We may have gone a little nuts at the photo shop tonight but they're just too darn cute to pass up.
And It's my last week in China so I'm splurging.
xx
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
To Be Free
"It is in all of us
to defy
to go into the world and
to be brave
and to want, to need, to hunger for
adventures
to embrace change and chance and risk
so that we may breath
and know what it is
to be free."
I thought this was wonderful. I have felt pretty free this year. it's been good.
xx
Monday, December 21, 2009
Another reason why I love China.
This is just about the most adorable thing I've seen in a while. Enjoy!
http://www.cnngo.com/shanghai/none/three-yearold-chinese-hiphop-star-087117
xx
http://www.cnngo.com/shanghai/none/three-yearold-chinese-hiphop-star-087117
xx
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Brrr
Dear China,
I love you. Really, I do. Our love affair has been going on for the better part of a year and I’m afraid if I don’t get this off my chest, well, we may just have to take a break.
You see, I’m cold. Really, really, cold. Those summer days we spent together were truly wonderful. Why can’t we hold on to that heat? Why must you submerge me into cold nothingness? Did I take advantage of you? Did I give you the cold shoulder and forced you to turn the heat off completely?
Or perhaps you are just trying to give me a lesson. I get it. Your lack of central heating is one way or another saving the world from Global Warming. Along with the non-existent diapers you are really saving the world from completely cooking itself into oblivion. Yes everything you do has some effect on the world whether you know it or not... But there are other ways to save on energy! Maybe you could try recycling? Or perhaps stop using gas that potentially has cyanide in it. Or another option would be to stop triple-wrapping everything from cookies to bananas? I get it, packaging is fun but wouldn’t you want to be warm instead?
It takes me longer to walk to school now – heavy with layers and skin prickling with the promise of frost-bite. Yes I do get that wonderful rosy-cheeked ‘je ne sais quoi’ look that’s all the rage now with the kids, but common! I can’t be cute when I’ve got a drippy nose now can I? And I’m pretty sure the teachers aren’t calling me cute when they point at my chopstick skills which have gone down the drain since my fingers are frozen stiff, and holding onto anything small requires the concentration of a magician (incl. chalk!).
Going to the grocery store is becoming a danger to my health. I need to wear two sets of gloves if I decide to pick up any fruit for fear of instant frost-bite. Even the clerks are doing jumping jacks in the aisles to keep warm. It’s not fair China – We get it: You’re cold.
Oh China. I love you like Canada loves snow but you have to believe me when I say that this No-Heat business you are running here is just keeping you behind in the ages. I have decided that I won’t let you hold me back any longer. Enough with the bum facials when I pee in the Turkish toilets at school, or the potential frost-bite on my behind if I sit on a regular toilet. Enough with the triple layers of clothing. Enough with the permanent frozen fingers and toes.
Enough enough enough!
But let’s stay friends.
Noemie xx
I love you. Really, I do. Our love affair has been going on for the better part of a year and I’m afraid if I don’t get this off my chest, well, we may just have to take a break.
You see, I’m cold. Really, really, cold. Those summer days we spent together were truly wonderful. Why can’t we hold on to that heat? Why must you submerge me into cold nothingness? Did I take advantage of you? Did I give you the cold shoulder and forced you to turn the heat off completely?
Or perhaps you are just trying to give me a lesson. I get it. Your lack of central heating is one way or another saving the world from Global Warming. Along with the non-existent diapers you are really saving the world from completely cooking itself into oblivion. Yes everything you do has some effect on the world whether you know it or not... But there are other ways to save on energy! Maybe you could try recycling? Or perhaps stop using gas that potentially has cyanide in it. Or another option would be to stop triple-wrapping everything from cookies to bananas? I get it, packaging is fun but wouldn’t you want to be warm instead?
It takes me longer to walk to school now – heavy with layers and skin prickling with the promise of frost-bite. Yes I do get that wonderful rosy-cheeked ‘je ne sais quoi’ look that’s all the rage now with the kids, but common! I can’t be cute when I’ve got a drippy nose now can I? And I’m pretty sure the teachers aren’t calling me cute when they point at my chopstick skills which have gone down the drain since my fingers are frozen stiff, and holding onto anything small requires the concentration of a magician (incl. chalk!).
Going to the grocery store is becoming a danger to my health. I need to wear two sets of gloves if I decide to pick up any fruit for fear of instant frost-bite. Even the clerks are doing jumping jacks in the aisles to keep warm. It’s not fair China – We get it: You’re cold.
Oh China. I love you like Canada loves snow but you have to believe me when I say that this No-Heat business you are running here is just keeping you behind in the ages. I have decided that I won’t let you hold me back any longer. Enough with the bum facials when I pee in the Turkish toilets at school, or the potential frost-bite on my behind if I sit on a regular toilet. Enough with the triple layers of clothing. Enough with the permanent frozen fingers and toes.
Enough enough enough!
But let’s stay friends.
Noemie xx
Friday, December 18, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
So This Is Christmas...
Winter has come to Shanghai, and you know what that means; ’tis the season to be merry folks.
I wasn't sure what to expect out of Christmas in China - the pendulum could have swung both ways but it seems that it has rocked itself into a tizzy and both extremes have found home here. I mean, do the Chinese celebrate Christmas in China? Well, the answer to this question is both YES and NO. In China, it's mainly Christians who celebrate Christmas, although the commercial aspect of the holiday is spreading. For everyone else, the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival is the big event of the season.
Of course different cities celebrate differently; Hong Kong for example was a British colony until 1983 and this had a large impact on the cultural uniform of the city – Christmas is celebrated (in varying degrees) by a large percentage of Chinese there. Shanghai so far shows an appreciation for the commercial aspects of the holiday and I’ve seen most of the western additions of the city adopt the Christmas attire, whether it’s having a big Christmas tree or just a few snowflakes on the windows.
All in all, I’ve enjoyed and appreciated all attempts. Here are a few examples.
I wasn't sure what to expect out of Christmas in China - the pendulum could have swung both ways but it seems that it has rocked itself into a tizzy and both extremes have found home here. I mean, do the Chinese celebrate Christmas in China? Well, the answer to this question is both YES and NO. In China, it's mainly Christians who celebrate Christmas, although the commercial aspect of the holiday is spreading. For everyone else, the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival is the big event of the season.
Of course different cities celebrate differently; Hong Kong for example was a British colony until 1983 and this had a large impact on the cultural uniform of the city – Christmas is celebrated (in varying degrees) by a large percentage of Chinese there. Shanghai so far shows an appreciation for the commercial aspects of the holiday and I’ve seen most of the western additions of the city adopt the Christmas attire, whether it’s having a big Christmas tree or just a few snowflakes on the windows.
All in all, I’ve enjoyed and appreciated all attempts. Here are a few examples.
Louis doing a good job with the lights.
A fantastic "Christmas Carnival" tree right downtown.
I love this one. The next day that 'A' was missing.
A more modest approach in a cafe on the pedestrian street.
A beautiful card from one of my Grade ones. Adorable!
I start teaching Christmas this week with my kids. Will keep you updated.
Love!
Xox
Monday, December 7, 2009
For you Dad!
This one's for you dad - China's very own Home Depot: B&Q
I found this amongst other "big box stores" when I went out to find the Carrefour out near the highway to Shanghai. Strangely enough it looks as though this is a British company but has made its way to China.
Chinese handy-men can now rejoice and build a shed or install a wood floor just as any would around the world!
Here's the website: http://www.diy.com/
Love xx!
I found this amongst other "big box stores" when I went out to find the Carrefour out near the highway to Shanghai. Strangely enough it looks as though this is a British company but has made its way to China.
Chinese handy-men can now rejoice and build a shed or install a wood floor just as any would around the world!
Even the signs are similar to those of Home Depot!
I wonder if the prices compare?
Here's the website: http://www.diy.com/
Love xx!
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