Last Days

This is our last post because we leave in two days. We are now in Shanghai, we've been here for the past couple of days. After our relaxing stay in Yangshuo, we had a slightly emotional day in Nanjing where we visited the Massacre Memorial Museum and Sun Yat Sen's Mausoleum. The museum was incredibly well done: it was beautiful and heartbreaking. We rode a very fast train to Shanghai which is an amazing city. Yesterday we visited Pudong, which is the new part of Shanghai- we went to the Pearl TV tower, which is kind of like an Asian Eiffel Tower, but much more modern. Then we went to and Urban Planning Center which was really interesting, it had future models of Shanghai that were huge! We went shopping on a pedestrian street last night and experienced the colorful night life of Shanghai. Today we took a day trip to the beautiful city of Suzhou. We visited a Buddhist temple and a sunny garden. Tonight we went on a boat ride, the night air and the lights were incredible and now we're all hanging out in the hotel slightly exhausted from our hectic but fun two weeks. We have some leisure time tomorrow after we talk with a famous Chinese actress. Then in the evening, Jennifer's parents are going to treat us to dinner and introduce us to 2 international students who will be attending Northwest next year. We have all had an amazing time and don't want it to end, but we're also ready to go home. We hope that you have enjoyed accompanying us on our lovely travels and that we have inspired you to discover the wonderful world that we have only begun to experience.

Zai jian!

Yangshuo

Hello Everyone!
We are now in Yangshuo, a tiny little town on the Li River embedded in towering limestone mountains that are dramatic and beautiful. Last night we saw the famous Yangshuo water show, which was impressive and colorful. There are so many tourists here; leaving the show we had to fight to get through the masses. Yesterday afternoon Tina and Daniel rented golf carts and we drove up the country road to meet a farmer whose family has lived in his house for 900 years!
He was a very spirited old fellow and stronger than Gus and George put together. (He could lift this huge rock!) At his house we made tofu and recieved many blessings. It was really fun to connect with him.
well, its now time for breakfast. today is our first free day this whole trip and we are planning on hiking, although Mallika wants to go get muddy in the water caves. (which sounds gross)
We miss you all a lot!
love,
Us

Further Exploits Into China Territory

We are in Xian for one night tonight- the beautiful old capital of ancient China. We took a really fun Sleeper train from Beijing to Xian and we fly to Guilin tomorrow. Today we saw the famous Terra Cotta Warriors, which were plentiful and amazing. We also went to a concubine's bath house which used to be covered with pink jade but now is kind of grimy. We saw a traditional Chinese song and dance show from the Tang Dynasty tonight which we ate dumplings in front of. Each of the dumplings was shaped like what was in them. We were exhausted all day from the train but are still having a great time on our many adventures. We hope Seattle is good, please feel free to leave us comments because we miss you!

Love,

Us

PS email Mika about how his Arts Fest song went because he's nervous.

Beijing

Hi Everybody!
We are safe and happy in Beijing- we have had two wonderful days of sightseeing and delicious food and tonight's our last night. We were all astonished and exstatic when we arrived here late Monday night, especially since it was still Monday morning Seattle time! Tuesday we went exploring the Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City, we learned a lot and had a great time. Tuesday night we saw a wild acrobatics show which was scary and amazing. Today we had a really fun time at the Great Wall. We rode up on a chairlift and then got to climb the top where the air smelled of cherry blossoms and sunshine. Then we got to ride down in tobagans! It was so fun! This afternoon we got to ride rickshaws around the old area of Beijing called Hutong, and we visited Mr. Zhang's family house for tea and hackisack playing. Tomorrow we will have another full day before we leave for Xian on the night train which will be really fun.
We are all exhausted but safe and sound and having a blast, we will try to post another blog later and when we are more awake.
We miss you all, and lots of love,
-Us

Getting Ready

Ni Hao!
We leave for Beijing on Sunday!! yay!!

Travelers: Chinese III: Mallika, Isabel, Sophie, Mika, Gus, Ann, Chanel and Tina. Ohers: Ponny, Louis, Jennifer, George, Tanner and Daniel.

Once in Beijing we will begin our splendid pleasure-filled tour of mainly eastern China. We are so excited and we will try to post as much as we can along the way!