Small Store

Check out this cute little store in one of parks. You don't need a lot of square footage to open a store.

Three's Company

I invited friends over for dinner one night. To my surprise, one of them bought 2 turtles on her way here. So Joe got to have company for dinner as well. Here is one of his new friends enjoying Joe's filter.

Now hanging on to Joe's island. I guess all turtles like islands and filters.

Finally, a posed picture of all three turtles. Joe is definitely the biggest.

Scenes from a Train

Most of the scenery from the train was countryside and mountains.

A little green here and there at the beginning, but out west, it is mostly brown.

As we got closer to Beijing, there was more green and more fields.

Occassionally, we would see some houses.

And some cities.

Leaving on a Jet Plane, No, Make that a Train

Last June, I traveled from my city to Beijing on the train. The trip took almost 2 days.

This was our home for 3 people for 2 days. We planned ahead and purchased the 4th bunk for all our stuff.

The first tip for survival on the train is to have plenty to do.

Lots and lots of crossword puzzles.

And lots of lots of card games.

Tomorrow, I will show you some scenes from the train windows.

The Easy Life

"Yep! I spend all day swimming and then laying out on top of my island."

Sewing

This little shop makes handmade traditional clothing.

Need a Watch

This lady will be happy to sell you one out of her briefcase, although I am not quite sure where the watches came from or how good of quality they are.

What Up?

"Hey! Why are you always carrying that camera around?"

All Aboard!

What is a park without a train for the little ones? Most of the parks here include at least a couple of amusement park type rides.

Buying Electricity and Water

I was washing dishes one Friday night (sad, I know), when suddenly there was no water. Not a good sign. While most of you get a monthly or quarterly water bill, if you pay it, you have water until after the next bill is due. Here, not so much. Water and electricity are bought on a pay ahead basis. There are no bills. And no way to buy water until Monday, luckily there is a small backup supply for just this situation.

I thought it might be interesting for you to see how I buy water and electricity.

First, go to the building with the water and electricity office. I am not sure how you find this place, unless someone shows you where to go.

Once inside the building, find the door to the stairway.

Follow the paper sign to the water and electricity office.

Another paper sign at the top of the stairs. No, don't go in the men's bathroom straight ahead.

Finally, the door to the water and electricity office. The workers inside were not open to idea of me taking their pictures.

Once home, I put my water and electricity card in the water meter. Finally, water. I can wash dishes and do laundry again.

Outside my apartment is the electricity meter.

Also need to put the card in there.

Now I have electricity and water for a while.

Hanging On...

"I am tired of swimming, and I am too tired to climb on top the island. I think I will just hang on to the side here for a while."

Butterfly

Near the tulip exhibit was a large lake. I found this little guy near the lake.

He didn't seemed bothered by me or my camera taking a bunch of photos.

Makeshift Bed

His mom brought this little guy to work. When nap time came around, they just made a bed and blankets out the available rugs.

Island Life

Joe is definitely a island turtle.

He loves to hang out on top of his island.

Even when his island was slanted, he tried to hang on.

Somehow he climbed up and just hung on.

Sometimes, he will even hang on to the side of the island when he is not on top.

Tombstone Parts

I thought I was done with the cemetery, but I found a couple of more photos.

Here are some tombstones ready to assembled.

I love how they are just stacked along the road in plain view.

Tulips

I love taking photos of flowers especially tulips. So I was thrilled when I got to go to a tulip exhibit with 1.2 million tulips. Here is a view of one section of the exhibit.

I was serious about taking photos. I knew the best shots would be down on the level of the tulips.

I took over 1300 photos that day, but here are some of the best.

For more tulip photos go here .

Come to the Light

Right before I built Joe's new home, I tried giving him some extra light.

He really enjoyed the light. He would just sit there and stare at the light.

Even from the other side of the bowl, he would look at the light.

Always just looking at the light. I wish I could figure out how to attach it to the new home.

Final Views from the Cemetery

Before we say goodbye to the cemetery, I want to give you some final views.

First, I love the clear shadow from this cross.

I am not sure what happened to this marker, but I think it is interesting.

This is a nice overview of the area.

Another overview shot.

This shows that the graves continue for quite a ways.