Another Week in Photos (Project Life/Project 365)

Sunday, May 1

We went for a late lunch at Moss, our favorite Japanese-owned bagel restaurant in Beijing. They had available some origami papers and laminated instructions. They asked for a 10 kuai donation, you took some paper, the directions and made some origami figures to be given to survivors of the earthquake and tsunami. Being a lover of Japan and a childhood lover of origami, (I spent many hours folding paper. ) I couldn't resist. Reece, Braden and I all made a few items to place in the basket to be sent back to Japan.

Monday, May 2

The biggest news in a long time. US Navy Seals go into Bin Laden's compound in Pakistan and kills him. A huge long weekend for news with Friday being the royal wedding and Monday being this.

#2

Since the weather has turned spring-like we have been getting on our bikes and riding somewhere in Beijing for the day. This day we went to Houhai, a nice lake in the middle of the city surrounded by hutongs (old-style courtyard homes on narrow streets) to have lunch at Hutong Pizza. The pizza is rated one of the top ten pizza places in Beijing. It was pretty good. Afterwards we had an ice cream while sitting on a bench next to the lake and then we rode home.

Tuesday, May 3

It was a holiday weekend. Originally, the government wanted everyone to work and have school on Saturday and then have Sunday, Monday & Tuesday off of work and school. A week or two before the weekend they changed their mind and let people have Saturday & Sunday off as usual, have Monday off but go back to work and school on Tuesday. Therefore, Reece & Nicholas went back to school on Tuesday, but Braden still had the day off.

Braden's school plans their calendar well in advance so they did not change the holidays on such short notice, not to mention, they never have the kids come to school on the weekends - something I really appreciate. Six consecutive days is too long to attend school or go to work - so much less productivity all around!

Anyway, we spent the morning catching up on weekend homework. This is some of the primary class Chinese characters he is learning. After homework was done, we walked to Ritan park to climb on the rocks and go in the jump house - his request. It was a wonderful day together that reminded me of last year when he only went to school 3 times a week. Watching my boys grow up is bitter sweet.

 

Wednesday, May 4

Paul called just before I had to go pick Braden up from school. He needed our passports to get our new work and residence visas, so right after school Braden and I had to ride to his office. He met us in the parking garage (all bikes) and we went upstairs for a quick frozen yogurt at FM Cafe (fro yo and french fires).

 

Thursday, May 5

This summer Reece & friend, Elliot, worked on a script for a movie. Reece was so excited when Elliot finally emailed him a copy so that he could get to work revising and editing it. I am sure they will work on it more this summer when we are in California.

Friday, May 6

#2

We were behind this cart on our morning commute on bicycle. I always get a kick out of these mobile pet stores. You can't see the aquarium full of gold fish sloshing around while we were turning left across Chang'An Street. He had a special cover taped on it so no fish sloshed out. I wish my picture turned out better.

 

Saturday, May 7

Reece woke up early as usual. He found his Lego Bionicle encyclopedia and was studying different Bionicles trying to make his own creations. 

 

For everything Project Life/Project 365 on my blog, look for the links on my right-hand side bar.

Have a great day!

Comments

[Cheri]

I think my kids would absolutely rebel if they had to go to school six days a week. Amazing how different life can be in another culture.

[Carol Anne]

Mobile pet stores, eh? Back in 2003, you'd rarely see a dog in Beijing. Good to know there's still lots of bikes in the city.

[Angela]

My oldest son LOVES bionicles. He could spend hours making them, great pics of your week!

Angela

[Nihao, Cupcake! by Margie]

Yes! They do rebel, believe me. This year they made the weekend days either a field trip or only half days. Even still, I hate having to get up early to get them ready on a weekend!!!

[Nihao, Cupcake! by Margie]

Oh, yes, the pet world is really changing here. They are talking about a law so that owners can only have one dog in certain areas since the noise in certain apartment buildings can get pretty bad.