Great Wallin'

Here's my Great Wall experience "by the numbers":

4: Number of times I've been to the Great Wall in my two years of living in China.

8: The month (in 2012) I scaled it for the first time -- with my then-fiancé!

6: Number of us that climbed the Great Wall together in May of 2013, hailing from the cities of San Francisco and Seattle.

3: Number of California girls that conquered the Wall in the winter (February '14).

2: Number of Hoyas (aka, Georgetown alumae) that scaled the Great Wall just yesterday.

I finally made it into the pic!

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Insanity

And this is why Mike and I stayed in town during this holiday rather than travel somewhere within China.

This is China

There are some moments that hit you over the head in a reminder that China, though currently riding a wave of power and success, is still very much a developing country. Remember the most dangerous job in the world? Well, this morning my concern for these guys proved valid. En route to a bookstore, I saw a crowd of people gathered at the bottom of a tall building. A window washer had fallen and was laying on the ground.

The scene was upsetting, with just too many people standing around doing nothing (myself included, I suppose). But what upset me the most was the fact that these men had been working in terribly unsafe conditions. To me, it showed a complete disregard for human life.

The end of the story: the victim was carried by his two buddies into a cab. Because cabs are faster than ambulances in getting to the nearest hospital.

New China Mammas

As a final follow-on to new (puppy) motherhood, I thought I'd share some of what I've learned about (human) motherhood in Chinese culture. I found it fascinating. Did you know...

• After a woman gives birth in China, she is not to leave her home for a month. 
• She can neither bathe nor brush her teeth during this time. 
• She's advised against eating foods or drinking liquids that are too cold. 

The Chinese believe that a woman's body is especially vulnerable after childbirth; her body needs 30 days (and these extreme measures) to fully recover.  Check out this NPR piece for more on the topic.  

And...

• A popular gift for new babies is a lock, as a symbol of protection. 
• Instead of a shower before a baby's arrival, families here celebrate his (or her) first hundred days.

Interesting cultural differences, no? 

http://pinterest.com/pin/165296248793242511/

Zhoumo kuaile!

The house is strangely quiet now that the last of our guests has left. Mike and I were busy playing hosts this week, and I'll share more soon, but in the meantime, I hope you're all having a good weekend and a lovely Orthodox Easter if you're celebrating.

P.S. Here's where we were and what we were doing last weekend: 

Five Qs for Mom

My mom visited us here in Shanghai from her beautiful home in Los Angeles, and stayed for almost one month. Here's a quick interview with her about her impressions of our life here China.

What was your favorite experience? 

Tasting all kinds of different foods. There’s such a variety here. You can get whatever you want. And just walking around; it’s a great city! 

What was the best meal? 

I loved Lost Heaven where we celebrated [Mike's mom's] birthday. The ambience was tasteful and beautiful, and the food was superb. Lots of flavors and textures. [I guess I'll have to do a Fatty Tuesday on Lost Heaven soon...]

What did you find most surprising? 

The entrepreneurial spirit and youth of Europeans, Australians and Americans alike. It's as though China is the new frontier. Also, the sheer numbers of people everywhere. The crowds were everywhere and at times, daunting. [It's true; she survived the train station on a holiday weekend.] 

What did you find most challenging? 

The air pollution. The number of people everywhere. The fact that it's impossible to know real from unreal, or what is real and true from what is false or fake. Trust is an issue in China; one is cynical and unbelieving. Food issues. 

What did you miss most from home? 

Salmon. Eggs. Food you can trust! Blue skies. Cleanliness. Space. Quiet. Places outdoors where one can be alone. The ocean. [I hear you, Mom! But I'm glad you came.]

China in the News

You may have heard about the devastating quake that rocked China this weekend. It was nowhere near us, but it was close to the pandas. Keep the victims in your prayers.  

And speaking of prayers, I read this article yesterday about religion in China. It made me thankful for the freedom of religion in my own country (emphasis on the word freedom).