This is me "playing" an 18th century traditional instrument!

Good Morning from China,

It is 5am on Sunday (7/6/08), and I am wide awake - the traffic on the info superhighway is low at this hour so I wanted to tell you about my sightseeing adventures.

Maria and I braved the language barrier (Chinese is sooo hard to learn) and traveled to Gulangyu (goo-long-you) island yesterday - it is also called piano island. There are two piano museums filled with pianos from the 18th - 20th century --- unfortunately we couldn't take photos of them but it was hard to see so many beautiful instruments and not be able to play them!

We found an English speaking tour guide and saw most of the island until we were completely worn out! Here are a few of the pictures.

The Water Gardens here are amazingly beautiful - the pictures don't do justice to them but rest assured that every detail has been lovingly added! During High tide the water covers much of the garden.. thus the name.

There are many western style buildings on this island as well - it was home to many foreign consulates for many years and there is evidence of any different cultures existing together.This is a beautiful church built by the Spanish in the late 1800's

This is a view of Gulangyu from the bay toward sunlight rock (it was too hot to hike up there but we will try to get there again before we leave).

Maria and I treated ourselves to an amazing (and expensive )lunch. Fresh crab that melted in our mouths and the best jumbo tiger shrimp that I have ever had. We felt like we had died and gone to heaven!!!

All the food here has been absolutely delicious - so far no snakes or snails...LOL

We have a busy day today - we are meeting some other tourists that will be returning to the states and spend some time hearing about their adventures. Then this week I will travel with my friend's daughter (reminds me so much of my own girls - what a treat!) to another part of the province where I will get to meet some teachers and learn about their classes. Then I will see some mountain areas. Maria will be staying here with our friends.

There was a 4.0 earthquake here but Maria and I didn't feel it as we were on the ferry to the island. I did feel an aftershock last night - but all is well!

My Father has blessed me with an extended family that is taking excellent care of me during my adventure. And an extended family at home to remember to pray for safety and welcome me with open arms upon my return.

Time to go back to sleep! Thanks for visiting my site!