It’s been a week since number one son has been in Shanghai and he’s been absolutely loving it. I’m so excited for his year abroad and love hearing all about it. People ask if I’m worried he’s so far away, but how could I? I went away my junior year, too. Shanghai is my favorite city in mainland China and there’s even more to it now than when I was there in the 80s and 90s.
Photo Friday
It’s hard to believe I was here just a week ago. This summer has gone by quickly and with trips to New Mexico, Panama, and Florida (photo above) all in the span of a month, it’s time to get back to work and the kids back to school (10 days and counting). I’ll have some great new changes on this site in the weeks to come and will be making some big changes in my writing. Stay tuned!
Photo Friday
Photo Friday
Here I am 22 years ago at the old Tiger Balm Gardens in Hong Kong. It was Christmas Day and I was with my mother, who was visiting me for a couple weeks that month. My dad had arrived earlier that month so they could spread their time out with me. I was married to the first husband then, but he was in China for a 3.5 months that fall and winter, so I guess my parents felt bad I was alone. It was actually all right to be alone then, but I always welcomed their company.
My mom and I thought this pig was funny. I hadn’t eaten pork in years at that time, so we were amazed by the girth of this swine. I miss the Tiger Balm Gardens. I’m sure some nondescript, luxe condo building stands in this space now. Why give the general public a park everyone can enjoy when you can make a killing from real estate?
Friday Photo
I posted this photo on Instagram today, where I’ve been posting old travel photos for the last month or so. This is one I’ve had a love/hate relationship with. Hate because I always thought I was closing my eyes and that my posture could have been better. But I love it for so many more reasons: Hong Kong’s early 90s skyline, the different types of boats, the widened harbor (it’s much narrower now), and the view. I would take the train down to the harborfront in college and just stare across at the skyline and marvel that I was actually there, on the underbelly of China and in front of the most stunning scene I’d ever seen.
