22nd March


Checklist:
Caught a cold


Yáng Xué - 杨雪 (pronouced 'young cher')

My family name is now, Yáng. When introducing myself, my family name must always come first. I chose Yáng because it's easy to pronouce and is also my Chinese sign, Sheep. My tutor, Sunny, gave me my Chinese name, Xué. I quote "Snow is white, you're white. Snow is beautiful and you're beautiful" So my Chinese name is Snow. I like it!


"Wo jiao Yáng Xué " - "My name is Yáng Xué" :)



23rd March


Checklist:
Climbed Shanghai's tallest 'mountain'


Listening to:
Everybody's Talking - The Four Tops


After 2 days of rain, this morning the sun was out to play and so I caught the subway to She Shan.
Arriving at the Subway I decided to take a motorbike to the hill. I couldn't resit, missing the freedom I used to have when using them all the time in Uganda. I placed my bag on my lap, sat back, stretched out my arms and enjoyed the cool breeze. I defiantly miss this type of transport!
She Shan Hill stands at 100m tall and is the tallest hill in Shanghai. At the top is a grand Catholic Church and an Astronomical observatory (is that what you'd call it?!)
The path up to the church represents 'the way of suffering that Christ took during his crucifixion'. In May, for Easter, apparently hundrends of pilgrims flock to the chapel. I'd be interested in seeing this. Walking down from the Catholic Church, a girl jumps at me from nowhere "Picture, picture" I smile and we pose for her friends.
There were so many beautiful paths leading off to many sites around the hill, but after a good hour my chesty cough and blocked nose stopped me from really enjoying all that She Shan has to offer and so I made my journey back to the apartment and spent the rest of the day, tea in hand relaxing on my balcony.


Bicycles:
Lines of bicycles and scooters park along the streets and pavements but yet none of them are ever chained to anything! A lock is sometimes placed on the back wheel and that's all. I've heard stories of people literally just picking up bikes and walking off. Beth had 2 scooters stolen (very bad luck!) but still, I think it's certainly trust amongst eachother!


x x x