Only 5 days and we will be in the air on our way back to MN--we can't wait!
here are a few thing that have been going on recently-
last night (sat) ISB had their Holiday party at a hotel in downtown Beijing (right next to the Birds' Nest and Watercube!) It was an unbelievable party! in riley's words, " I have never been to anything so nice in my entire life!" free flowing champagne, wine, and pop so many people had a bottle or two to themselves. Live music for 1/2 of it, then a dj for the other half-it was great seeing so many staff/faculty out there tearing it up! It is the one night when everyone truely lets their hair down. There were door prizes as well-i would guess about 50 of them with the biggest prize being flight and 3 day/ 2night stay in hong kong. neither riley or i won that, but i did win a massage from a really nice place! too bad i can't use it! my doctor said yesterday no more massages of any type-including foot or head massages---i guess there are pressure points that can trigger contractions. riley was happy to hear that as now he can use my two massages!
Really though-the party was unbelievable. Our ayi's brother in law had a mini-van from the people who he drives around-they are gone foro the holidays so he drove us in the mini-van instead of our jeep. it was much more roomy!
Friday riley and i took the day off of school to go to the doctor. 17 1/2 weeks-all is well with the baby. i was a little frustrated b/c my chinese doctor told me to watch what i eat so my babies aren't so big. Kieran was 8lbs 13 oz and kellan was 9lbs 3 oz--and i delvered them just fine! in her words ," Chinese women cannot deliver such big babies," well guess what, I am not chinese! so i am laughing about it now-people told me the chinese doctors and nurses are very blunt and i am finding that out!
After our dr. appt-we went out to finish holiday/souviniear (spelling i know) shopping. we had a very nice day. ate at a newer sports bar where we were the only people in there. The waiters are so curious so we ended up spending 1/2 our meal asking/answering questions. (Riley is the more inquisitive one-always wants to know everyone's story!) It was a nice meal and nice staff. They took 19Rmb off my bill b/c i didn't likemy soup! then they ran after us down the escalator b/ci forgot my xmas shopping gift! that wouldn't happen everywhere!
Last weekend we went to a holiday party with my coworker Duff. He has a very nice place closer to downtown. It was a nice little party where we did a goofy gift exchange where people could steal one another's gifts--we ended up with some pretty nice gifts in the end which was nice.
The weekend before that was when riley was in Xian. on sat night i got a babysitter and went out to a movie with a friend (from mn) mary! it was the newer james bond film. I have never sat and watched a james bond film beforee but she was super excited to see it --and we were pretty limited on choices of english movies. I didn't even notice the whole thing was subtitled in chinese-i guess i must be getting pretty used to that by now.
What else-the boys are doing well. kellan is starting to get put in time-out-mainly for hitting his brother when he tells him no. the little bugger wouldnt' stay ont he steps a month ago-but he sits there pretty well now. we haven't started the timer yet but we may have to break that out soon. Kieran got his lettr to santa ready-all he wants is these stupid things called bakugans. we have gotten him almost all the knock-off ones you can get here-but it is hard to find real ones. i am hoping to find some mmore back in the states-otherwise i don't have much for him. kellan is a little easier to shop for at this age.
This past wednesday night-Duff (the other 8th grade math teacher) and i started a new tradition by putting on a Probability Night in one of our gyms. We were wrapping up our probability unit, so the kids had to create a unique game and do some calculations, design a billboard, and actually design the game so people could play it like they were at a casino. we had money printed up with our faces on it---duff is canadian so we had canadian and american dollars. we tried to get my picture on a 1RMB but it got sent back to us from our printing press saying it was illegal to copy chinese money! i thought i would be arrested since it was my picture on it! kind of funny we both thought. the night was a HUGE success-we had an incredible turnout-donations galore-both food and prizes.....it was great! i will try to include some pictures next time.
we are starting to pack for the journey home. we don't plan on bringing too much stuff home to mn-but will return to china with lots of american goodies! we can't wait!
we hope to see you all soon!
until next time-
love
the dubois' family
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Weekend in Xi'an
Before this incredible experience for us began, I had never heard of a place called Xi'an. I didn't know that it was once called the largest and most modern city in the world.I would probably tell you that I have seen a picture of the Terra Cotta Warriors, but would not know anything about them. Well, last weekend, I was able to get up close and personal with these warriors in the ancient Chinese city called Xi'an (she-on).
Laurie, being her selfless self, told me to take a weekend off and go along with a fellow group of teachers on this trip. So, I flew down there the last Friday of November to spend the weekend by myself in this truly different and interesting place...
Hunter Shang, a native Chinese citizen who teaches at a similar school to ISB, organized the trip. Not only is he a great guy, but he made the trip so easy. I didn't have to mess with tickets, hotel rooms, or even getting good Chinese food. In the words of a fellow traveler on our departure from Beijing. " You're not gonna have to think again until you get home on Saturday." Those words rang so true....
We arrived down in Xi'an in time to check into our hotel room. The Bell Tower Inn is located in the heart of the old part of Xi'an. We were literally across the street from the ancient Bell Tower, and right down the street from the Drum Tower. Honestly, I do not know that significance of these structures yet, but know that they are of some historical importance. You may remember the tragic news about the stabbing at the Drum Tower in Beijing during the Olympics. This is also a historic place in an old part of Beijing that is neat to see...
Anyhow, we arrived and headed out for some local food and drink. I enjoyed a quiet evening in a smokey bar with a few fellow teachers. Then, went back to the hotel and had a great night of rest in the hotel.
Saturday morning, we woke up, enjoyed a great buffet breakfast of western and Chinese food, and boarded a small bus to visit a few places. Our first stop was the old wall that surrounded the heart of ol' Xi'an. The structure, as it is today, is about 600 years old. It's also the largest wall protecting a city that stands in China to this date. We rented bikes and rode the 14 kilometer route on the top of the wall... It was a beautiful day with comfortable temps and sunshine... A truly peaceful ride. I frequently stopped and observed the daily life going on below me. Things such as locals gathering to play unique instruments and sing. Other things I observed were a bit disturbing. Seeing complete neighborhoods that had been knocked down in the name of modernization. I'd see people sifting through the ruins trying to salvage bricks that could be reused. I wonder what they'll do with them and where they'll end up???
After the bike rid on the wall, we headed to a factory that makes Terra Cotta Warrior replica statues. This was sort of a touristy thing in which they tried to sell us overpriced souviners. My pocketbook escaped unscathed other than a $3 coffee.
After this stop, we headed on an hour drive out to where the real Terra Cotta Warriors are being excavated. On this drive we went through some amazingly interesting country. I am guessing that this soil is heavy on the clay (hence the materials for the Terra Cotta Warriors). The observation that triggered this belief was the homes that were carved into the hillsides. There were areas where it appeared that people lived in cave-like creations. I would have loved to stop and have a look.
We arrived at the base of the mountains where the tomb of an ancient emperor lies. We were told that this emperor spent nearly 40 years building his 53 square kilometer grave (the largest known one in the world). Part of this grave are the thousands of terra cotta warriors that had been buried and forgotten for 2000 years. A local farmer discovered them while digging for a well back in 1974.
It was amazing to behold this site. It's definately a tourist attraction that is supposedly crazy busy during the peak tourist season. We found it pretty calm. Other than the local peddlers trying to aggressively sell you their wares. But, when you stand there and marvel at the magnitude of this piece of history, it throws you for a loop... It would be neat to go back there in 25 years and see the progress that they have made in their excavations. They continue to put together the shattered pieces of warriors that are still being uncovered.
After this experience, we headed back to our hotel, found a local Chinese restaurant where we ate a wide variety of food that was new to me, and headed back to our rooms. After dark in Xi'an, the streets come alive with street vendors. I tried some sort of warm juice that somewhat resembled apple juice. Not quite sure what it was.
I also ate some sort of bread on a stick. It was spicy and had the consistency of meat, but Hunter said that it is bread... The jury is still out in my mind on this one.. Thankfully, I didn't get sick and can chalk this up as "part of the experience."
The next morning, after breakfast, I walked to the other side of the Drum Tower where Muslim Street is located. I arrived just as the street was awakening. It's famous for the little shops and vendors that try to sell you about anything you can think of. The smells of the foreign food were neat, and seeing what sorts of things you could buy was fun. After it was all said and done, I bought a painting of a terra cotta warrior, and an embroidered cloth from southwestern China's Meiow people. The man who sold it to me said that his mother created it... ??? Regardless of who did it, the piece is beautiful and will hang in our home here soon.
Our group met and went to a Museum of History. This interesting place had many examples of arifacts that dot the colorful history of the Xi'an area.
After the museum, we went and participated in a tea ceremony. These are like being in a virtual commercial. They let you sip a few different types of tea and then try to sell you some... I had bought some on Muslim Street, so I didn't purchase any.
Our last stop before flying back to Beijing was the Wild Goose Pagoda, a Buddhist Temple. Quite a calm and interesting place. And, other than the high pressured sales pitches, it was great. I climbed up to the top of the 7 story temple and enjoyed a nice view of the surrounding city.
All in all, Xi'an was a nice trip. Relaxing for sure, educational as well. And the expending of minimal brain power on what to do or where to go was a welcome relief.... Thanks Hunter!
As I close, we're overjoyed to welcome Hutton Isaac DuBois to the clan! Isaac and Heidi had him yesterday and all went well and continues to be well... Thank you Lord..
And, we down to under 2 weeks before returning to Minnesota for a brief Christmas vacation. We hope to see as many of you as possible...
Until next time....
Riley and Krew
Laurie, being her selfless self, told me to take a weekend off and go along with a fellow group of teachers on this trip. So, I flew down there the last Friday of November to spend the weekend by myself in this truly different and interesting place...
Hunter Shang, a native Chinese citizen who teaches at a similar school to ISB, organized the trip. Not only is he a great guy, but he made the trip so easy. I didn't have to mess with tickets, hotel rooms, or even getting good Chinese food. In the words of a fellow traveler on our departure from Beijing. " You're not gonna have to think again until you get home on Saturday." Those words rang so true....
We arrived down in Xi'an in time to check into our hotel room. The Bell Tower Inn is located in the heart of the old part of Xi'an. We were literally across the street from the ancient Bell Tower, and right down the street from the Drum Tower. Honestly, I do not know that significance of these structures yet, but know that they are of some historical importance. You may remember the tragic news about the stabbing at the Drum Tower in Beijing during the Olympics. This is also a historic place in an old part of Beijing that is neat to see...
Anyhow, we arrived and headed out for some local food and drink. I enjoyed a quiet evening in a smokey bar with a few fellow teachers. Then, went back to the hotel and had a great night of rest in the hotel.
Saturday morning, we woke up, enjoyed a great buffet breakfast of western and Chinese food, and boarded a small bus to visit a few places. Our first stop was the old wall that surrounded the heart of ol' Xi'an. The structure, as it is today, is about 600 years old. It's also the largest wall protecting a city that stands in China to this date. We rented bikes and rode the 14 kilometer route on the top of the wall... It was a beautiful day with comfortable temps and sunshine... A truly peaceful ride. I frequently stopped and observed the daily life going on below me. Things such as locals gathering to play unique instruments and sing. Other things I observed were a bit disturbing. Seeing complete neighborhoods that had been knocked down in the name of modernization. I'd see people sifting through the ruins trying to salvage bricks that could be reused. I wonder what they'll do with them and where they'll end up???
After the bike rid on the wall, we headed to a factory that makes Terra Cotta Warrior replica statues. This was sort of a touristy thing in which they tried to sell us overpriced souviners. My pocketbook escaped unscathed other than a $3 coffee.
After this stop, we headed on an hour drive out to where the real Terra Cotta Warriors are being excavated. On this drive we went through some amazingly interesting country. I am guessing that this soil is heavy on the clay (hence the materials for the Terra Cotta Warriors). The observation that triggered this belief was the homes that were carved into the hillsides. There were areas where it appeared that people lived in cave-like creations. I would have loved to stop and have a look.
We arrived at the base of the mountains where the tomb of an ancient emperor lies. We were told that this emperor spent nearly 40 years building his 53 square kilometer grave (the largest known one in the world). Part of this grave are the thousands of terra cotta warriors that had been buried and forgotten for 2000 years. A local farmer discovered them while digging for a well back in 1974.
It was amazing to behold this site. It's definately a tourist attraction that is supposedly crazy busy during the peak tourist season. We found it pretty calm. Other than the local peddlers trying to aggressively sell you their wares. But, when you stand there and marvel at the magnitude of this piece of history, it throws you for a loop... It would be neat to go back there in 25 years and see the progress that they have made in their excavations. They continue to put together the shattered pieces of warriors that are still being uncovered.
After this experience, we headed back to our hotel, found a local Chinese restaurant where we ate a wide variety of food that was new to me, and headed back to our rooms. After dark in Xi'an, the streets come alive with street vendors. I tried some sort of warm juice that somewhat resembled apple juice. Not quite sure what it was.
I also ate some sort of bread on a stick. It was spicy and had the consistency of meat, but Hunter said that it is bread... The jury is still out in my mind on this one.. Thankfully, I didn't get sick and can chalk this up as "part of the experience."
The next morning, after breakfast, I walked to the other side of the Drum Tower where Muslim Street is located. I arrived just as the street was awakening. It's famous for the little shops and vendors that try to sell you about anything you can think of. The smells of the foreign food were neat, and seeing what sorts of things you could buy was fun. After it was all said and done, I bought a painting of a terra cotta warrior, and an embroidered cloth from southwestern China's Meiow people. The man who sold it to me said that his mother created it... ??? Regardless of who did it, the piece is beautiful and will hang in our home here soon.
Our group met and went to a Museum of History. This interesting place had many examples of arifacts that dot the colorful history of the Xi'an area.
After the museum, we went and participated in a tea ceremony. These are like being in a virtual commercial. They let you sip a few different types of tea and then try to sell you some... I had bought some on Muslim Street, so I didn't purchase any.
Our last stop before flying back to Beijing was the Wild Goose Pagoda, a Buddhist Temple. Quite a calm and interesting place. And, other than the high pressured sales pitches, it was great. I climbed up to the top of the 7 story temple and enjoyed a nice view of the surrounding city.
All in all, Xi'an was a nice trip. Relaxing for sure, educational as well. And the expending of minimal brain power on what to do or where to go was a welcome relief.... Thanks Hunter!
As I close, we're overjoyed to welcome Hutton Isaac DuBois to the clan! Isaac and Heidi had him yesterday and all went well and continues to be well... Thank you Lord..
And, we down to under 2 weeks before returning to Minnesota for a brief Christmas vacation. We hope to see as many of you as possible...
Until next time....
Riley and Krew
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)