Biking around Shanghai

Today was a beautiful fall day with temperatures in the low 60s and lots of sunshine.  After a breakfast of Cynthia's homemade french toast she and I decided to take a bike tour and explore beyond the reaches of our normal routines.  The boys were all busy - Regan was at a skateboard park, Landon had a friend over to play Nerf Wars and Mason was tired from having been out with friends the night before.  So it was just my lovely bride and I off to explore PuDong.  We headed out to Thumb Plaza, named for the large stainless steel sculpture of a guy holding his thumbs.  It is kind of an odd sculpture and a bit awkward but it is known by all who live on the PuDong side of the river.  From Thumb Plaza we made our way to Century Park where vendors were busy selling foods, toys, kites and balloons.  Along the way we started to hear very loud noises that sounded like race cars in the Indy 500 and as we came closer we learned that there was a street race being held.  They had barricades up so that you could not see the cars.  Tickets were 280 rmb ($42) each and we decided to pass.  We made our next stop near home at a plant vendor that Cynthia has come to know and ended up buying a large plant that he would deliver to our apartment later in the day.  Our final stop was to Cynthia's fruit market where her and Mrs. Jin go to buy fresh provisions on a regular basis.  Some small kids and a mom were selling these little round fruits called something I can't remember  but are absolutely sweet and delicious.  We bought a bagful and they are already gone.  We finally made it home around 3pm and had a nice rest.

If you are reading this from an e-mail, I would encourage you to head to the blogsite to look at the latest photos from the day.  Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and that your favorite football team won!

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving in China is a little bit different as are most things here.  I spent the day at work, the boys had school and Cynthia made... reservations!  We decided to pass on trying to cook our own meal as a 20 lb frozen turkey goes for over $100 at the western grocery store.  We chose to try a buffet dinner at the Crowne Plaza hotel where Cynthia and I had stayed during our "look see" trip to Shanghai back in May.  They were offering "turkey and all the fixings" however we found out that they need some clarification on what "all the fixings" really means.  The deal was 228 rmb (35$) per person and included one glass of red wine, beer or soda and a full buffet including seafood, lamb, beef, duck, salads, fresh fruit, vegetable, pies, ice cream and what is that other thing? oh yeah - turkey.  However, when we approached the meat buffet we could not recognize anything that looked like turkey until we read the small sign that indicated the turkey breast.  It was seasoned with rosemary and other spices and was actually quite delicious.  Regan feasted on the duck leg and lamb chops until he was stuffed.  Speaking of stuffing - there was none nor was there sweet potatoes or cranberries.  See what I mean about needing some definition of "all the fixings".  Traditional Thanksgiving fare aside, we had a great time together as a family and in the end the boys were very satisfied - even picky Landon found things that he liked.

Sunday night at the Smiths

Yes, work, go, now, come here Regan, brush your teeth, pick up your room, why is this plate in your room, are you done eating, put it in the dishwasher, ohhhhhhh, my stomach hurts, where's Landon, go to bed, set out your clothes, bring the dirty laundry here, do your homework, turn out the lights, be quiet - these are the sounds of Sunday night.  We had a fun-filled day beginning with football and ending with a shopping trip to Carrefour.  In between we attended church, a wedding, ate out, bought Cynthia a new phone and took a long walk.  I am ready for bed. 

Big week ahead as I am planning my travel for the next three weeks - Japan, India, Qingdao for 2011 strategic planning.  We are trying to figure out what to do for thanksgiving and may end up eating out but haven't quite decided yet.  Wishing everyone a great week and a thankful attitude.