Sanya, Hianan Island

About 5 days later Kim and I decided we wanted a change of scenery and headed south to Sanya city on the beach! Kim still had a week left of holiday and we found cheap tickets to Hianan. We stayed near Dadonghai Beach, about a five minute walk to the ocean. They call this area the "Hawaii of the East," which it was beautiful. I have not been to Hawaii, so I can not compare!

The beach and water were very clean, the cleanest I have ever been. The water was cold, but once you got used to it the warm air kept you in for as long as you wanted. We also got to go to another beach just south of Dadonghai. It was even nicer. Neither of the beaches were too crowded. We even had our own battleship off into the distance, so we were safe!!!

Fresh fruit and coffee was also a big plus for the island. We had several papaya's and a coconut. I was really excited about the coconut juice, but it was a little too sour for me. I love coconut milk mixed with Thai food, but straight from the coconut, I can not handle, but fun to experience. Kim looked very cute and happy drinking from the coconut!

Besides some rain and clouds the trip to the beach was very fun and relaxing. We also found a western grill across the street and had some good burgers, nachos, breakfasts, and wraps. The only thing I would change was getting the dates on our flight back to Nanchang mixed up. Luckily they had two seats left, but our special rate was no longer special anymore.

Jiu Hua Shan (9 Flower Mountain)

Kim and I went on a road trip with our friends Weina and Li Chao to see the country side, mountains, and buddhists temples. It was really nice to get away and see some new areas with our friends. Being able to get in a car and go on your own schedule is so nice... I know I take for granted how much freedom I have each day when I can go where ever I want in my truck.

Around Jingdezhen are huge mtns. We have been able to go to Yellow Mtn, which is the largest and most famous mtns in China. Near by are also beautiful mtns with many buddhists temples, around 99! Even though we are Christians, the beauty and auroa around these temples are amazing. I know why they chose these areas now, b/c you completely feel like you are in heaven. The clouds and fog was very thick and at many points it would cover the sites around you.

The temples were all very elaborate and the burning of incense was very abundant. It was very evident b/c you would see the wrappers from the candles and incense all around the mtn. Not good. The smoke helps keep the evil spirits away.

We had very good local food! Salted dried fish was one that we had from many different farmers. The picture of a fish is actual made from tofu, but tastes just like fish. On the mtn you can not buy any meat, since the true buddhists are vegetarians.

MmmMmm Good

During the Spring Festival many foods are eating to represent parts of their life. Noodles are eaten to represent longevity in their life. Dumplings are eaten to represent wealth in the New Year, so when Brad and I heard about a restaurant that claims to have the best dumplings in the world we had to give it a try. Here we are at the packed restaurant enjoying our delicious dumplings, which we are hoping will bring us a little money in the year ahead!

The Year of the OX

We arrived in Shanghai just in time for the beginning of the Chinese New Year. We were stranded here for a few days before we were able to travel back to Jingdezhen due to the Holiday, so we took the opportunity to see all of the New Years decorations. This year is the year of the ox, in various places among the city large gold ox statues were displayed as a Christmas tree would be in America. The Chinese make every effort to make it home to their families during this time to wish them well in the New Year. Many stores and restaurants are closed from one week up to a month. People enjoy their break by cleaning their homes, buying new clothing, and visiting friends and relatives to wish them a healthy and wealthy New Year.

Our Surprise Visit

We just couldn't stay away for Christmas. At the very last minute before we found out that we had more time off then we originally thought, so we began to think about going home. A week before Christmas we found plane tickets to fly back on Christmas Eve. We didn't tell anyone except Aunt Camille who picked us up at the airport. Since we were traveling "back in time" we spent one Christmas Eve on a train in China and the other in the air. We began our journey in Jingdezhen taking a train to Shanghai which is 16 hours over one night. Then we hopped right onto a bus and took a one hour ride to Shanghai airport. There we waited about two hours and then onto the plane. We actually made very good time on the plane due to the winds being in our favor, so it probably only took about 13 hours until we landed in Georgia. Then from Georgia to DC after a short layover. A very long journey! It was well worth it to spend some much needed time with our families. We tried to see everyone, unfortunately we weren't able to see all family and friends that we would have liked to, and apologize if we didn't get to see you but we look forward to seeing you in about 4 months~

Santa and the reindeer

On Sunday we will be going to the local orphanage and bringing them some gifts that we know they are in need of. Kerrie and I found this Santa outfit for 20 RMB ($2.95) and had to get it. We thought it might be difficult to convince Brad to be Santa but he jumped right into the costume. He said it is really comfortable :-) So on Sunday Brad will be Santa to the children in the orphanage.

Sunrise on Yellow Mountain

Brad and I woke up and hiked to a peak to watch the sunrise (don't be too impressed we went back to bed after we saw the sun come up)! We were very lucky the hotel had down coats for us to wear. We wore those coats and two others and were still a little chilly. Yellow Mountain is the place many of the traditional Chinese painters choose to paint.