I really need to do better about putting me in my pictures. My grandkids are going to stumble upon these one day and wonder if I really went to China or if I just bought a package of lousy stock photos of China instead. I'm torn of course. Considering my dashing good looks, I guess I just don't want to distract my dear viewers from the wonderous scenes of China. But I'll do better.

Catholic Cathedral

This was built by Portuguese in the 19th century (if I have my facts right). It really did provide a nice quiet sanctuary in the middle of a bustling city.

Ningbo Shopping Area

Although I wasn't crazy about Ningbo - it just doesn't compare to my Hangzhou - I was less shy about being a tourist and snapping random street photos (maybe I got this from the mish, but when I reside in a place, I'm very hesitant to bust out the camera). For those who want their dumplings and noodles to go, Kungfu is a common fast (chinese) food chain in this province. The third pic is a building that was once a temple of sorts but now is an open-air, multi-level shopping mall. I'm not sure what the Buddhists think about it, but as long as they're not offended, I must say it is the coolest mall I've been too. I mean, and I'm such an avid fan of malls and all. But it was cool. The fourth pic is with Iwona, a foreign teacher I came out with.

Xikou

On a suggestion by another foreign teacher, the four of us left Ningbo to see Xikou. We were supposed to do some mad hiking, but the rates were outrageous and we didn't really know the area too well - but we had fun wandering around. Xikou is a bit of a tourist stop because many of Chiang Kaishek's relatives lived here (Kaishek himself is from nearby Fenghua).

Michael and I wandered through some of the neighborhoods off the main streets. It was sobering - especially when one considers that this province is one of the wealthiest.

Although Amalie is Michael's girlfriend, the picture makes it look like she's mine. Hee hee. I love it. I'm not sure if Michael loves it too much though.