Educational Excursion - Xi'An

Tim here. I’m new to this whole blogging thing, but Maggie is a bit behind –for good reasons, she is beyond busy, so I thought I would contribute to this electronic journal! I had a week break between modules so a couple of my buddies and I took a trip to Xi’an and Beijing. Maggie couldn’t make it because of work, but we are making up for that in two weeks with an anniversary trip to the Philippines! 

Now, I don’t vacation without Maggie, so I called this week of traveling an ‘educational excursion’ which fits really well. The sites I went to over the week were some of the places I have been learning about in history classes since elementary school. These places included Xi’an’s Muslim Quarters, Bell Tower, Terracotta Warriors and Beijing’s Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven and Olympic Village. 

First stop – Xi’an. Now, Maggie toured Xi’an two times several years ago, once with her mom and once with her sister, Kaitie. She told me Xi’an was amazing and she didn’t exaggerate.

My friend, Charles and I, flew into Xi’an Sunday afternoon and took a taxi to the Han Tang Inn Hostel. It was clean, conveniently located and cheap – at about $20USD for a private room with ensuite and two twin beds it was definitely affordable. 

After checking in we went looking for dinner. We walked down to the Muslim Quarters, a popular tourist location in the Muslim community of Xi’an famous for Muslim food and souvenirs.  We stopped at a noodle restaurant. The noodles were more like lasagna noodles and were extremely spicy. It was pretty hard to eat, but totally worth the effort – they were really good! 

After dinner, we walked around the Muslim Quarters a bit more then walked to the Bell Tower. We headed back to the hostel early because the next day we headed to see the Terracotta Warriors. 

Now this was awesome but there was one major bummer – Michelle Obama decided to visit this site on the same day. Thankfully, our tour was shortened instead of cancelled. I met a couple of guys from the States who didn’t get to see the Forbidden City because of Mrs. Obama’s visit – so I shouldn’t be too disappointed. 

Insert Maggie to my left

We got to see the farmer who found the warriors on his land as well as learn about the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. The purpose of this terracotta army was to protect him in his afterlife.  He had the artists who worked on this army buried alive so no one would know where he hid it. 

After we finished with the Terracotta Warriors we headed back to the hostel to to get cleaned up. We took an overnight train from Xi'an to Beijing that night, so our time in Xi'an was really short. Before we got on the train we decided to get medical massages - I have never been in so much pain and I never knew my body could bend the way it did! But I felt great after it was over! 

I had never taken an overnight train, and I love anything with a motor so I was pretty pumped about seeing some of China's countryside - which wasn't visible till the next morning, so in the meantime I took advantage of the beds - I know they don't look like much but I was able to get a few solid hours of sleep which surprised me! 

We arrived in Beijing around 1:00 pm and met up with four more of our classmates. I was pretty exhausted after being up so late and the excitement of touring around Xi'an, but the adrenaline of finally seeing Beijing kept me going! 

I Miss Costco! Kinda...

There are few things that I truly miss from America other than people. One of those things is Costco. If you have never been to Costco, let me tell ya, you are missing out! One giant store with everything from computers to coffee makes life pretty convenient (way better than Wal-Mart); plus who doesn’t love the samples? The reason I miss Costco so very much is convenience. If you shop on Friday night, everything can be purchased for the week in less than 30 minutes, unless you want to browse, which is a must in my books! Shopping is a lot different in Shanghai, and although not as convenient, a whole lot more entertaining! 

Even though going out to eat is super cheap, we try to limit that to once or twice a week. We learned the hard way that a carb-based diet (noodles, rice, etc.) leaves you drained with no energy and makes Tim lose weight like crazy! For this reason, I cook just as much as I did before. One big difference is that produce doesn't last nearly as long, so I have to shop three times per week. I have thrown more chicken away because it has “gone bad” in matter of a couple days! We could shop at big grocery stores, but I prefer the outdoor markets. 

Every Saturday morning, Tim and I go to a market close to our home to buy groceries for the next few days and every week we see some pretty interesting stuff.

Like turtles and frogs (to eat, not for pets):

Or this pork stand with a pig staring at you ... creepy. 

Or how about a live duck? 

So some of the stuff we see at the market is not so awesome, but we have formed relationships with some of the stands like our egg lady. 

Our meat lady

Our vegetable lady. 

You can also buy things like beans, oats, flours, nuts and rice

Different kinds of tofu

and a bunch of seasonings. 

So yes, I do miss the conveniences of Costco, but this is a whole lot more interesting! 

Fun Food Friday: Youzi

Tim and I aren’t big dessert people. We are HUGE dessert people, but being the responsible adults that we are, we don’t indulge often. I would like to say it’s because I am super concerned with my health, but honestly, it is because I don’t want to buy bigger pants. Thankfully there are no chocolate cake temptations here. China’s desserts leave much to be desired. Avoiding the sweet stuff has never been easier! Except Oreos…but not often- PROMISE!

We tried to cultivate the habit of eating fruit as dessert in the States which worked out pretty well. I know sugar before bed time isn’t the best thing in the world, but being moody isn’t a good thing either! We brought this habit to China with us which has led us to discovering some new fruit to tackle nighttime sugar carvings.

Today I want to introduce pomelo or 柚子(youzi). It is the largest of the citrus family and, according to my taste buds, is a cross between an orange and a grapefruit.

These things appear massive. Below is a medium sized apple compared to a youzi. 

However, looks can be deceiving. The peel is super thick and contains white pith that tastes super bitter. Once you get to the meat of the youzi, it is the size of a large grapefruit.

The fruit itself is mildly sweet and isn’t super juicy. I think one of the best things about this fruit is peeling it. It’s a lot of fun – trust me! 

Also, it is high in vitamin C and Tim has been battling a cold. I think this is a pretty good replacement for the vitamins I forgot to pack! 

Fun Food Friday: Chinese Takeout

Is it Friday already? YES!!!!! Are you doing a happy dance? I am for sure, especially because next week is a holiday here in China so there is no work, no school – just Moose and Goose on the loose in Shanghai for an entire WEEK. I am so ready to explore this city!  I mean, yes, we have explored, but not a whole day at a time. I can’t wait.

Anyway, onto to Fun Food Friday – Chinese takeout. Wednesday night, Tim worked on a group project and didn’t get back to the room until after 11:30 p.m. Of course I had to hear all about his day, so we were up till about 1:00 a.m. talking – oh the woes of living with your best friend. Thursday morning we were exhausted, but I had an interview and Tim had class so we were up at 5:00 a.m. I had a super busy day starting with the interview (which was so weird) and looking for Chinese clothes (that will be another blog post this weekend). Tim had classes all day – from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. We planned on going out to dinner, but then Tim got lost on his way home from school (took the bus instead of the metro). What was supposed to be an 8:30 p.m. dinner date turned into him walking in the door at 10:00 p.m. Because I knew he was beyond tired, I picked up takeout.

I have no clue where the take out boxes in the States came from, but what we get are throw-away containers in a plastic bag. Some restaurants put the food in plastic bags instead of plastic containers which makes it a bit harder to eat.

You won’t find duck sauce as the condiment of choice in real Chinese restaurants. Instead we get adorable little bags of vinegar.

You thought it was soy sauce, right? Don’t feel bad – I did too!

Thursday night I got Tim chicken and rice and got myself some super spicy eggplant.

The reason we didn’t go out to eat more in the States was because of the price. Paying $30 for dinner when I can get a basket full of food for the same price seems ridiculous to me – well on occasion, no problem, but every night? That seems like throwing money in the trash can. Well here in Shanghai, Tim and I can eat a full meal - meat, veggies and a starch – for less than $3.50 which makes eating out a lot more affordable! 

Fun Food Friday: Chinese Dumplings

Remember your first semester away at college? You were 18 and that was the first time you left home for more than a week at summer camp. You missed home, you missed your friends, but you REALLY missed mom’s cooking. When you got a care package with her homemade chocolate chip cookies inside, you instantly became a hoarder. Four months of bad cafeteria food would have that effect on anyone.

Well, I have a Chinese friend, Amanda (that is her English name,) that I met back in 2006. The food she craved during that first semester of college, before she returned home for Chinese New Year, was her mom’s dumplings. Amanda LOVES dumplings. In fact, I remember spending the whole day with her and at her request, lunch AND dinner consisted of dumplings. 

Sure, she could buy them at a local restaurant, but she missed the unique taste of her mom’s dumplings. Just like Amanda, Tim LOVES dumplings, but has come to the realization that our friend Poppy, back in SC, makes the world’s best dumplings. Tim got a taste of them during our last Chinese lesson in the States, and hasn’t forgotten about them. Since Poppy isn’t with us in Shanghai, Tim has had to find other avenues of taking care of his dumpling cravings. Earlier this week, on our morning walk, we found a small dumpling restaurant not 300 yards from our home. He was elated! This place is filling in for Poppy until we return to the States. 

Now, I am sure you have had a dumpling or two in your life. Thanks to big Chinese restaurant chains found in the USA, Chinese food may not seem as foreign as it did 50 years ago, but trust me - those chains do not do the dumpling justice. They are Americanized to fit your palate. Makes sense – they don’t want to go out of business just to hold on to authenticity. Well, please – give the authentic Chinese dumpling a chance. 

The outside 'skin' is made of flour, water and salt. I have witnessed the process of making the skin and am thankful you can buy it at the supermarket – if I started making it now, we could have dumplings by next Tuesday. I do not possess the talent of making dumpling skin. PLUS the filling is what really matters anyway.  

The filling typically consists of meat and/or vegetables and is seasoned with ginger, garlic, salt and pepper and sometimes includes soy sauce, vinegar or sesame oil. After the filling is put on the skin, the folding process begins. 

After the dumplings are folded, they are boiled a couple times in order to cook the meat inside.

I have at least a year to work on my dumpling skills with the experts, and am thankful Tim can still satisfy his dumpling addiction. 

So, needless to say, a lot of dumpling eating will happen this year. BUT, food is the way to a man’s heart.

Well, I know I already have his heart, but I LOVE to see that smile.

Happy Moon Festival!

Growing up, my parents sent me to private school. At 13, I didn’t appreciate the sacrifice my parents made for my education. To be honest, I remember being a little bitter that the public school system’s holiday schedule included a lot more days off than my school’s schedule. Although my summer vacation came a few weeks earlier, those few vacation days we missed out on during the school year always seemed like the absolute worst. Well, now that I am grown-up (kind of), the thought of having random days off sounds just as good as it did when I was 13. Today is one of those special days.

September 19th is the Chinese Moon Festival or Mid-Autumn Day Festival or Mooncake Festival (take your pick). To sum up the holiday, it’s a day where you eat mooncake and stare at the moon. OK – there is more to it than that. Let me give you a little more information… 

Every year on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, when the moon is at its biggest and brightest, the Chinese celebrate "zhong qiu jie." The ancient Chinese observed that the movement of the moon and changing of the seasons had a tight relationship. As seasons changed, so did their harvest. This holiday gives thanks to the moon for the bounty and celebrates the harvest.  

Now, how about these mooncakes? And NO – not moon PIES. These mooncakes are round to symbolize the union of family and the full moon.  

They may be filled with everything from bean paste, dates and fruit to nuts and meat. They are made with lard and egg yolks and are VERY heavy. In fact, one bite is WAY more than enough for me. I’d rather eat chocolate cake, but when in Rome…or China!

Most people have the day off from work and school and spend their time with family and friends at home. There are also celebrations with lanterns which to some represent fertility – but to most have become a fun tradition and a representation of the festival itself. 

So from our family to yours... 

Happy Moon Festival!

Fun Food Friday: The Oreo

When I lived in China four years ago, the questions I received the most were food related. The tradition continues compliments of my sweet three year old niece, who asked me this morning if China had chicken fingers (FYI – yes, China does have chicken fingers). So in order to capture the ‘food memories’ we are making, today marks the start of Fun Food Friday – basically we are providing you with a little taste of China’s twist on the food you know and love.

Today, when we were grocery shopping for the essentials (apples, peanut butter, eggs, chocolate cake, etc.), Tim and I started talking about one of my best friends. She LOVES Oreos, or at least that is what she said. I don’t think I have ever seen her eat one (you know who you are, AC!), but I believe her. As we were talking about this friend, I rounded the corner and saw a variety of Oreos. And so, in honor of my beloved AC, please meet the Chinese Oreo.

Before this evening, when was the last time I ate an Oreo? Probably over a year ago – I don’t recall, but it’s not an essential on our grocery list. Maybe the following flavors are available in your country, but I had never seen most of these flavors before: Green Tea Ice Cream, Raspberry/Blueberry, Peach/Grape, Strawberry, Vanilla Ice Cream and Chocolate Cream.

We also saw Mango/Orange and Birthday Cake, but they were sold in large packages, which may have been an issue if they were good.

Now before we give you our opinions, please note, Oreos in China have less sugar than those in the USA. This may be the reason for our disappointment.

Tim’s Favorite: Green Tea Ice Cream (tasted like mint!)

Maggie’s Favorite: Chocolate Cream

Each package had two cookies. We threw away the second cookie for Raspberry/Blueberry, Peach/Grape and Strawberry. These flavors tasted way too fake and, in my opinion,  give the Oreo a bad reputation. The Vanilla Ice Cream tasted funky to me, but Tim enjoyed the second cookie.

Although the Chinese Oreo will not be replacing chocolate cake on our grocery list anytime soon (OK – cake isn't REALLY on our grocery list), it was definitely a fun experiment. 

The best part of this taste test – an evening of laughs costing a mere $1.25.

Week One Recap

One week down! WOW! Talk about a busy week! From medical checks to residency permits, this week has been both exhausting and educational. We are absolutely loving Shanghai!

On Sunday, Tim and I had to get medical checks in order to apply for our residency permits. This involved a medical history questionnaire, blood sample (OUCH – I hate needles), chest x-ray, eye examination and an EKG. It really wasn't THAT bad, except for the needles AND for the fact that the exam wasn't until 2:00 PM, and we couldn't eat after midnight the day before; however, Tim’s super nice school had chocolate chip cookies for us after the exam was over. Let me tell you – a cookie never tasted so good!

Monday was pretty entertaining. I had my first interview with a Chinese company. Now, I have been in my fair share of interviews and never have I ever been asked my weight, height, marital status, monthly rent or family economic status. I know this may be typically in China, but it took me by surprise. About two minutes into the interview I knew it was not for me; however, it was a good experience and makes for a funny story.

On Tuesday, Tim visited his school for the first time. It is a pretty modern facility with a lot of emphasis on technology. The commute to school involves a 10 minute walk to the metro station, a two minute metro ride, metro transfer, 10 minute metro ride and concludes with a five minute walk. That’s big city living for you! Tim’s classmates are from 40 different countries so it has been really interesting learning about their backgrounds and what interested them about China.  

Wednesday was registration day for Tim. He left at 8:00 AM and didn't return until 9:30 PM. It was a great day to get to know his classmates better and get a better feel for the program. He is super excited about starting classes! (Nerd ;-) Since Tim was away all day, I went to the store to buy cleaning supplies. We are living in a hotel for the year (I’ll do a post about that later). Even though we have weekly maid service, I still felt the need to give the room a good scrub down. It took about three hours to do our room, but it was worth it. Tim came home that night and was shocked at how good it smelled!

Thursday was a pretty relaxed day. We tend to be early risers, so we have been going on walks every morning around 5:00 AM (part of that is jet-lag). Chinese people seem to be very hard-working. You would think it was 10:00 AM that early in the morning. Street vendors are cooking food, opening their stores and the retired ones are playing badminton and practicing Tai Chi. At the end of our walk, Tim tried what I think is called youtiao (油條 –literally translated oil stick) which is a fried bread stick. Tim described it like funnel cake without the powdered sugar. He said it was tasty but VERY greasy!

Friday was a patience-trying day. We had to go to the Entry/Exit Bureau in the Pudong district of Shanghai. On the third floor of this building is where all foreigners have to apply for their residency permits. Since Tim’s school arranged transportation to the bureau, I tagged along. We waited for about 50 minutes until our numbers were called and then stood in line for another 45 minutes just to find out we needed to get our pictures taken on the first floor before we could apply. I am still not sure why, but we followed orders and went to the first floor. After our pictures were taken we stood in line for another 45 minutes and handed in all the paperwork needed to apply for our permits. 

I asked Tim what most surprised him about China so far and he said the amount of people. He said he knew there were a lot of people in China, but didn't understand what ‘a lot’ was until he experienced it for himself. 

Week one was a blast and very trying at times, but it is all part of the adventure, right? The whole tourist thing is really growing on us. 

Crazy Busy!

CRAZY BUSY! That about sums up the past month. Tim and I were discussing the next two weeks and the thought of sitting on an airplane for 14 straight hours without connection to email sounds absolutely wonderful! 

A lot of really exciting things have happened lately. First, our visas arrived! I had them delivered to me at work because no one would be home when FedEx delivered. I tracked that package all day and if you work with me, you witnessed a happy dance and a lot of laughter when they finally reached my desk. To be completely honest, I kind of freaked out! I am so excited!!!!!

Two Saturdays ago I ran my last race (for a while) with one of my best friends, Corie. It was for an awesome cause, raising money for the Julie Valentine Center. Check it out! Corie and I have been running together for a tad over two years now and she has helped me through a bunch of 5ks, 10ks and a couple half marathons. She is pretty fabulous. Although neither one of us achieved a PR, we had an absolute blast and enjoyed the fellowship – especially breakfast after the race at Tupelo Honey! Oh my YUM! 

This past Friday, we celebrated birthdays with a group of close friends. Tim and Corie share the same birthday so we went out to dinner to celebrate their awesomeness. We will miss Kaitie’s celebration in September, but I know she will be spoiled rotten! 

Kaitie and my good friend Melissa threw us a farewell party this past Saturday. It was great to see friends and former teachers that we haven’t had an opportunity to visit with recently! It made us feel VERY loved!

Saturday night, we went to Dave and Mary’s home. Dave works with Tim and has become a good friend. Since it was Tim’s birthday, Dave bought Tim a cake and sang to him - highlight of the evening! Well, that and his awesome pinball machine!

 Monday night was our last time with Darren and Poppy. They have been tutoring Tim and me in Chinese over the past six months. Poppy made jaozi, or Chinese dumplings. Tim has tried dumplings before, but never ate anything this authentic. I have been tasked with learning the art of Chinese dumpling making – he loved them!

 Less than a week until we fly up to Pennsylvania to visit family before the adventures begin! Feeling a bit overwhelmed with all that has to be done, but feeling incredibly blessed for all the good friends we made while making Greenville our home!