Tianjin: It's cold.

While Elizabeth's parents were visiting, the four of us took the train to Tianjin, a city on the coast of China.  Although I am sure Tianjin is a great city, filled with all sorts of wonders, we were cold.  To the bone.  So, as you will see, we did do a little exploration, but we really just enjoyed the inside of our warm hotel - the luxuries of finally sleeping on a mattress, taking a shower with water pressure (and not fluctuating between scalding hot and ice cold temperatures), working toilets, having a decent meal, a good glass of non-Chinese wine, and great conversation.  Many thanks to the Quillins!

In the train station

You know you are a Westerner living in Beijing when:

- no amounts of lotion will ever quench your dry skin

- you no longer care about Western social norms

- you look forward to traveling for the sheer purpose of dropping by good quality lotion sample counters

- you have no shame in going to the L'Occitane counter and using all their samples... even on your feet (after you take off 3 pairs of socks).

- the store doesn't mind because two white people are still a novelty item

- their inquisitive stares don't bother you in the least since they will stare intently whether you are just breathing normally or have an elephant on your head.

Still tons of Chinese New Year decorations, of course.

This photo is here only because I find it amusing - Elizabeth's dad in a power stance, Elizabeth clearly confused, I am apparently angry, and strangers trying to figure us out.

Make your own jewelry.

Of course we did it, despite numb fingers.  

Along with the rest of the town. 

(The very interested crowd was actually larger than this most of the time we were working.  Again... this is normal life.  Same thing happens when we are shopping for fruit in our local market.)

I wish I knew what this sign says.  But, according to some of my friends that actually got their license in China, there are specific questions on the driver's license exam about where the proper place to spit is.

One of many great meals at our wonderful hotel.

Back at the apartment, solving the world's problems.