Saturday, December 11, 2010

China, Part 3: Guilin

After spending 4 wonderful nights in Hong Kong, we flew to mainland China to Guilin for 3 nights.  Mainland China is nothing like Hong Kong.  It is what you think of when you think of China.  We went to Guilin to see the Li River and the karst formations.  


We stayed in a great, cheap hotel.  I haven't mentioned how cheap China was.  Most people know this already but we certainly loved how cheap most of China was.  We stayed in great hotels, all under $100/night.  We ate fantastic meals for SO cheap!  Somehow, we still managed to spend a lot of money...


The people watching in China was UNBELIEVABLE!  It is the best I've seen in the world so far!  I loved seeing all of the precious babies and older folks as well.

From China Part 3 Guilin


From China Part 3 Guilin

We spent the first night in Guilin exploring by foot.  The city center is lit up at night so we walked around the lake, grabbed dinner, watched some World Cup soccer, and wandered around looking at the junk at the night market.

From China Part 3 Guilin

The next day was spent on the Li River Cruise.  The scene on the 10 yuan bill has a picture of the karsts from the Li River.  We loved the scenery and the countryside on the tour!  We opted for the two part tour consisting of the big river boat ride and then a smaller bamboo raft ride to see a tiny village and bridge that were in The Painted Veil.  Great movie, by the way!  The bamboo ride was so relaxing and lots of fun when we went over a small waterfall/dam.

From China Part 3 Guilin


From China Part 3 Guilin

Some things we saw on our rides down the river...beautiful karst formations, small boats that hooked onto the cruise boats to sell crap (There is no shortage of junk in China!), gorgeous countryside, dead pigs floating in the river (no joke!), people rowing bamboo rafts, ducks, children and adults in their tiny villages, people bathing and doing their laundry in the river, waterfalls, water buffalo, and cormorants.  The countryside was so quiet and pretty!

From China Part 3 Guilin


From China Part 3 Guilin


From China Part 3 Guilin


From China Part 3 Guilin

Once back in Guilin, we walked to a nearby restaurant, sat outside, and met a few regulars at the restaurant.  After dinner, we went on a night cruise on the lake.  Though the pictures aren't great, it was pretty cool!

From China Part 3 Guilin

Next stop...Chongqing to Yichang on the Yangtze River!


More pictures of Guilin and the Li River...

China, Part 2: Hong Kong

After a lovely overnight stay in Beijing, we hopped on an airplane to fly south to Hong Kong where we officially began our journey through China.  Hong Kong did not feel anything like China was "supposed" to feel.  It was a very international city.  Most people spoke English.  It was like an Asian New York City.  Hong Kong was a very energetic city and we had a great time exploring, shopping (well, not Tim), and eating lots.  Other than the humid, rainy weather, we had a fun time!


We spent time...strolling along both sides of the harbor during the day and at night, bargaining at the Temple Street Night Market, shopping for diamonds (anniversary gift!), window shopping in the financial district, riding the Tram up to Victoria Peak (We timed it just right for a great view before the clouds and rain came again!), eating roast goose and suckling pig at Yung Kee Restaurant, watching USA win a World Cup game at a local bar, eating Dim Sum at Lin Heung, shopping at a huge daytime market, shopping for jade at the Yau Ma Tei Jade Bazaar, swimming, eating Indian and Thai (and lots more!), and participating in a Tai Chi class.


Off to mainland China next! 



From China Part 2 Hong Kong


From China Part 2 Hong Kong


From China Part 2 Hong Kong


From China Part 2 Hong Kong


From China Part 2 Hong Kong

More photos of Hong Kong...

Yes, We're Still Alive! China, Part 1...of many!

It's us again after MANY months!  Nice to see you again!  We've had computer issues and been just plain lazy also.


Since it's been so long, I'll cover China in mostly photos.


Let's go back to muggy, humid, disgusting June!  After school adjourned for the summer, we packed our bags and flew to Dalian and then Beijing for an overnight stay before starting our China journey in Hong Kong.  It was really cool to be in mainland China but since we were just near the airport it didn't feel like China yet.


Here's the link to our travel photos from June 19, 2010...
http://picasaweb.google.com/srhendricks78/ChinaPart1TravelAndBeijing?authkey=Gv1sRgCPG6s-3znb7foQE&feat=directlink

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Flowers

I love flowers!  What girl doesn't?!  I'm not really a rose person, especially red roses, and can't stand carnations.  My favorites are gerber daisies, tulips, gladiolas, and lilies (to look at more than to smell).

I was so excited when my students gave me a gorgeous bouquet of flowers to say Thank You at the end of the year!  Japanese flower arrangements are truly the BEST in the world!!!
From flowers
From flowers

I also get excited each season to see what's growing outside of our apartment.  When I saw we had hydrangea (at least that's what I think it was!) growing, I was super excited!  We got to see them begin to grow but, unfortunately they were dead when we returned from China.  Too darn hot!
From flowers
From flowers

So Long, Farewell...

As the school year came to an end, we had to say Bon Voyage to lots of our new friends.  :-(  We will miss you all but we will be back in the States before you know it!
Our friend Yumiko planned a Bon Voyage party for the Habels at Dreamboat, a local bar where she sings.  Yumiko and Meen planned a duet.  That was a surprise to everyone!  Nobody knew that Meen played the guitar!  Junpei also played a tribute!  We miss you already, Jenny, Dan, and Lucy!!!
From farewell party for habels at dreamboat
From farewell party for habels at dreamboat
From farewell party for habels at dreamboat
From farewell party for habels at dreamboat
From farewell party for habels at dreamboat
From farewell party for habels at dreamboat
From farewell party for habels at dreamboat
From farewell party for habels at dreamboat

More photos from the Habels Farewell Party...


We had a final Farewell Karaoke night to say Sayonara (for now!) to Ali, Lori, Jenny, and Dan at Sound Village, our favorite karaoke place.  Masami made a surprise appearance from Kyoto!  Fun night!  What are we going to do without you all this year?!  Come back!!!
From Farewell karaoke for ali, lori, jenny and dan
From Farewell karaoke for ali, lori, jenny and dan
From Farewell karaoke for ali, lori, jenny and dan
From Farewell karaoke for ali, lori, jenny and dan
From Farewell karaoke for ali, lori, jenny and dan
From Farewell karaoke for ali, lori, jenny and dan
From Farewell karaoke for ali, lori, jenny and dan
From Farewell karaoke for ali, lori, jenny and dan
From Farewell karaoke for ali, lori, jenny and dan
From Farewell karaoke for ali, lori, jenny and dan
From Farewell karaoke for ali, lori, jenny and dan
From Farewell karaoke for ali, lori, jenny and dan
From Farewell karaoke for ali, lori, jenny and dan
From Farewell karaoke for ali, lori, jenny and dan
From Farewell karaoke for ali, lori, jenny and dan

More photos from Farewell Karaoke...

School's Out For Summer...

WOW!
Can't believe summer is here already!  Our first school year in Fukuoka, Japan is complete!!!  We can not believe how fast it has flown by!  We're already starting to think about applying for jobs in the USA for the year after next.  Crazy, huh?!

Here's how the end of the year played out...

Pre-K and Kindergarten Field Trip to Marine World
The kids LOVED taking the ferry to a nearby aquarium and they had a great time exploring the aquarium on our last field trip!
From FIS Pre-K and K Field Trip to Marine World
From FIS Pre-K and K Field Trip to Marine World
From FIS Pre-K and K Field Trip to Marine World
From FIS Pre-K and K Field Trip to Marine World
From FIS Pre-K and K Field Trip to Marine World
From FIS Pre-K and K Field Trip to Marine World
From FIS Pre-K and K Field Trip to Marine World
From FIS Pre-K and K Field Trip to Marine World
From FIS Pre-K and K Field Trip to Marine World
From FIS Pre-K and K Field Trip to Marine World
From FIS Pre-K and K Field Trip to Marine World
From FIS Pre-K and K Field Trip to Marine World
From FIS Pre-K and K Field Trip to Marine World
From FIS Pre-K and K Field Trip to Marine World
From FIS Pre-K and K Field Trip to Marine World
From FIS Pre-K and K Field Trip to Marine World
From FIS Pre-K and K Field Trip to Marine World
From FIS Pre-K and K Field Trip to Marine World



More photos from Marine World Field Trip...



Last Elementary Assembly
Our last elementary assembly was really a tribute to Mrs. Sasaki.  ALL of the children in the school presented her flowers!  She was the Grade 3 teacher and worked at FIS a LONG time.  She was well loved and we will miss her.  We wish you all the best in Canada, Heather!
From FIS last elementary assembly
From FIS last elementary assembly
From FIS last elementary assembly
From FIS last elementary assembly
From FIS last elementary assembly
From FIS last elementary assembly
From FIS last elementary assembly

More photos from the Last Elementary Assembly...


Pre-K and Kindergarten Graduation
I'm so glad that Dayle convinced me to have the graduation ceremony for our kiddos.  Originally, I didn't think it was necessary.  I really thought that graduations should be reserved for 5th, 8th, and 12th graders.  However, I changed my mine.  Our children were SO cute!  After the ceremony, we enjoyed a delicious pot-luck lunch provided by our superb parents.  They gave us flowers and memory books!  I can't believe I already have to give up my cuties but I'm looking forward to next year's bunch!  Congratulations, little ones!  I love you all!
From FIS PreK and K graduation
From FIS PreK and K graduation
From FIS PreK and K graduation
From FIS PreK and K graduation
From FIS PreK and K graduation
From FIS PreK and K graduation
From FIS PreK and K graduation
From FIS PreK and K graduation
From FIS PreK and K graduation
From FIS PreK and K graduation
From FIS PreK and K graduation
From FIS PreK and K graduation
From FIS PreK and K graduation
From FIS PreK and K graduation
From FIS PreK and K graduation
From FIS PreK and K graduation
From FIS PreK and K graduation
From FIS PreK and K graduation

More photos of Pre-K and Kindergarten Graduation...


High School Graduation
High School Graduation was held at nearby Seinan University.  I must say that while it was the smallest ceremony I've ever been to, it was by far the nicest!  Congratulations, Graduates!  Good luck in your future!  We will miss you!
From FIS graduation
From FIS graduation
From FIS graduation
From FIS graduation
More photos of High School Graduation...


FIS Last Day School Assembly and Last Day of Kindergarten
 The whole school body joined together one last time for awards, violin and guitar performances, and to send off graduates and teachers leaving FIS.  We ended with a school wide sing-a-long of "We Are the World" led by Middle School.  After the assembly, PTA gave out ice cream.  Etsuko and I gave our kids their end of the year photo albums while they enjoyed their ice cream.  Perfect ending to a fabulous year!
From FIS last day and all school assembly
From FIS last day and all school assembly
From FIS last day and all school assembly
From FIS last day and all school assembly
From FIS last day and all school assembly
From FIS last day and all school assembly
From FIS last day and all school assembly
From FIS last day and all school assembly
From FIS last day and all school assembly
From FIS last day and all school assembly
From FIS last day and all school assembly
From FIS last day and all school assembly
From FIS last day and all school assembly

More photos of the Last Day of School...
FIS Staff End of the Year Party
After packing up our classrooms, FIS teachers and staff headed over to a roof top sushi/BBQ restaurant for all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink.  It was a fun way to end a great year.
More photos of the Staff Party...