Okay, I think I am finally figuring this out! Now that it has been weeks after returning from China...What an incredible trip! It was nothing short of fabulous. I love the Chinese people, the culture, the history, the food, the sites, the beauty and diversity of the land, the toilets (okay, that's not true!), pretty much everything! I think it was especially exciting as I have never been out of the country with the exception of just over the borders, which I don't really count. Getting there and back was a bit long, but worth it! We were hopeless tourists, and I personally shot about 200 digital photos, 2 hours of video, and 3 rolls of film. If you ever have the chance to go to China, you have to go. I am already feeling like I want to go back, to see the things I didn't see, and of course, more Shanghai shopping. It was such a blessing to be able to take some time from away from my normal life (and yes, I did miss my hub and kids) and experience China with my dad and friends. I am glad to report that we are all STILL friends, and my dad was was a sport about going to China for his fourteenth time. The most amazing things to me were the number of people in that country (It's really hard to even imagine until you see it), the traffic (which although to put it mildly is insane but somehow works), and the amount of labor and craftsmanship and detail that seemed to be a part of everything manmade, big or small. We had so many wonderful experiences and have great stories too. Here's a start anyway...

Half way around the world

The never ending Chinese fruit stands...no wonder the Chinese are so healthy and live long!

What is better than being on the Great Wall of China? Being on the Great Wall of China with great friends!

An ancient Chinese village outside of Beijing.

We love "donkey man"! He was so cute and humble and very patient with us American stalkers.

China's landscape is beautiful and diverse!