Shanghai

After hitting some local shops in Shanghai we stopped for lunch at the Green Leaf. It is a very famous Chinese restaurant, even the Clintons have dined here. Check out my chopsticking abilities! I am a champion. I only spilled on myself once.

After an awesome lunch we stopped at the Yu Garden. One of the oldest gardens in China. This is my sexy pose. All the Chinese ladies really loved it.

After a quick respite at the hotel we wandered to The Bund for a walk along the river. The best part of the evening was when we watched many of the local vendors run from the police. On Sunday we went to the Shanghai World Financial Center, the tallest building in China.

Christmas Eve and before

This is Christmas Eve at the lovely Baker apartment.

I took some time to check out some locals doing some fishing. I was amazed at the catch.

This poor woman was just hit by a van. Scooter accidents happen all the time.

The Adventures of Trent - China Day Four, Five and Six

After a day spent touring Tiger Hill, we decided to wrap things up with a game of tennis.

Some of us played a little more than others.

After a Sunday filled with rain, Monday brought the prospect of new adventure. However, it was a bit chilly, so we really had to bundle up.

Warning, walking around Suzhou can be hazardous to your health. One mistep could be your last.

We paused for a brief moment of reflection.

Back to the apartment.

The Adventures of Trent - China Day Four

This was my first experience of a Chinese person wanting their picture taken with them. Apparently this happens all the time to Dana. It made me feel kind of special in a way. She was very grateful.

We went to Tiger Hill which is a garden with a lot of history and very interesting stories. At the top of the hill there is a Pagoda that was all hand made. The wind was very strong that day and it began to lean. Klynt and I discussed who would in a sense save this Chinese historical landmark。

I stepped up and saved the day。

If you have ever been anywhere with Dana you know that it takes race horse legs to keep up. At one point i got so far behind her i had to run to catch up. Praise the lord for cameras because taking pictures is the only way to slow her down。

Once I did catch her I convinced her to take a little rest。

This is the back side of the garden. Klynt and I stopped to watch some fishermen。

The Adventures of Trent - China Day Three

After a quick run, Dana and I walked to KFC, picked up lunch and headed over to Saturn to eat with Klynt. I wanted to get the feel of what a work day is like for Klynt. My tour of the line ended with a quick surfing lesson. He was eager to share what he learned in Hawaii.

The solenoids are packed up and ready to be shipped. We played a quick game of pop goes the weasel. I won!

Off to do some shopping. After a tough round of negotiations, both buyer and seller were pleased with the transaction. I got a new coat, she got the satisfaction of selling me a coat.

Time for some dinner. Pick your fish and dig in! I ate one of the smaller ones while Klynt and Dana shared a much larger one. Hey, it was this or BBQ chicken feet, but Dana was planning on serving those for lunch tomorrow.

The Adventures of Trent - China Day Two

Somewhere In the Middle {Casting Crowns} - The landscaping is quite nice throughout the apartment complex where Klynt and Dana are living. It is constantly being manicured by numerous workers.

Hypnotized {Pillar} - This truck is convienently located just outside a local school. I scream, you scream, we all scream for Mr. Softee ice cream!

Indescribable {Avalon} - What a view! This is what I see from the balcony just outside my room. The city really glows at night.

The Adventures of Trent - China Day One

Neverending {David Crowder} - While roaming the city, I was absolutely amazed at the sheer number of buildings, or "castles" as Spencer refers to 'em.

Don't Get Comfortable {Brandon Heath} - I paused here for a quick break, taking in all that surrounded me. In Dana's attempt to join me, she fell in. No REALLY, she got wet!

Shadowlands {Shawn McDonald} - This is my favorite photo of the afternoon. Watching the sun set on the city as my first day in Suzhou was coming to a close. Oh, and get this, temps were in the mid sixties!