GONE to the Chapel!!!

Maybe not exactly a "Shout-Out from Shanghai" but certainly worth mentioning! This past weekend I was lucky enough to take the long journey to America. I arranged substitute teachers for Thursday afternoon and Friday and departed for the home land. I left my apartment Thursday around noon and 26 hours later arrived in Fayetteville, NC ready for a weekend of fun and excitement. It was a beautiful wedding from the very beginning and we couldn't have asked for better weather. From the flowers and cake to the church, Katherine's dress, and even groomsmen shoes everything turned out perfectly. I am beyond excited to have been able to go home even for a short visit to share this special time with my family and friends.

*Check Facebook for more pictures!

Fabric Market and Pearl Market!

These two markets may just be the reason I stay in China forever (well, not really forever but certainly part of the reason I decided to stay another year...) There is honestly only one word to describe these markets and that's HEAVENLY! They are by far my two favorite markets in Shanghai and although neither is the cleanest or easiest place to navigate, once you get accustomed to the crazyness, the options and creations become ENDLESS! I've had winter jackets, dresses, skirts, and shirts made at the fabric market and numerous necklaces, bracelets, and earring made at the pearl market. Since they are walking distance from each other, I often find myself visiting both in the same day! And the best part, they ALWAYS have your size and favorite styles!

Xi'an - Qingming Festival weekend vacation!

This past weekend (during the Qingming Festival) Camden, Tricia, and I embarked on yet another Chinese adventure, this time traveling and exploring the city of Xi'an, located in the Shaanxi province of China. We took the overnight train Friday after school and arrived in Xi'an around noon on Saturday! Our first stop.... lunch of course, and WOW we were impressed! We went to a noodle shop recommended by our ever faithful and handy Lonely Plant. We ordered a couple noodle dishes (one of which may or may not have slipped right out of our chopsticks and ended up on the floor.... oops), pancake things, and a yummy eggplant dish. All the food was delicious, and once our bellies were content we decided it was time to hit the streets for a little sightseeing and shopping!

On our first day, we saw the Drum Tower, the Bell Tower, and visited a Mosque while exploring the Muslim quarters. Day two was spent shopping and eating tons of street food snacks! We also went to an antique market outside the city walls which was quite interesting to say the least.... Sunday night we met up with a few other teachers from SHSID for dinner at the oldest restaurant in Xi'an. Monday, we went on a tour to Mt. Hua, the 5th holiest mountain in China! Then, finally on Tuesday we saw the Terracotta Warriors! This was by far my favorite part of the trip! The warriors were simply amazing and there were SO MANY!

After a great four day weekend vacation I made it back to Shanghai to sunshine and warmer weather!