Happy...Birthday!

Today, is my dad's birthday. So, while many are celebrating a spooky holiday - this day means something different to me. Our recent trip to China was a birthday celebration for each of us - after mine and before his, but traveling to a foreign land together (one of our favorite things to do).

For those of you who started reading this blog in the last couple of years, you may not know, but Bob is my adopted dad. We made it legal about six years ago. At that time, Fiona threw us an adoption party. It was a special day and I am so grateful to have this man in my life. I love you, Bob!

just Sheri, blessed and celebrating

"Venice" of China

Not far from Shanghai is an ancient water town. We took a tour. So glad we did!

Two of my favorite people on earth.

our "gondolier"

Fiona striking a pose.

Every day life happening around us. A lady doing her washing in the river as we pass by on our boat tour.

just Sheri, explorer on an expedition

Touring Shanghai on foot

Our first full day in China was spent taking a walking tour of Shanghai. This is a city that was new to my dad and I. He came with a list of things to see written on a piece of paper. Our tour guide, Fiona, did her best to show us those that made the top of her list. Here is a sample of what we saw on our tour...

Yuyuan Garden

Just outside the gardens is shopping, eating, and crowds. Though I am told this is not crowded. We came just after a long holiday, which means most folks had to return to work and this was only the remnant. Can you see the small Starbucks sign on the left? 

The city was calling to us from the distance. That was the next stop. 

Museum at the Pearl Tower
There were a couple of sites that earn honorable mention at the museum.

This is an ancient bridal carriage. Very ornate. Likely heavy. The bride had to be teeny-tiny to fit inside. A must see in person as photos don't do it justice.

The museum curators had set up scenes of ancient China throughout the museum. They fenced these off with short iron gates and put up signs asking people not to disturb the display.

I guess the locals believe that message is for everyone else (though written in their language). At each display there were locals jumping the fence and making themselves part of the scene. I took a picture of them taking a picture of themselves in the display. Ahhh, China!

The Bund (a.k.a. financial district of Shanghai)
You may look at these buildings and think, "I wasn't expecting buildings like this in China. Those look more European." You'd be right. Back in the day when international trade happened through ship ports, Europeans built this on the water front for trade purposes. Today, it houses financial institutions, hotels and high-end shopping. It is a major tourist attraction for the city - glad I got to see it first hand.

just Sheri, enjoying the role of "tourist"

I went to China and I saw...

Red lanterns. Lots and lots of red lanterns.

 An iconic building. The Pearl Tower. A symbol of Shanghai.

Chinese writing...on sidewalks, buildings, and even a Snickers bar from the airport. (hand modeled by Fiona)

Local markets. (The only shopping I actually enjoy.)

Fishing in the middle of a park in the city of Wuhan.

 People that I love - despite the miles between us.

Signs that make me laugh. Someday, I hope to get a good photo of footprints on the toilet bowl. This was the next best thing - a sign telling people not to stand on the toilet seat.

"Indigenous food."

These scenes were experienced with my favorite travel buddy by my side, from beginning to end. My dad - an exceptional man who is dear to my heart.

just Sheri, a jet lagged traveler with a happy heart

sister-friends

My life has been blessed with an abundance of rich friendships. There are women in my life who are more than a friend, they are sisters born of the heart.

I have a sister-friend in Kansas City, whom I met while living there. We started, and finished, graduate school together - though at the start we were strangers. We share the same heritage and have carried each other through some terribly painful experiences over the years.

I have a sister-friend in Dubai, who is Egyptian, but I met her when they first moved to the USA about 10 years ago. We had an instant bond, she originally thought I was from her country. She has experienced so much diversity, but has kept the sweetest spirit - she is always a blessing to me.

I have a sister-friend who is Aussie, currently living in Australia, but we met when living in Cambodia; we shared an office, lived in the same building, and basically did EVERY thing together. We share a passion for the developing world, we are hooked on adventure, our life paths have led us away from both - it is a gift to have someone to share in the challenges of transition.

I have a second Aussie sister-friend (purely coincidental). We met when she immigrated to the USA. We bonded while serving side-by-side to share God's love in practical ways. In our wedding in India, she played the role of my sister in the ceremony. This sister-friend currently lives in China.

What is amazing to me is that the distance has not broken our bond. We have lived apart for years, but my love for them is deeper than ever. Through the wonders of technology we still share the highs and lows of life. Sometimes Skype even provides a video chat. Any one of these friendships in my life would have been a blessing...but I have been showered with the blessing of many sister-friends.

I share this today, because I am leaving to China this week to visit my Aussie sister-friend who lives there. This trip is a birthday present from my dad. Before marriage, he was my travel buddy. We have seen many places together (mostly on the continent of Asia) and walked countless miles. This is our first trip together since I have been called "wife."

It is going to be a special time. I will be soaking up every possible moment. I likely won't be blogging regularly. There may be some random tourist posts that pop-up from time to time in coming weeks, but that will only be as I am able.

I'll catch up with you all later. For now, I am living life off-line.

just Sheri, blessed