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You ask what is an “in-informanceâ€. As was explained by Emersyn’s music teacher, Mr. Nurre, it was the concept of bringing the parents “into†the classroom to see what the kids were learning. In other words, the kids performed an “extemporaneous†recital in the gym (with a bit of chaos). Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5 based on 175 user reviews.
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Just some fun pictures of the girls enjoying a major league bubble bath courtesy of the whirlpool jets. What you don’t see is all the bubbles all over the floor. Average Rating: 4.7 out of 5 based on 259 user reviews.
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Today we had lunch with the Humes at a restaurant called Sidney. As you can guess, it was an Ausi restaurant. But the main feature was a sand pit in the middle of the restaurant. The kids had a great time playing while the adults sat back and chatted … and commented, “pretending we don’t have kids”. Only in Shanghai… After lunch on a whim, we went to a bar call Yehaa! Texas BBQ and Bar to ride the mechanical bull. Well, so the kids could ride the bull. We were the only people in the place. The staff was more than happy to blow up the landing pad and run the bull ever so slowly for the kids. Everyone rode the bull except Eleri, who was more than satisfied just sitting on it. The kids finished up with a “bounce” on the landing pad. We commented that the next time the kids will be in a bull riding bar…when they are over 21. Only in Shanghai. Average Rating: 4.6 out of 5 based on 170 user reviews.
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Wearing school uniforms does have its own advantages – like no discussion on what to where on any given day. The schools come up with fun ways to dress “out of uniformâ€. Concordia, Emersyn’s school, does this more than Dulwich (it must be an American thing). Below are the fun dress days for the year. Average Rating: 5 out of 5 based on 232 user reviews.
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Some friends put on the Second Invitational “Find the Peeing Taxi Driver in Pajamas Hauling Styrofoam†Bicycle Scavenger Hunt today. The object of the hunt this year was to buy a team costume, go to an appointed bar to take photos and, of course, grab shots of daily Shanghai life in the process. Our team of four consisted on Brenda’s good friend Mary, her husband John, his friend Cris, and me. Brenda did not go, as she was delivering kids to sleep-overs. We started off in Pudong and immediately took the ferry cross river to Puxi to hit YuYuan – the pre-imminent narrow street, crowded, bustling shopping area to get our costumes. Right off the ferry, we spotted our first photo-op. The mobile bicycle bar-b-ques are definitely a Shanghai thing. We made a quick stop at a couple of shops (negotiating for our life as well) to secure our costumes. We took the costume lead from those on the street, as we wanted to be as stealth as possible. From the name of the game, you can see that there are many interesting daily sights in Shanghai. Styrofoam hauling is a cottage industry in Shanghai. Never does a day go by without seeing someone struggling to peddle an overloaded 3 wheel bicycle overloaded with something. Shanghai is a flat city, so bicycles and scooters are everywhere and used for every purpose. Some people run their business off the back of a bike or a scooter. At the stoplight, I found a mobile carpet cleaning company! With the China one child policy, a scooter is perfect family transportation. Dad driving, mom on the back and kid standing on the middle. Often you will see LPG bottles or 5 gallon water bottles tied to the back like saddle bags. We had to have a few more stops to make and grab photos at the local bar street. Here on Tongren Lu, if you do not watch your wallet, you will be buying drinks for the entire bar! Tequila anyone? We had to stop by the local watering hole, Malone’s. It was just before show time for the house band, Art 6. They are renowned in Shanghai as the best (Philippine) band and have been playing for years. So I had to take the opportunity to grab a few autographs. We were not the only one out in our pajamas. On our way back to the to the starting point of the hunt, we were waiting for the ferry. There we found a compatriot Shanghainese in his PJs. He was more than happy to take a photo – we have really joined the brotherhood of Shanghai pajama people! But of course we could not end without sharing a bit of Chinglish. At least you “particularty” know what they sell. Average Rating: 4.4 out of 5 based on 250 user reviews.
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We hosted a party “just because†on Friday. We have this beautiful deck with an amazing view of Shanghai. All our friends are always waiting for a party, so why not. Last year at this time, we had a big party for the Szatkowski’s going away. We had beautiful weather, beautiful flowers and beautiful people to share the night. Too bad we didn’t take any pictures…but everyone had a good time. No evidence, no crime! Average Rating: 4.7 out of 5 based on 292 user reviews.
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Emersyn’s class had a school field trip today. We began the field trip at the World Financial Center (WFC). We watched the WFC grow from our apartment. It is currently the tallest building in Shanghai with 104 floors. On the 100th floor is a glass walkway. From the apartment, we watched the building go up but had not ventured in and walked across the glass bridge on the 100th floor – yet. Luckily, we had a very beautiful day for our first walk across the bridge. I am sure there will be many more walks with any guest visiting Shanghai. From the WFC, we took the ferry to YuYuang Gardens. I had very low expectation for this part of the field trip. YuYuang Gardens is always busy and very crowded. On my last trip to the commodities building, I remember thinking this is why I avoid this place unless I really need something. I take a deep breath and push my way through the small aisle ways. This part of the adventure was for the kids economics study unit. The kids had to earn money by doing chores around the house. From the money they earned, they had to set a budget to buy gifts for people back home this summer. The Chinese twist to the economics study was too see how well they could bargain for the items. Emmy did great with her bargaining skills she has learned from Jim. She purchased items for the neighbor kids, as their Mom has been ill. I was pleased with her choice of gift giving. And, since my expectations were so low, it turned out to be fun watching the kids in action haggling! Average Rating: 4.9 out of 5 based on 169 user reviews.
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Dulwich held their annual sports day at school. The kids go outside to do all kinds of different sports. Eleri’s Reception class had the field from 9 am to 10 am. The kids have fun running around to the various organized events. I was there for moral support and to take pictures…sound familiar…sound just as exciting as the blog for Emersyn’s sports day!! Notice the big floppy hats – Dulwich has a “no hat-no play” policy – great for the skin! Here is a quick run down of the events: Average Rating: 4.7 out of 5 based on 178 user reviews.
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Eleri made a delightful card at school for Mother’s Day. Eleri has a wonderful teacher, Ms Hannah, this year. She is always coming home with all kinds of fun art work. Average Rating: 4.9 out of 5 based on 167 user reviews.
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The Chinese love to pick the most interesting Western names. Women especially. There are many Barbies and Apples. But we know Elf and Amigo. Amigo is Emersyn’s piano teacher. She is a delightful women who comes every Saturday to the house to teach lessons – yes, house call private lessons all for the whopping sum of 100 RMB (US$15). Elf is the girl’s Chinese teacher. She also comes to the house on Saturdays, first working with Emersyn then Eleri – each one on one for 45 minutes. She charges 100 RMB for the hour and a half. Only in China do you get great teachers/tutors at such reasonable costs. Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5 based on 189 user reviews.
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