Week 43 - 10pm, Jinqiao

Who knew? Every evening, and I checked this with the stall holder, these guys (there's 3 more just like this one all in a row) come here with this delicious assortment of meats and vegetables (although I have to say I would pass on a dish that looked very much like slug) set up and cook over a super hot wok, check out the flames... and then serve to passers by, even this smart looking girl!  There are some very portable tables and chairs set up behind them on the footpath.

This stand is right on the corner... you can see the two zebra crossings which meet behind the end of the stall.

For the locals, it's Biyun and Baihua Lu Corner, near Head to Toe!

Week 42 - Christmas Pageant Rehearsal, Jinqiao

I was a Year 2 supply teacher for a day, when they were doing a rehearsal for their upcoming Christmas show... This was my class performing their section... you can see the other classes sitting at the back of the stage. They sang so sweetly, but it seemed that Christmas was still so far off...

This is another experiment with the iPhone app Instamatic... love the flare around the lights, and the white faces!

Week 41 - Super excited, Jinqiao

This is the so excited, can't hide it face, exploding with happiness!  Jie Jie had just been asked to be a flower girl at my sister's upcoming wedding next April.

Incidentally, the photo was taken using my iPhone, and enhanced using the Instamatic app, putting the border around the edge, and the light contrasts. I'm just learning how to use Instamatic... it's a bit fun!

Week 40 - Yu Yuan Gardens

My cousin and her husband came to Shanghai for a weekend, and so we decided to venture to the tourist destination - Yu Yuan Gardens... not usually a sensible choice on weekends because of the crowds, but we had a lovely time.  This man, caught my attention making his own broom, I love the bundles of sticks, and how he is attaching them together with wire. This was in a tiny corner of the serene gardens, and just not quite the usual picture.  We went on to have a delicious lunch, and leave them to further explore the French Concession.

Week 39 - UN Day, Jinqiao

Having visited the Migrant School last week, where my eyes were opened to how many children you really can fit in a classroom, it was quite a shock to compare that to the bright colours, resources and space in my daughter's classroom.  On UN Day, the children came dressed in their national costumes... 15 kids, 10 distinct countries... pretty amazing - huh???