Today in art class, we studied Jackson Pollock. They boys loved him way more once they realized that THEY would get to do some crazy action painting of their own. Once they had finished the paintings, they had even more fun building a fortress around them so that no one would touch their beautiful art! There were ropes, tape, bricks, brooms, mops, and signs involved.

 This one is my favorite.

Pumpkin Patch Field Trip

Yes, our little preschool/homeschool had a good old fashioned joint pumpkin patch and apple orchard field trip a couple weeks ago. It was a fabulous day to be outside. The sun was out and shining so much. I look back on this day fondly, since now our days are brisker and cloudier. The winter is coming. I can feel it! Anyway, here are some of the delightful things that a Chinese indoor pumpkin "patch", actually a greenhouse, offers...

Oh, did I forget to say this was an Entertainment Farm!
Don't stop looking now. More good stuff is coming up.

The Cave

 For the tail end of our National Holiday, a group of us went to explore the outskirts of Beijing. Long story short, we couldn't get to the village we wanted to, but we DID end up in the best cave I've ever been in!

 We were literally the only visitors in this cave, there was a river ride included in the cave tour, and finally and most importantly.....no bats for me!!!! It was great.

Just a train ride away...

 National Day for the People's Republic of China means a nice 10 vacation. Becca, Emily, Megan, and I just had 4 days to go somewhere, since we had to be back in Beijing soon for the Brock/Heather wedding extravaganza. The only place close by with train tickets still available on such short notice was Beidaihe. Its a coastal tourist town in Northern China. Its famous for government dignitaries and China's Russian neighbors visiting its beaches and enjoying fresh seafood! So, we hopped on a one of China's finest fast trains and off we were. In two hours we arrived...

 There is no where else I'd rather be than the beach. Even despite the chilly fall weather, the beach provided the perfect quickie getaway.

Sometimes, it was even warm enough to shed a few layers (only for us Americans though, the Chinese were bundled up from head to toe).

Beijing Bachelorette Party

 This is my friend Heather. She is a soon-to-be-bride. She works for Friends of China and I actually went to the same college as her, but now I get the privilege to get to know her better while in China. And....we all threw her a bachelorette part!

 The festivities included gifts like these sexy things. These undies ARE in fact meant for and worn by tiny old Chinese ladies and YES they are HUGE! But don't worry, she got better gifts too. We'll keep those a secret though ;)

 Brock's Bride. Just to be clear.

This was the gang at the end of the night for our last activity of scavenger hunting through the local club/bar scene in Wudaokou. Items to obtain included: a lock of a man's chest hair, a song sung for the bride, a man who speaks a language other than English or Chinese, a temporary tattoo for the bride, and oh so many more.

Michael Jackson Mask

China has a love for Michael Jackson, the King of Pop. Therefore, when I first got to China last year I made the mistake of thinking that they were all copying Jackson's style. It wouldn't be the first time a crazy style was copied by the masses. However, I realize now that its not a fad, but rather a smart accessory. It protects from the crazy Beijing dust, pollution, germs, and the winter's cold. I too might find myself sporting one of these "Michael Jackson" masks come winter. Stay tuned...

P.S. The masks come in varying colors, fabrics, and designs. So, basically everyone can find a style that works for them. To my family: watch out! I might have just figured out what to get you all for Christmas.

Typical walk home...

First of all let me tell you how much I love the Beijing subway. Its super cheap compared to other city subways, and coming from a foreigner, its so easy to figure out! Anyway, join me on a typical walk home from the subway.

Without a doubt I will run into an advertisement that makes me laugh to myself. Part of the problem is that I'm pretty much illiterate in China, so I am just the viewer taking in the pictures. Hence, I couldn't imagine what this guy was trying to sell?! A Chinese cowboy business man supporting eucation...is there such a thing? What do you think?

Then,

Huaqingjiayuan 23

 I thought it might be nice to show you my second home. This is where I spend a substantial amount of time in China. Teaching art class,weekend English classes, preschool, English tutoring, and my own Chinese lessons all center around Huaqingiayuan.

It may not look like a typical school, but thats because its not. There is a unique thing going on here with Christian foreign teachers educating a small amount of kids. Its an awesome loving learning environment and the kids love it.

Sunday's Catch

Sunday's after-church-brunch was spent at a new restaurant that our group found. When our group goes out to eat, I usually leave the ordering to the "oldies". They have the best Chinese and best knowledge about great Chinese food. However, this way its always a surprise when the food comes out. Sunday's surprise was this big guy! I love myself some fish, but I always am a little shocked when it comes on a plate the same way you catch it in the ocean. I do come from the land of fish sticks.

p.s. Fish in china are way better than any old frozen fish sticks :)

The Sad Truth

One thing that sadly seems so normal to me now is garbage! Really. When I arrived in Seattle for my summer visit to the U.S., I remember thinking, "It's so beautiful here." I took it for granted. I've been jaded by my current living situations. Beijing has so much to offer, but clean streets isn't one of them.