A Single Act...

BEIJING!

After Shanghai, Kara and I headed off to Beijing. We met up with Dad and he had one day free so we could explore the city together. I was thrilled to be going back to the Forbidden City. When we were there 25 years ago, I can remember it as though it were yesterday. Mr. Liu, the communist party member guide, was very solicitous of Grandma Hallstrom. He was constantly hovering over her. He would take her arm and help her up the stairs or down; over rough patches and smooth...making sure that she was never in jeopardy. (Grandma was not too thrilled with the constant individual attention!) The Forbidden city covers an area of about 200 acres. Twenty emperors have lived through the years. It was started in 1406 and finished in 1420. It took 100,000 plus artisans working steadily for 14 years to complete it. The number 9 is considered to be a very lucky, and it is found throughout the palace in decorative details...in fact, there are 9,999 rooms! How is that for good luck? Twenty five years ago we were allowed to go into the rooms and envision an age that had past. Today, no one is allowed to experience that--we could peer through windows and look through open doors, but that was all. We couldn't even walk on the Emperor's pathway like we did 25 years ago! Still, it was fun to be there with Dad and Kara. Here are some of the highlights!

Here we are beginning our excursion into the Forbidden City by having our photo taken at Tiananmen Square with the Gate of Heavenly Peace behind us. That picture of Mao has been there for the past 25 years...somethings never change!

This is an amusing anecdote. Kara and I were sitting down waiting for Dad to take our picture. A Chinese man came rushing up the stairs and gestured to us that he wanted to take a picture with us. Kara and I stood up to stand with him, and he immediately gestured that we needed to stay seated and he would be the one to stand. I am still trying to figure out if there was a cultural significance to that request!

The Forbidden City is filled to overflowing with beautiful details. Mini paintings, elaborate tiles and roof ornaments are some of the beautiful things to appreciate. Note the lovely colors and roof tiles in this picture. It makes me wonder why we didn't go with more detail on our roof!

An amazing natural stone formation is found in the Emperor's Garden located in the rear of the city. The door behind us was only for the Emperor or Empress to use. This rock formation is called The Hill of Accumulated Elegance. Every year, on the 9th day of the 9th month, the Emperor and Empress would enter here and climb to the top to view the scenery. Absolutely stunning... But what I really loved was the wisdom shared on the sign in front of the door!

No sermon necessary here!I could post more about The Forbidden City--but I think this gives you a taste. However, do not despair, we still have The Summer Palace and some odds and ends to cover--plus a another quip!

The Torch Comes to Wan Chai!

On Friday of last week, May 2, the Olympic Torch made it's run through Hong Kong. One of the exciting things about the route was it was going to pass right by our building! Irene and I, along with all of the senior couples and employees were excited to participate in this event. The government had asked everyone to wear red in support of the torch...Irene wore red...I, however, I wore coral!

While googling to find out what time the torch was to pass by our building, I discovered something interesting about the torch that I didn't know. The torch relay is a modern event. It was begun for the Berlin Olympics. Noted Nazi Joseph Goebbels instigated the torch relay as a means of promoting the ideology of Nazism throughout the world! Thankfully, I don't think many people realize that when they are viewing the torch relay.

Early in the morning of May 2, the overpasses next to our building were cordoned off with police...allowing no pedestrians or onlookers to use them. About 11 am, the sidewalks and open areas along Fleming Street began to fill with people wearing mostly red or carrying red flags. I found out that the torch was not going to be passing our building until around 4pm...so these were dedicated torch watchers!

As for us, we decided that the side balconies of our building were the perfect venue to view the torch, as they overlooked Fleming and there would be no obstructions. When the torch finally made its appearance, the crowds would cheer as the runner passed by. I have to admit, we all cheered as it passed by our vantage point.

Looking down on the event from our balcony...

Looking up at our vantage point--I am on the 4th floor balcony!

Side Note: After we were through watching the event, I stepped back into the room from the balcony. Our DTA, Terry Oakes said he was relieved that the balcony hadn't collapsed! I laughed...he laughed. Funny man! Later that night when Dad came home, I told him about the torch. He asked where we had watched it. I told him that we were all on the little side balconies. Dad said, "Really?" Those balconies are not built for load bearing...only for decorative design." Apparently Terry was really laughing from relief...not so funny after all!

This is for Laurel...

So Laurel tagged me. This is not why I blog, but, I always enjoy reading about details revealed when someone is tagged! Although this feels a little strange, I am doing this because Laurel is not just the friend of our three daughters, but my friend as well! So here it goes!

8 Things I am passionate about:

My Husband.

Our family.

Living the gospel.

Serving in the Church.

Reading a great book.

Spending time with friends.

Teaching and discussing the scriptures with anybody, of any age, any time!

Having new adventures.

8 Past books I have read--only 8? (this is in addition to the scriptures)

A World Lit only by Fire by Michael Manchester...an engrossing read about the advent of the Renaissance

Fire in the Bones by Michael S. Wilcox--read this book and introduced to about 25 or more people--Deseret Book should thank me!

The Plan of Salvation and The Infinite Atonement by Tad Callister--Superb!

John Adams by David McCullough: inspiring and enlightening!

1776 by David McCullough: this was a borrowed book...when I get my own, I shall read it with a yellow highlighter pen!

Strapless by Deborah Davis....this is about John Singer Sargent and the painting that almost ruined him and how it destroyed the life of the woman he painted. Wonderful!

The Inkheart Series by Cornelia Funke: a delightful imaginary tale about a girl, her father and their love of books. Can't wait for the third book to come out in October of 2008!

The Jan Karon Series about Father Tim: Funny and inspiring!

Things I often say!

That is stunning! (Said mostly to Irene!)

BJ, Airee, Bear, Breezy

It's raining cats and dogs...I am lovingly referred to in our family as the Queen of cliches!

What is there Not to love about Hong Kong?

You have to have that!

Amazing!

Anything new in your life?

Let me do that for you.

8 Things I look for in a friend?

Loyal.

Sense of humor.

Teaches me.

Opens my world to new adventures and insights.

Loves to share on any subject!

Thoughtful.

Opens their heart to yours.

Always ready for an adventure!

8 Things I want to do before I die.

Live in Europe.

Write my personal history.

Take our personal family file to the temple.

Visit the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Take cooking lessons.

Visit the historical sights on the East Coast.

Take a Cruise.

Visit the Holy Land.

8 Things I have learned this past year.

Studying and teaching Isaiah for 8 months was life changing.

The gospel brings light and joy to families in the most challenging of circumstances.

Senior Missionary Couples are gifts of gold to those they serve.

It is more blessed to give than receive.

Count birthdays by friends, not years!

Being a 'Nana' is sublime!

Making new friends brings joy and greater insights into my life.

Shopping in Hong Kong for children or adults of any age is pure delight!

Bunds and Rats and Bear--Oh MY!

When Kara was here in February I knew that I wanted to blog--or at least make the attempt. Kara convinced me to do it and then helped me set up the blog before she left for London. I have been waiting for Kara to post about the rest of her China trip, but with all of her Internet challenges, I don't think she will be revisiting the rest of her time here with you. So I have decided to share a little more of what we did together. Side note: It was wonderful to be mothering again and it sure didn't take Kara long to adjust being mothered!

We decided that we would take a trip to Shanghai and Beijing. Kara had not been to Shanghai before, and it had been 25 years since I had been, so we were excited to go. This is a picture of me in a newly renovated upscale shopping district. It used to be an old housing neighborhood. However, the upper stories are still tenant occupied...check out what Kara is pointing to....thankfully NOT for sale! Pretty Funny!

Now what are the odds of Kara, Shaka and Maui (I am ignorning the second half of the name)coming together in Shanghai?

We went into one store and encountered this very large and contented cat. Couldn't resist the photo...the eyes were mesmerizing!

In this newer shopping district, we were bombarded with festive Chinese New Year decorations. They were plentiful and colorful...making "The Year of the Rat" most appealing!

Later that night, we were dropped off across the Huangpu River to view "The Bund" in all its night time glory. This is supposed to be one of the most spectacular waterfronts in the world. We were told by our driver that he would pick us up in one hour. Kara and I wandered down to the waterfront and looked in vain for 'The Bund'--as we were not 100 percent sure what we were supposed to see. Unbeknown to us, Shanghai over used their electricity quota and had begun to economize by NOT lighting up The Bund--or at least on the night we were there. Just our luck! This is what we were supposed to see. http://www.chinaeguide.com/china-travel/china-top-attractions/the-bund.html

Instead, this is what we saw! Sad...

To keep from freezing to death (since our driver was not coming back for at least 50 minutes), we entertained ourselves by taking pictures. Meet the frozen banditos! We were so cold and had nowhere to keep warm!

The next day we went to the countryside. We visited an old Chinese water village. It was a quiet and peaceful glimpse into what life must have been like hundreds of years ago. Thankfully the sun came out, making it a beautiful day to browse!

We took a water tour of the village and our oars person happened to be a lady! About 5 minutes into the ride, she asked if she could serenade us--to which we enthusiastically said "YES"! People were stopping on the bridges and sidewalks to watch her row and sing! Simply delightful!

We had a wonderful time in Shanghai. I would go back again if given the opportunity. When we went there 25 years ago, we were told that we would never see that China again. It was true...the China I saw those many years ago has been absorbed into a new China...different, but still fascinating. Now we're off to Beijing! Who wants to come?

PS: The Bear in the title needs no explanation to those in the know!

Ghenghis Khan Country!

This picture was taken in January while in Mongolia of last year. I was expecting huge piles of snow and freezing temperatures. The freezing temperatures we got...however, as it was too cold to snow, there was only about 4 inches of snow on the ground! Can you imagine a place where it is too cold to snow? Apparently we were lucky to be there during this particular January, as it was only 22 degrees F below zero--making it a mild winter! The previous January temperatures had been considerably lower--about 50 degrees F below zero. But it still doesn't explain why my face ached when being outside for longer than two minutes during these "mild" temperatures!

When I was in the 10th grade, my girlfriend, Gail Perry did a history paper on Ghenghis Khan. I remember thinking to myself, who on earth is that and how did she know this guy existed? I wish I could ask her--I would be interested in her answer after having experienced Mongolia for myself. She would be amazed to find out I have been to Mongolia! So, thanks to Gail, I knew that Ghenghis Khan was a famous Mongolian! The longer we were in Ulan Bataar it was very evident that he is a historical figure of great significance. There are references to him everywhere--from an incredibly tall sculpture in iron and steel, to a life size replica in ice!

What I was surprised to learn was that Russia had occupied this country for over 50 years. However, after seeing the architecture in Ulan Bataar and Darhan the influence is obvious. Nothing too inspiring--just myriads of block type buildings without design details. In fact, if you are like me and unfamiliar with this aspect of Mongolia's history, you would guess it when viewing the city. This photograph shows you what I am talking about.

As we were driving in from the airport there seemed to be a heavy fog hanging in the air. Not only that, but there was a strong smell of campfire. I asked about this and was told that it was not fog, just heavy smoke from the Mongolians burning coal and wood in their gers! I wish you could have seen and smelt the air! Amazing.

What is a ger you ask? They are tent like houses that can be set up and taken down in record time--as little as 1/2 hour. These tents give the people the ability to move to a new location when needed. They are round and quite large, housing a family comfortably. Inside you will find regular household furnishings--tables, chairs, beds, drawers, etc. The stove is located in the center of the ger with a pipe going up thru the middle of the roof. The Mongolians have been living in gers for hundreds of years and almost three quarters of the Mongolian population live in them.

Driving to Darhan, (about a 3-4 hour car ride from Ulan Bataar) we entered a snowy, frost laden wilderness. Miles and miles of rolling hills and a few animals seen in the distance. There are few glimpses of human habitation. As we were riding along, an amazing thing happened. We would encounter one or two Mongolians all bundled up walking along the side of the road. I couldn't believe it. I would look north, south, east and west and see nothing except snow and hills! Where on earth had this individual come from? More importantly, where he was going? Growing up in Canada, I had experienced snow, cold temperatures and nasty wind chills first hand. Living here, I could only imagine how hardy one would have to be to brave those freezing temperatures with no shelter in sight! We were told that eventually a car would come along and pick up this person (for a fee) and take him as far as they were traveling. An innovative touch to hitchhiking!

We saw this cattle herder while traveling to Darhan. I asked if we could stop for a minute and take a picture. The cute thing was that after taking his picture with the herd of cattle, he came over to the side of the road for his closeup! Turns out he was just a young boy with a sweet smile!

What is most impressive about this country? The opportunity to meet the people. They are warm hearted and courageous. They live in a climate that is mostly unforgiving for much of the year, yet they are cheerful and hardworking. There are many challenges to be faced, and they do it with courage and strength. They made me feel at home with their beautiful smiles and faces. I loved Mongolia!

I hope you find this interesting...

This post is all about setting a table...I can remember seeing my first special table setting at Grandma Hallstroms. I was completely amazed that someone would go to all that effort to make a table look so inviting. I loved the anticipation of wondering what she would do for our special meals during holiday times, and I was never disappointed. Do you remember all the fun ornaments that you received through the years at Christmas time because Grandma added that fun touch? Not only did it make the table look festive, but it was a fun favor for you children to take home and hang on the tree! Eventually, I began setting a few holiday tables with a little extra effort. However, when we moved to Japan, (and now in Hong Kong) I discovered how much fun it was to set a table that would make the guests feel special. So here are a few of my efforts since being in Hong Kong...some more inspiring than others!

I bought this table topper in Thailand...the plate chargers from Williams and Sonoma, the red goblets from our very own local "Junk Store" here in Hong Kong. The mums were from my local street vendor...oh, and I made the place cards.

This was our Christmas table for this year. Same red goblets...but used red plate chargers. However, the Christmas plates are Irene's. I love the plates! She got them from a Noritake outlet store in Sri Lanka...who knew?

This is a close up of the individual place settings....can you see the fun plaid on the plates? By the way, do you notice the goose on the place card? Talk about matching the plates...

I love this tablecloth! We bought it in Indonesia. However, I, totally miscalculated the table cloth length--so it is incredibly large. When we come home, this tablecloth will have to be used for 12 or more people. See how fun the woven chargers look? The 3 votive pillars in the center of the table were also bought in Indonesia--they are made out of Cinnabar wood. The green glass votives are from the Junk Store!

Notice the place cards. I got the image off the Internet and changed the coloring just a little bit. It matches perfectly with the tablecloth! So much fun! Instead of flowers, I used greenery...and they ended up looking like little trees...a nice change from flowers!

The wooden elephants are Irene's (speaking of which, I think I need some wooden elephants, don't you?)...the green taper candles I got from the Junk Store...very fun!

This table was so fun to do. I found wonderful eggs at the Junk Store. I had the idea to put the eggs on the candlestick holders instead of candles--it was different, but effective. The flowered cloth is from Japan...it is a hand dyed cotton yukata--of course, it came from the Salvation Army store which means cheap! The blue and white candle holders are from the Junk Store, as are the purple glass votives. My newest acquisition from the Junk Store this year are the blue and white covered bunny dishes--they were perfect for the Easter table setting. (You do realize that when I say Junk Store, that is code for ridiculously cheap and wonderful stuff?)

Here is a closer look. The flowers came from the local street market vendor. Oh, I have to say that the flowers you can get here are marvelous...and for just a few dollars! As you can see, I tried to match my flower arrangements to coordinate with the yukata cloth. I think it was successful!

Do you see the random green glass egg holder on the table? I completely forgot I had left it there. Irene caught it when she came up before the dinner started and was taking pictures! Thank goodness for Irene! All in all, it was a wonderful, springy, Eastery theme. Everybody smiled and enjoyed a great dinner.

Now what shall I do for the next table setting?

Who needs Europe?

I can't believe that I have not posted for several weeks...All of my former murmurings about daughters not blogging on a weekly basis has now ceased and been repented of! Erin's "Blanks" have rubbed off on me...and it is a challenge to snap out of it!
On Thursday of last week, I went to Shenzen with Irene and her two houseguests that were visiting from the US. We went to two cultural sites...One was called "Windows of the World" and the other one, "Splendid China." It took about 90 minutes by train to get there from Hong Kong. Irene is absolutely amazing as a tour guide. She can out walk and out last any person her age or younger! I think she has been to these two attractions at least 6-7 times and each time she goes, she has the enthusiasm of first timer! The day was hot and humid...and a little stifling at times!

This is the opening scene to Windows of the World! Who needs Paris or Rome? It is all right here in Shenzen!
Splendid China was mentored by The Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie. Loosely based on what they do in Hawaii, the China version is a little over the top! We saw three shows...The Mongolian Horseback Riders, Oriental Dress show, and a chinese themed Dragon and Phoenix show. Windows of the World is a themed park displaying natural and man made wonders of the world. A wee bit cheesey...but I guess if you can't go and see the real thing, come to China and witness it in minature! We left at 8 in the morning, and didn't get home until 10:30 that night. I was almost too tired to sleep!

Dad and I didn't need to go to Japan to see Mt. Fugi...it's here--in all it's glory!

Irene and I at the Taj Mahal...I know, I just can't stop talking about it--but at least I am not wearing the green shirt!

I know what you are thinking...is it really possible to see the Effiel Tower and Mount Rushmore from the nation's capital? The answer is obvious..."Seeing is believing!"

Kara, can your Tower of London compare with this?