A Tale of Two Road Trips

A couple of weeks ago, I had, not one, but two, chances to go to Suzhou, a city between Nanjing and Shanghai that is known for its beautiful gardens, silk factories, and pearl markets. As Christmas is approaching, the attraction of Suzhou is strong because of so many options for great gifts and authentic items.

My German classmates, Rita and Michela, and I planned a trip with our teenage daughters and one of their friends. After we had all our details in place, I was invited to go to Suzhou earlier in the week with the wives of some of the Emerson employees--3 American and 2 Chinese women, one who had lived in Suzhou and knew how to navigate in the city...not to mention who would be very helpful when bargaining in the markets. Plus, we had been trying to get together for lunch, so why not extend our time to a whole day together, lunch included...eventually! :-)

So, same place, pretty much the same goal, but 2 very different experiences! I think the differences come down to different cultural perspectives on time and food. With the Chinese-led group, we left with only water as our reinforcements and we hit the road and kept going until we reached the Pearl Market. After getting our fill of pearls around 2:30 pm, we went out for a sit-down lunch, then we continued on to a silk shop and other Chinese gift shops. We decided we'd better head home once it started to get dark and rode home tired from a full day.

The second trip was influenced by the German approach: start out the day at the bakery and drink coffee and eat bread, pack food for the time in the car, stop along the way at a roadside stop and stretch, and eat a snack in the car before going into the Pearl Market. Once done shopping, eat again in the car: meatballs, potato salad, spring rolls, fruit and veggies and dip. Since it was about 3 pm, it was decided we should get home to check on our families, so we skipped any further stops and hit the road. Along the way we ate chocolate (German, of course). About 30 minutes outside of Nanjng, my friend Michela turns to me and says, "we would like to invite you to have some champagne with us!" Now?! China has no "open bottle" policy, and we had a designated driver (Li Min, our Emerson driver), so POP! We toasted our successful road trip and our friendship that began just 3 months ago.

I love being part of the international community and sharing experiences with my new diverse group of friends. I am continuing to learn how to be flexible!

The Emerson Wives' Club: Monica, Peggy, Jennifer, and Susan. Our motto that day: shop 'til you drop!

One of many shops in the Pearl Market. Case upon case, row upon row of pearls, beads, and gems-ready assembled or assembled while you wait or supplies for DIY.

Pearls. Each pearl is sorted by size, shape, quality, and color.

Grace (center), Chelsea (left) and Tess (right). These three girls joined the moms for the trip to Suzhou. We treated them to coffee and croissants before we hit the road.

The bargaining can be intense! This shopkeeper stood her ground, but so did Chelsea. The shopping experience can be a big game some days. I have learned that if you ask how much something costs, it pretty much means you want it. Ask only if you are prepared for the negotiations to begin!

Grace in the Pearl Market with her new necklace.

A toast on the road. Only in China with German travel partners!

Levi Can Cook!

By Joann

Levi has culinary tendencies and decided to put his skills to use by baking me a cake for my birthday. I just couldn't resist recording him at work in the kitchen. (The cake was delicious!)

Signs That it is Winter in Nanjing

The banana trees have been trimmed back and wrapped in preparation for the colder temps. I was wondering what would happen to the banana trees since they are a tropical plant and Nanjing can get very cold and snowy. They wrap the palm trees, too. Everybody has found their winter coats and hats!

Jesse turned 9 on Dec. 14th! Woooohooo! He requested breakfast in bed--he was lucky it was a Sunday! He celebrated by having a friend stay overnight. The kids' Christmas break started Dec. 12th, so most of the ex-pat kids have left China for home or other locations. Jesse will have a party in January when the rest of his friends return.

Christmas party and Emerson "team builder." Jim and I hosted a gathering for his staff of engineers at our house. First they went bowling then they came to our home for dinner. We had about 18 people for dinner and were very thankful for our extra large table!

The Christmas decorations are displayed in force throughout the shopping areas of Nanjing. Most Chinese don't celebrate Christmas, but they certainly go all out with the decorations. (Actually, we've been told the younger generations are starting to celebrate Christmas, but most have no long-standing traditions.)

Joann begrudgingly marked another year. Christmas is just around the corner!

Autumn Colors

While it may be snowing where you are (or not!), we are enjoying beautiful fall days: crisp cold air, sunny skies (really!), and the slow changing color of the leaves. I have been taking long walks on Purple Mountain and have to pinch myself most days that I live in this beautiful place where the Chinese of past dynasties have walked for centuries and enjoyed the same views that I enjoy--just minutes from my house. I'd like to share some of the views with you.

I never get tired of seeing the Chinese landscaping and architecture. The attention to detail is inspiring.

Stone animal sculptures along a tree-lined path, just down the road from our house.

Jesse joined me for a bike ride. Now that the weather is cooler, they will allow bikes through the gates. During the warmer months, bikes are restricted.

A nearby pagoda on plum blossom hill. The plum blossoms will flower in the spring and supposedly the path becomes packed with people eager to get a glimpse of the blossoms. I'm going to enjoy the open spaces now.

No, the leaves don't turn purple and white in Nanjing, but aren't they pretty?! These trees aren't on Purple Mountain, but near the Confucious Temple in town.

Thanksgiving, Chinese-style

The formula for a good ol' American Thanksgiving: Boys! Jesse missed being with his cousins, but Jay and Eli were pretty good companions for Thanksgiving dinner.

Lots of people. Our Thanksgiving dinner consisted of 7 adults and 12 kids and we had enough food for 100 people!

A great meal! Grace with Laurel and Nicki, fellow teenagers. Everyone was eager to eat a real American meal; the Chinese don't eat much gravy!

The PIES! Apple, pumpkin, and pecan. I think we met everyone's criteria for Thanksgiving dinner. We took the opportunity to give thanks for all we have learned and experienced this past year.