Hangzhou

I've resisted writing for a long time, clinging to fears that shaken my confidence in writing etc etc. Lots of fears these days. And yet, some a friendly comment encouraged me to reach out again and just share.

It's the middle of March here in Shanghai China. I've missed the craziest Chicago winter since I've been alive and instead dealt with pollution, rain and crazy traffic. (Even after a few months of living here the traffic still rattles my nerves).

We took an incredible vacation to New Zealand at the beginning of February. My soul got to breath again. We relaxed, took in amazing culture and scenery. (photos posted soon, promise)

Just this past weekend, we managed to get away for a night. Spent $80 on train tickets and $30 on a pretty nice hostel twin room. Easy. We barely made our train. Picture Patrick and I running, full speed through a train station totally out of shape. Probably looked ridiculous. We made it with 30 seconds to spare. Whew, I'm tired just thinking about the running.

Anyway, the train ride to Hangzhou is pretty quick when you take one of China's awesome high speed trains (over 300 kms/hr-yeah that fast!).  China definitely has the train system worked out-and it's a huge country.We should figure it out in the US.

Anyway, Hangzhou is famous for the "West Lake" a small but pretty lake with a well done park area and walkway around the lake.  It is a small city, only the size of the Chicago Met. Area. (8 million or so). So small.  It's amazing how quiet it was on the South end of the lake.  We arrived late in the evening but managed to take a relaxing walk around the south end of the lake. Everything is well lit, so walking at night isn't scary and it was quite peaceful.  I don't find that quiet here in Shanghai. and know we will not live here in Shanghai forever because of that. There are parks, and the Bund, but there is so much noise, noise noise. and lights. Every building in Shanghai has lights on it at night, often they are moving, glowing or creating pictures. Here's photo proof:



 Something that we noticed about Sydney is that the buildings are relatively dark at night. Just to compare.

Anyway, this Saturday we we climbed a newly built Pagoda. It is built on an ancient site, the old pagoda from the 12 century collapsed in 1924.  Even though it was rainy and cold, the mist over the lake was quite beautiful.  My soul needs to see that beauty. Something about living in the city makes it difficult to see that beauty.  Enjoy these photos from the weekend:

 

 Enjoy the view! Til next time...