The Bund in Shanghai. 
At the Yu Garden, Shanghai.
Tiananmen square, Beijing.
The greatest Great Wall of China, Beijing.
Analia next to a Buddha just her size.
"Ni Hao People!" became one of Analia's favorite phrases this trip. We stayed for two weeks in China and had a blast! The girls did wonderfully and only had a few minor breakdowns. We loved seeing all around Shanghai, Nanjing, Beijing, and everything in between. We stayed with and then traveled around with my teammates and great friends from the University of Utah, Jen and Taylor. They we're awesome hosts and fun to share our experiences with. Thanks so much you guys. We had a ball.
It was amazing to actually be standing on the Great Wall, or at the Forbidden city, knowing that these places were built thousands of years ago...we saw some artifacts that actually dated back to 2500 b.c. Wow. They we're spectacularly crafted and beautiful. Why I think they should be primitive, I don't really know, but they weren't. I know it may sound weird to say, but seeing those things kinda stirred my stomach and sent chills down my back. The human race strives to create beauty wherever and whenever they exist. It's pretty cool.
My favorites: The Great Wall. Biking around Beijing, Hangzhou, Nanjing, and exploring the Hutongs (neighborhoods). The Bird's Nest--another spiritual moment for me. The enormous Forbidden City. Walking the Bund with the stinky tofu! So so stinky. Eating yummy food. Talking and reminiscing with Jen about the running years. The Water Village--seeing that their way of life hasn't changed in hundreds of years...still living in the same teeny concrete houses...washing in the water at the doorstep of their homes. The boat rides. Hiking up the 300 steps to Sun Yet San's Mausoleum. The crappy Tandem Bikes in the beautiful mountainside park. Watching our girls travel so well and adjust to new surroundings easily.
The Chinese people are a happy people. They are always willing to help and usually want to take a million pictures with your blond haired children! :) By the end Analia kept saying, No more pictures please!! We explored the Temple of Heaven park in Beijing and they had several drum circles with women dancing with their fans, people roller skating, flying kites, playing games. It was refreshing to see. Happy people. Just enjoying life.
We loved seeing China and being with our friends! Thanks guys!
Maya wants to tell you something...
9 comments:
Amazing! What a fun trip! I think it's so cool you got that fantastic experience and that your girls did too!
What an incredible opportunity! I loved seeing all the pictures on Facebook too. You're such a beautiful family.
What a great trip! I'm glad you all had a good time. Also, I can't believe Maya is getting to be such a good and adorable little chatterbox. Kids grow up so fast!
Oh, SO JEALOUS! Looks so great, you guys look great. Wish you were coming out this summer :( Give everyone hugs for me... Where is your next adventure?
How fun! I can't believe how big the girls are getting. We miss you guys so much and are super bummed you are not coming out this summer. We might just have to come see you! Hope all is well. Love you guys!
Wow, Nellie, that's unreal! Your girls are just beautiful, I'm so glad your trip was so lovely.
So glad you guys had such a great trip! Thanks for sharing it all with us! We miss you guys!
SWEET! What special memories :)! I loved the video (who was in the background? Do you have a maid?)
Hello Mrs. Nelly,
We are in Ohio right now at our Aunt's house. How is everything going in Guam? Is the trampoline still good for you guys? talk to you later,
Nate Olech and the rest of the family
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