train!

Another popular way to get around, which isn't so popular here in the US (although I wish it were!) is by train. Yes, it's slower than plane, but so much cheaper!



This here is an image from the train going from Beijing to Ningxia


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Which was quite a trip!

This one is actually a subway ride in Shanghai taken by my friend Lance:



Touch being a love language of mine, it wasn't such a travesty to be squeezed into the subway while in China. It was a lonely time for me, seeing as how my father had passed away just months before and I didn't know anyone walking into this place. So riding the bus and subway were times of being near people- even though we weren't 'near' to one another. True, it has its downfalls, such as pickpocketing (which more than one of my friends experienced in China in large part because we were 'laowai', but hey, it happens)

Now here in the states, I'm not sure they understand how many people can fit on a subway car.

This clip makes me think of China, even though it's Japan...



You might not believe it until you see it. Have a peek.

transportation

So...in my line of work, transportation is really important. Granted, I don't live in a small village where you can walk anywhere you need to be, or hop on a moving car/bike. Half the year, practically, our world is snowed in and biking/walking are not at all appealing options in subzero temperatures. (today, for instance)



But really, there are lots of ways to get around. I'd like to take a stroll down memory lane with you photographically.

There is the ever-popular biking option,


Yes, a mother and toddler are riding on the back of a bicycle with a bucket counterbalancing here. I saw this a lot in China, unfortunately there aren't any photos from that time I have taken. I got pretty decent at riding sidesaddle on the back when in China...can hardly believe that was 5 years ago...


Ever-popular way to transport wood, this is a little zealous in my estimation. At least it's dry season and there aren't massive amounts of mud to contend with on those dirt hills they'll be riding this wood through!


These folks don't let a few stairs deter them! Looked for a photo of massive amounts of people riding in Shanghai, but pretty much everyone has seen that picture by now. Not everyone has seen how in the cities stairs have a bike track on the sides and sometimes in the middle for people to carry bikes up, like this.


Even a white shirt and tie with black pants, there's no excuse for not riding around here :)

Well that's all for now. I'm going to go enjoy my state of emergency blizzard evening...

Doing it

I'm going to Africa!

Simply increible. :)

Beginning with a flight to Dar Es Salaam October 9th, it's going to be an extended journey with about a month in Tanzania and then Thanksgiving in Morocco; ending up with visit to a number of friends in western Europe. (Although this has been in the works for months, I can still hardly believe it's really happening)

Initial Fears - That I'll be one of those ignorant and abrasive tourists, harming more than helping; becoming homesick with all that traveling; or that I won't integrate this experience with my future and those in it.

Initial Hopes - Not so much to 'find myself' but to discover more clearly what I should be doing in the near and distant future; making contacts and friends toward that end; being a breath of fresh air and a blessing to those I encounter in this endeavor!

Today - I'm considering a call to Turkey and glad for hugs; searching for volunteer opportunities and thinking about going to nursing school..