Thank You/Sha Sha

A big thank you to Bill and Louie for organizing and leading a life changing gift for all involved.

Thank you Brett and David for helping us understand the Chinese language and culture.

Thank you Cai for your assistance in so many ways.

Thank you Tony for a great tour!

Thank you to the orphanage staff and many volunteers for caring for these precious children.

The children and people of China remain in our thoughts, prayers, and best wishes until we meet again. If you would like to contribute to relief work in China please click on Helping our Friends on the blog menu.

Transportation

Transportation was most interesting! There were many methods of travel. People were seen walking, riding, biking, dashing, speeding, stopping, and jetting through traffic. A few examples:

Unusual vehicles everywhere -

Busy intersections - many near misses!

Strolling through the park.

Best of all, children were able to be transported with the help of stools on wheels. They most enjoyed changing floors as they dashed down the ramp. The gift of mobility through wheelchairs is awesome!

Culture Shock

A trip to the bank may be time consuming. You take a number and wait, and wait, and wait.

All shopping involves negotiation and mind boggling deals!

There is a strong military presence:








The military walking in formation through Tiananmen Square.

The military at the great wall.

Grocery stores were interesting:

Our first experience ordering Chinese food as a group. Much thought went into making sure the choices would be pleasing to everyone.

When SHARING a meal, many selections are available and placed on a lazy susan in the middle of the table. Yes, it is appropriate to take your chop sticks and "double dip," no one seems to mind and there was always enough for everyone. Some members of the group enjoyed Chinese food whenever available, some could not wait to visit a Fridays.

Of course, there is always McDonald's.









Vendors are found on the street offering fresh fruit.

On our way to the orphanage in Zhao Xian we found a restaurant that offered a bit of variety. When we entered the restaurant the employees, laying on rows of chairs, woke up to serve us lunch. It is most interesting that the entire meal is never brought at the same time. Ingredients keep appearing throughout the meal. This selection started with a pot of broth and we were able to add lamb, squid, vegetables and rice as we wished, creating our desired flavor. Rice is usually served last.

Peking Duck was a must! Many restaurants present you with a wash cloth before a meal. The servers do not expect or accept a tip.

By the end of the visit Sandi and Vicki are very happy with sticky rice, and stir fried green beans and broccoli.

Using a bathroom in China is an interesting experience. The more sophisticated restrooms have a male/female room to wash your hands and pick up toilet paper on the way in. Men to the left, women to the right. Some restrooms give you the choice of a "Western toilet" or a "squat pot" and you better have your own toilet paper. Other's have a "Western" toilet for the handicap. Some are very quaint with only a squat pot and you definitely need your Purell.

Our hotel bathroom facility and shower were one - interesting set up!

The count down clock for the Olympics!







With the Olympics approaching, 08/08/08 ,there is construction everywhere. Below you will find the Bird's Nest Stadium, a distant view of the aquatic center, and a hotel in the shape of a torch. The Olympics will be so much fun to watch!