Our computer situation is different here so I'm not sure if we'll be able to post more pictures or not. We are on Shamian Island, and most of the architecture is British Colonial style. The banyon trees are 100-300 years old and moss hangs from their droopy branches. It reminds me of St Augustine. The roof across the street from our window has peacocks, ostriches and a goat. The feel is very different from Nanjing, which reminded me of Manhatten but with more dangerous drivers.
Nan is very smart. She looks around now and sees lots of white families with little Chinese girls. Everywhere there are people from Australia, London, Germany, all with little Chinese girls. Our coordinator here is much more conscious of her bonding issues and pushes her back to us if she tries to buddy up to her. Those cues will help Nan understand she belongs with us. It's really funny when she corrects my Chinese.
We have a water filtration tap in the room that has instructions written on it as follows:
"Typical Monkeys move quickly through life. Tumbling from one intriguing situation to the next. Impressing others with their intelligence and wit, Monkeys are sociable, confident, restless, and curious. Monkeys dread routine and thrive on change. Monkeys are sometimes accused of being manipulative. They laugh at these charges! Can they help it if they are quick on the up take? They need stimulation. Monkeys in love expect the unexpected and lose interest when love gets too predictable."
I feel like the tap is trying to reach out to me, but I don't understand how it works. I'm not good with metaphorical instructions. Is the tap the monkey? Is the water the monkey? Am I the monkey? For now we'll stick with bottled water.
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5 comments:
Jolean,
Granny wanted me to tell you hello and she loves you. Be the monkey, Be the monkey.
Sabra
Hello to All,
Okay enough of the monkey bussines. However they do sound like a lot of us humans. Happy to know about them but they can stay in the jungle. Bottle water is good. I like the city. Your trip sounds like it is going good. Let Nan know she will be welcomed and love by all of us.
We did not receive any pictures so will rely on your wonderful descriptions of the scenery Jolean.
It sounds like Nan is adjusting quite well. What a girl. Aslen you are the best. Hey Dallas how are you doing?
Be safe and enjoy.
Love to All -- Grandma Shirley
Jolean,
I couldn't see any pictures on your E-mail, so I looked some up on the computer. The island is gorgeous and so historic! Please ask Dallas to take plenty of pictures. His are better anyway. Sounds like Nan is well on her way to becoming a daughter if she's correcting your Chinese. Wait until she starts correcting your English! Just keep cuddling and talking softly to her as much as she will let you. Find a rocking chair if you can. Nature will take it's course. Love, Mother.
Jolean,
I believe they are referring to sea monkeys which are swimming around in the tap. Steve believes the rest of the "instructions" are referring to their potential in your intestines.
Steve says to tell nan uncle Steve and Aunt Alison and cousin Steven will come see you in April.
Hi Jolean,
Well wishes from the China class. We thought of you on Saturday, our first class. Nan is beautiful. We can't wait to hear your story when you come back.
Anne and China Class
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