Day 8 & 9

This posting begins on Sunday, 5/29, as the prior posting ended with our tour of Shanghai on Saturday.  We had no classes Sunday, so it was a free day.  Early morning I went Zhabei Park and was invited to play badmitton serveral times.  Photo below is just one of those times.  Park was very busy and active.  Then took a long walk to Daning Park, a long distance from the University, and a much bigger park.  You will find several photos taken in Daning Park.  Fancy photos of the bride and groom are very popular in China, and there were many couples in the park having their pictures taken.  You will see these pictures, as well as children playing in the park.  It was also common for people to bring tents in the park.  I don't believe they camped overnight, maybe just to keep the bugs away.

On Monday went to my class on the China Phenomenon.  Instructor is good and am learning a lot about chinese history and the society.  Also on Monday I met our instructor, Dr. Sophia Chen, for the "Special Topics in Chinese Culture" class.  That evening I took her to the farmers market, then we went out to dinner.  I had meatball noodle soup for dinner, and ate it with chopsticks.

On Tuesday went to China Phenomenon class again then on to Tai Chi.  In the afternoon my class starts on "Special topics in Chinese Culture." 

My first badmitton partner at Zhabei Park

The Universtiy was having the graduation ceremony on Sunday.  These are a few of the graduates.



Here you can see 5 couples getting their wedding pictures taken in Daning Park



Amusement rides for the kids in the park



Young kids paddeling in their little boats.  Notice it is an inflatable pool, not a permanent one.



People bring these tents to the park.  What they do in them I am not sure.

There are two kids inside this plastic toy, making it turn in the water, and having lots of fun.



A balloon vendor, selling them from his bike.



My new buddy at the track.  We run together, then we play badmitton together.  This is all around 6:30 to 7:00 AM.

These are my early morning partners.