_A/s400/IMG_4273.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Our Christmas was a BYOO affair. Bring Your Own Oven. Since our ovens are all tiny things that can only hold one dish at a time we needed three to pull this meal off! And thank goodness one of our friends has the biggest oven you can find here--it was just big enough for the turkey. It came with a roasting pan that slides in the oven in place of a rack. But here's where the fun begins. The roasting pan is only wide enough for a hair's width of overlap on the tracks. So when you add a 12lb turkey, the weight of it is enough to sag the pan and send it crashing straight down on top of the element. After repeating this comedy of errors multiple times we ended up putting a mixing bowl on the bottom of the oven between the elements and just set the pan on the bowl. Well, transferring the weight to the bowl made the bottom of the oven pop off, so then we had to shim that back into place as best we could. We were estimating 3 hours cooking time and it was looking pretty darn good around that time. So we took it out, but realized it wasn't ready yet. So back in it goes and we're checking it every 15 minutes or so. About 45 minutes in the internal temp still hasn't risen and we're commenting that we must have maxed out the oven, because it is now cold. Turns out we never turned it back on. Oops! So another 30 minutes more in an oven that's actually ON, and we had a juicy, delicious bird! Phew! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sewing up the bird China-style, with a quilting needle and yarn.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViIw-1dXYw-pwcf7BxEMusTMctqrqhI3aR3rLq8O1tEnqTVKLlvv2MI1PVl9wr3hyphenhyphenqDTnMmaNEZs8fi1ptyCcRpa8Gu7JhBctOhzPwHdYnBmDe0_Cv5rGxGstXXBWK3F5F1U0nGDx9yg/s1600/IMG_4246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViIw-1dXYw-pwcf7BxEMusTMctqrqhI3aR3rLq8O1tEnqTVKLlvv2MI1PVl9wr3hyphenhyphenqDTnMmaNEZs8fi1ptyCcRpa8Gu7JhBctOhzPwHdYnBmDe0_Cv5rGxGstXXBWK3F5F1U0nGDx9yg/s400/IMG_4246.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How I spent my days the last 3 weeks</td></tr>
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All in all, I couldn't have imagined a better Christmas in China. </div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927593042205373259noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638014410931921763.post-14486722708044810132011-10-31T08:00:00.004+08:002012-05-24T11:13:04.927+08:00Happy Halloween!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="261" src="http://www.mandmx.com/comics/2009-10-28%20Halloween%20in%20China.jpg" width="400" /><span id="goog_562363851"></span><span id="goog_562363852"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927593042205373259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638014410931921763.post-50038359774499918172011-10-30T09:43:00.001+08:002011-10-31T11:18:57.749+08:00Haute Couture BeddingThe art of window displays is serious business here, and the kitschier the better! Here's a very tame bridal shop's window:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSS7TCNMrlZF-gDmeZ_4NS_zNvTZqR1Me2rUlJoDz4xGzYJtDdOtw-BE1TZPHDbfvOpoUjT0-5V85tzwNUGHqcJXFoYKCi2BZRbbqORq165ys-VjBFBWMlIOSJNB21W-7lzfHlkd1kVBM/s1600/IMG_3783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSS7TCNMrlZF-gDmeZ_4NS_zNvTZqR1Me2rUlJoDz4xGzYJtDdOtw-BE1TZPHDbfvOpoUjT0-5V85tzwNUGHqcJXFoYKCi2BZRbbqORq165ys-VjBFBWMlIOSJNB21W-7lzfHlkd1kVBM/s400/IMG_3783.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Even the bedding industry is in on it. Not only must your duvet cover look great on the bed, it must also be wearable for a variety of different occasions. Here's a nice day look for an afternoon in the country. I'm glad to know if I purchased this, that the blue and floral pillows can also function as accessories!<br />
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Here's a more Grecian look. Note dove on shoulder. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPCBXOl85qZdNFuV_ugck2kJvUuEJxNtXficPr4uzZeskjdSD__OCUyzMo98yJR6Nt-0ih0Vrk3qamtb5KK1CZlBJxaMQRxU5D2Ucppo2-02FdYhZ9d7D7ys0J8eQl1wXchIrNifIp-Y/s1600/IMG00023-20111029-0742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPCBXOl85qZdNFuV_ugck2kJvUuEJxNtXficPr4uzZeskjdSD__OCUyzMo98yJR6Nt-0ih0Vrk3qamtb5KK1CZlBJxaMQRxU5D2Ucppo2-02FdYhZ9d7D7ys0J8eQl1wXchIrNifIp-Y/s400/IMG00023-20111029-0742.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can't see it here, but there are more doves hanging from the ceiling suspending her head wreath midair.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Lastly, formal wear. I've already purchased this outfit for the first ship naming ceremony. I LOVE the train! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3UUYBOKMFRaBuXYX8D9h6fWQQvadC3fGdx8ThqQ2-LYFfFNBnxkkOixMbGpn7Z564SnP-d7vZz-l1KGYrCBPjncT8exxk_oCemx2rOtxjRfu7_qA6DEEb2Wb9kBCGNBDrNktn1p7RDiE/s1600/IMG00025-20111029-0819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3UUYBOKMFRaBuXYX8D9h6fWQQvadC3fGdx8ThqQ2-LYFfFNBnxkkOixMbGpn7Z564SnP-d7vZz-l1KGYrCBPjncT8exxk_oCemx2rOtxjRfu7_qA6DEEb2Wb9kBCGNBDrNktn1p7RDiE/s400/IMG00025-20111029-0819.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What, this old thing? I just rolled out of bed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927593042205373259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6638014410931921763.post-27427699447900291112011-10-29T11:40:00.001+08:002011-10-29T14:56:17.876+08:00Jiangyin in picturesJust an assortment of recent photos around town....<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Y_PiO-X_36kbutJTAXvZ1YF-Tw_nJjDxhLABZPxucBY6X-PNhW50gX6KqgO1yhdw2mTIprkjcaqK_AKHgtQwmMh3GcwPCRMV9CaIQ2AIKpkNsYRM2_-RHN0OUXHN_plSCGUF7JOVECA/s1600/IMG_3765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Y_PiO-X_36kbutJTAXvZ1YF-Tw_nJjDxhLABZPxucBY6X-PNhW50gX6KqgO1yhdw2mTIprkjcaqK_AKHgtQwmMh3GcwPCRMV9CaIQ2AIKpkNsYRM2_-RHN0OUXHN_plSCGUF7JOVECA/s400/IMG_3765.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remaining tower and section of old city wall</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTNUmUzTGudqekZgFknjepExAj5PoTty6ePvenEnusZFPtihyphenhyphenmXiakNDW7UaRhzOvUn-KE9O-o-uVc6-hYead_ku-ghmkO1TgBUIjC0fpmaU61_1HfPb9rAHBUgCi51ZPuWeuL3oJIfo/s1600/IMG_3760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTNUmUzTGudqekZgFknjepExAj5PoTty6ePvenEnusZFPtihyphenhyphenmXiakNDW7UaRhzOvUn-KE9O-o-uVc6-hYead_ku-ghmkO1TgBUIjC0fpmaU61_1HfPb9rAHBUgCi51ZPuWeuL3oJIfo/s400/IMG_3760.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
The many uses of bicycle carts:<br />
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They're excellent for an afternoon nap.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVYraG5yrGXzwPWw6qf1QlgJAaXsvnZhM_fE9Wri12MefjLgEe3vhY7I8ctN-izFKJblh6Xbd8fpAPupIket_wGYWOk3yBkqXaVLYToy7-LR3lnW7Xk0VpuKN-T4sNn42y30UZZA2Lxw/s1600/IMG_3742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVYraG5yrGXzwPWw6qf1QlgJAaXsvnZhM_fE9Wri12MefjLgEe3vhY7I8ctN-izFKJblh6Xbd8fpAPupIket_wGYWOk3yBkqXaVLYToy7-LR3lnW7Xk0VpuKN-T4sNn42y30UZZA2Lxw/s400/IMG_3742.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>They make an ideal FedEx truck.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpv7WBZJKsndpUtdtua2lcOFcR2eybuIXC1j9BZUZVZPVkr3qVd8tiTzPcfSoYpr9ST0adyBEKhDxEAswNF99Fw9JUcRBxngYLpJqP7Efo8Eqjz9Z80_5CJyQMvYnXOI8knIyYuaaG5o/s1600/IMG_3756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpv7WBZJKsndpUtdtua2lcOFcR2eybuIXC1j9BZUZVZPVkr3qVd8tiTzPcfSoYpr9ST0adyBEKhDxEAswNF99Fw9JUcRBxngYLpJqP7Efo8Eqjz9Z80_5CJyQMvYnXOI8knIyYuaaG5o/s400/IMG_3756.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
And don't forget they are the perfect surface on which to dry your shop's fresh pasta out on a sidewalk!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijdwddiSYa74_osXCDl-uAFZ83V0CCRDV8wPorWSOI32eV6gxGJZsPDgMZI7cxISErvexQq79pfsA7gam7GyHaCrfL32Zu23KLdXO-b2_Dh_Eo2FV9Fk6iS5nyNJnTNWm82BhyphenhyphenTbt_Fdo/s1600/IMG_3763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijdwddiSYa74_osXCDl-uAFZ83V0CCRDV8wPorWSOI32eV6gxGJZsPDgMZI7cxISErvexQq79pfsA7gam7GyHaCrfL32Zu23KLdXO-b2_Dh_Eo2FV9Fk6iS5nyNJnTNWm82BhyphenhyphenTbt_Fdo/s400/IMG_3763.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHrV6_EuDqERP81XBAAM58394Xj9voUVtR-H0lMQMVb0_ECb438Ig0YffXdSceUg8Dl2Uts83054jzzIGRpXg5e0P6hRqOMIrUoNzoep5ceUua5_je0zojgL4gK19KROXkGKgYqhAPXk/s1600/IMG_3764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHrV6_EuDqERP81XBAAM58394Xj9voUVtR-H0lMQMVb0_ECb438Ig0YffXdSceUg8Dl2Uts83054jzzIGRpXg5e0P6hRqOMIrUoNzoep5ceUua5_je0zojgL4gK19KROXkGKgYqhAPXk/s400/IMG_3764.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Alternatively, you can also dry your pasta on a clothes rack with mops, shoes and rags for added flavor. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnpw-c2qeSROkHjCuH5OhaGU_P66_WLVXj6UNFx87S6aG45uXF2f479eygM6RquX0wLKmrQSR7wGZzrqJYJCUblxu0By1OYJATIYekmOYlj_sq0WUzHJYlQerSimXw7k6a-s-qJPbwIA/s1600/IMG_3779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnpw-c2qeSROkHjCuH5OhaGU_P66_WLVXj6UNFx87S6aG45uXF2f479eygM6RquX0wLKmrQSR7wGZzrqJYJCUblxu0By1OYJATIYekmOYlj_sq0WUzHJYlQerSimXw7k6a-s-qJPbwIA/s400/IMG_3779.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsoRLNvOhPaTy2tDJFLMZ7alNdK6h2JEQf1BMVqnc2YHYkjX69GRgqBBYVVUJSjbkhslt0eMGCkpNkd2lsuKi0yEt-0IAwgp36ewamPkEuehUahTS6AnIOqv7irKDVNaARFhLPSd6IP4/s1600/IMG_3767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsoRLNvOhPaTy2tDJFLMZ7alNdK6h2JEQf1BMVqnc2YHYkjX69GRgqBBYVVUJSjbkhslt0eMGCkpNkd2lsuKi0yEt-0IAwgp36ewamPkEuehUahTS6AnIOqv7irKDVNaARFhLPSd6IP4/s400/IMG_3767.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just liked all the colors</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_842502526"><br />
</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_842502526"><br />
</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_842502526"><br />
</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">More scenes from the grocery store:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyxzf-OcvBlCG29p-SKjPYKkJGrnkNEtwWk2xoDfZinAAT5eP66ZdB6rGo762oVeVO5XyYMNMXCDtnrd0hkIsVmC2N7RKIEIv_2uW4TTqsR2YxX5MWeE8EsEoJQTRB2Xjhi6h65YJKC0/s1600/IMG00017-20111025-0615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyxzf-OcvBlCG29p-SKjPYKkJGrnkNEtwWk2xoDfZinAAT5eP66ZdB6rGo762oVeVO5XyYMNMXCDtnrd0hkIsVmC2N7RKIEIv_2uW4TTqsR2YxX5MWeE8EsEoJQTRB2Xjhi6h65YJKC0/s400/IMG00017-20111025-0615.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dried jellyfish. If only the selection wasn't so limited!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bVgGJMGhNCKoMr7MW1cAmozkrwTf2Q6tpIR2m0BTD8QTu-Jul0HdAzGt3haT9helMBVybtpm7wlFl2LSSw9IReS7qUl3uQu1Wi9jyTW5vLwazEbZUdabDrTu7Yt4nv5zI9JxloCsQ_Q/s1600/IMG00018-20111025-0615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bVgGJMGhNCKoMr7MW1cAmozkrwTf2Q6tpIR2m0BTD8QTu-Jul0HdAzGt3haT9helMBVybtpm7wlFl2LSSw9IReS7qUl3uQu1Wi9jyTW5vLwazEbZUdabDrTu7Yt4nv5zI9JxloCsQ_Q/s400/IMG00018-20111025-0615.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squid & mussels. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtsPXxCqTw4wagST1ON6uyimpAGOVzQ-e1ydMuKX-Z7UUtHVfDHZA3sSoudPIGwD0dvRQZfHixdRjIJHgK6fFjgTZSs0O2sqEDZMhQeUFz9wPlG5jHRXOlUvi-cbvJ6u8ZN0SSH79GjpM/s1600/IMG00019-20111025-0616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtsPXxCqTw4wagST1ON6uyimpAGOVzQ-e1ydMuKX-Z7UUtHVfDHZA3sSoudPIGwD0dvRQZfHixdRjIJHgK6fFjgTZSs0O2sqEDZMhQeUFz9wPlG5jHRXOlUvi-cbvJ6u8ZN0SSH79GjpM/s400/IMG00019-20111025-0616.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">petrified fish</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNTaHGTti2FmaC9vgpqMLnJ7Q6hmQBdjxomlKWZtRNb0RPKPSi7AmUYP8SnodJsZOmFRVJMdz66fyT3wLMugTvWDxmskDntByo_Mc7JsC3eGvXKttofeoubp550x_CYQtx1yTeYiIrhQs/s1600/IMG00020-20111025-0616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNTaHGTti2FmaC9vgpqMLnJ7Q6hmQBdjxomlKWZtRNb0RPKPSi7AmUYP8SnodJsZOmFRVJMdz66fyT3wLMugTvWDxmskDntByo_Mc7JsC3eGvXKttofeoubp550x_CYQtx1yTeYiIrhQs/s400/IMG00020-20111025-0616.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More delectable dried fish options</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09927593042205373259noreply@blogger.com0