Finally, a little bit 'o China

So, I mentioned in one of my last mass email updates that I was feeling some guilt about having lived here for like a month already and having seen very little of Shanghai.  This weekend, we remedied that a little and went exploring to a random little neighborhood called Tianzifang on Saturday. 

Tianzifang is just southwest of downtown, but you wouldn’t know it standing there.  You get out of the metro, walk about 2 blocks, and then you’re in all these pedestrian-only alleyways with loads of cafes, photography shops, artists’ studios, restaurants, and awesome little boutiques selling everything from handmade shoes to ceramics to silk scarves.  It was awesome and we loved it. 

 

So, you’d think I’d have taken more photos, right?  And instead, all I’ve got to show is more photos of Reese… of course.  Reese with little statues at a plant seller in Tianzifang.  Reese on a carousel and rides at Fuxing Park.  Reese with Chinese friends at the playground in Fuxing Park. 

 

Ahhh, here we go… we did stop in to a little hole-in-the-wall place for lunch that day after the playground.  No other Westerners in sight, no English (or pictures) on the menu so we figure we’re doing good!  The staff at the lunch place loved her and gave her a crawdad to look at from the fish-tank in there.  We didn’t know what we were ordering, but it turned out yummy!  A stir-fry pork dish, two kinds of dumplings, and some fresh steamed spinach with onions and rice.  Reese is still trying to work out chopsticks.  She’s not starving, and in fact, she has discovered her new favorite beverage.  So long, apply juice.  Hello, coconut milk!

 

What?  You want to see China?  Ok, but have you ever had a three year old?  They are pretty life-absorbing, my friends!  I can’t help myself.  She’s either being sweet (feeding her Daddy fro-yo and mangoes) or she’s being a pill (in which case no one is in any mood to shoot pictures).  Pete’s Mom, Kathi, is coming to visit soon, so hopefully then we will have help with our Little Handful and we’ll take more authentic photos.  Also, I have a day off this Thursday so we will go exploring again then and I promise to take more local pix.