...just around the neighborhood...

Of course, we could be taking photos constantly…and sometimes we are! (loving the Panasonic Lumix, thanks again Ed & CarissaJ)

Some sites are recorded with specific people in mind, and Ben said, “Are you sure you’ll remember to show them when we get back?”  So, I’ll make a note of who we specifically thought of the moment we snapped it…and maybe the rest of you might find them kind of neat too. 

These are just random photos taken while we’ve been out and about.  We took several today during our 2 hour walk around the area.   

If we are going to learn the language here, the park may be the best place to practice.  This man wanted to chat, and we exhausted our vocabulary in 15 words, but he was very happy to have his photo taken with Ben.  Behind them is a monument to the archaeological accomplishments regarding the historical city wall.  

 There are people of all ages enjoying the space, which is well kept, accessible, and with a nice variety of non-motorized equipment that are like treadmills, ellipticals, and here, Ben is using a back massager. 

 Kevin and Stacey had told us about the parks with unique exercise equipment and legions of ping-pong tables, and we discovered this one right across from the school.  

These “public health clubs” are amazing.  The Chinese really are constantly thinking about their health and good living habits.  Hopefully on a more sunny day, I’ll get a more comprehensive view of how impressive these parks really are.

While we were walking in the park, we spotted this couple in western wedding attire accompanied by professional photographers.  I’m not sure if they were just having photos or having a wedding.  There are parlors here where people can just get dressed up as a bride and groom for photos only.  Naturally, *Rachel Taylor came to mind J.  If you don’t know who she is, please look at her website:  http://www.racheltrebolo.com/ .  She’s Ben’s cousin, and whenever we think we are taking a lot of photos, we mention her name J and realize we are mere novices!

Komatsu equipment reminds us of *Adam Trebolo, of course.  We’ve seen several on construction sites and spotted this one on the highway en rte from the Terra Cotta Warriors tour yesterday.  The highways are unbelievably well maintained, with people out sweeping the sides of these major roads with little brooms.  We have yet to see a pothole in the shiny new highways.  Of course, there are narrower bumpy streets in town, but most of the roads near here are excellent.  That’s a good thing, because the driving habits of the populous here certainly don’t need the complication of swerving to avoid Detroit style “speedbumps”.

The city has put a lot of effort into landscaping, which, in this dry area, is quite a feat.  Their method of helping the trees retain moisture and stay straight is to use ropes wrapped around the trunk and then add a layer of plastic and they dump water into the top of the plastic sleeve.  *thought of Uncle John at the tree nursery J

When we deplaned in Xi’an, one of the first billboards we saw was this great advertisement for beef.  I said, “We have to take a photo of this for *Dad!”  Also, perhaps Myers Meats would like to open a store in China?  The man from Shanghai that we met on the Detroit flight told us that one of his favorite foods to eat in the States is steak.  These folks eat lots of soy and veggies, but plenty of meat as well. 

As forecast, we had rain this morning and the temp was around 40 degrees.  Although we needed to pull out every layer of clothing we’d packed to keep out the chill, the rain succeeded in clearing the smog away somewhat.  Here are Ben, Kevin, Stacey and Carrie leaving our apt bldg this morning.  Due to the rain, our trip to the Muslim Quarter/Market was postponed and we went to the history museum. 

…and this is a snapshot taken for the enjoyment of all the engineers/electricians/construction workers…can you see the wires wrapped up on the poles in the upper righthand corner of this photo?

...and if the sight of the wiring gives palpitations, fear not...we discovered this medical facility nestled among at least 4 pharmaceutical factories on our walk.  Actually, it is nice to know we are not far away, and this really looks like a good place...if you need it...hope we don't!

Ben and I were in the high-tech factory zone, near the clinic.  Note the very modern cars.  If you have seen Ben’s blog, you’ll already know that not everyone here has the same style of vehicles.  Also, note the sidewalks.  Most of the sidewalks in this area are done in these colorful tiles. 

We’ve seen this puppy a few times now.  It is evident he owns the place.  Dogs are very popular here, and we’ve seen all shapes and sizes.  This morning at the gatekeepers’ building here at the school, someone had a beautiful border collie. 

While the attendant was fueling the bus, Kevin went in to get a drink.  I’m not sure if the name of the gas station mandates that no one complain about gas prices?

 ...and this is our "Magic Schoolbus"...oh the places we go and the things that we see...Ms. Frizzle's class has nothing over on us!  With Mr. Chen at the wheel and Xiaolan as our guide, we've had a great couple of days.  We've been working on digital fieldtrip projects to use in the classrooms when we return to Lexington, and there has certainly been plenty of raw material!  Tomorrow we will be entering the Chinese classrooms.  Stacey and I will go to the primary school.  Ben will be here at the high school along with the others.  

Good Night!