I Remember...Random Things...

I remember coming to Shanghai, site unseen and being driven to Kunshan in a 'Fred Flintstone'-like car; traveling down small country roads in between emerald-colored rice fields. The car's name was Homer.

I remember starting a near riot at the Kunshan #1 Department Store when M, C and I stopped on the steps of the store to finish our ice cream. So intent was I on helping M & C, I didn't realize how many people had stopped to stare. Police stared sounding their whistles, I got scared, the crowd disbursed to reveal three foreigners eating ice cream - a rare site in Kunshan.

I remember having a wonderful adventure the first time I ventured out by bicycle on my own in Kunshan.

I remember my first bicycle ride in Kunshan caused two taxis to collide as the drivers rubber-necked to see the foreigner riding down the bike lane.

I remember when one of my English students told me his English name was Hippo. When I asked him why he chose that name, he explained a hippo was strong and swift. He admired those traits. I was completely prepared to tell him to change his name but when he told me his careful and thoughtful consideration; I didn't have the heart. I advised him to be proud. Of course, he already was.

I remember telling M & C that tofu was Chinese hotdogs so they would eat it.

I remember having our ayi make fishhead soup every day so M & C could drink it. They loved it until one day when they saw the fishhead swimming in the soup. From then on, they wouldn't even have a taste.

I remember getting foot massages from Catholic nuns in Kunshan.

Chinese New Year

I'm quite excited to start this blog. Its been a goal of mine for quite sometime. It being the start of the Lunar New Year - it seems like an appropriate time to begin.

This week, the Burkes have celebrated Lunar New Year. We had friends over on the eve of the New Year. Although we had western food, the ingredients had special meaning for the New Year. For the Chinese, there are special foods that should be eaten during the New Year in order to ensure prosperity and happiness throughout the upcoming year. We had lasagna (noodles) for long life, roasted chicken to symbolize a favorable start and finish as well as family-togetherness, oranges for prosperity. Of course, there are so many other auspicious foods eaten during the new year; this was only symbolic.

We paid homage to history and tradition by going to YuYuan Gardens to enjoy the holiday with the throngs of Shanghai humanity, laughing, eating and frolicing. It was a great day ending with full bellies after wonderful long hand-pulled noodles, savory and juicy jiaozhi (dumplings), perfectly roasted unlevened bread, delicious fresh fruit and a new addition - dense peanut bars, sort of like Butterfingers without the chocolate.

Lunar New Year would not be complete without a trip to Kunshan to share a meal with our 'family' in the city where we started our China advenure. Madi, Cati, Bob and I ate until our hearts' content with people we've known for almost 12 years. We had fun talking about old times and exploring the future and what it holds for us in the Year of the Ox.

Yesterday, Madi and Cati went to a friend's house to have some maths tutoring. It was very successful for them as well as me because I got to spend some time with my friends, Jean and Tina. Lunar New Year is a great time to catch up with friends you don't get to see every day!

Speaking of old friends, Cati has Pheobe over. They've been friends here in Shanghai since they've been 3 years old. Pheobe got to our home around 3pm and they haven't been seen since - they've been up in Cati's room giggling.

The Lunar New Year isn't over yet! I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.