Taking long walks around the area after Shane, Bryce and I finish the daily lessons is starting to become apart of my daily routine. (I hope you all can look at my photos in my first photo album. All of those pictures were taken yesterday on my walk to the lake.) Not only do I get some fresh air and the ability to stretch my legs, I also have the ability to let my curiosity run wild and check out new areas around the Linden Centre, take pictures, and say hi to the locals.

Jeanee and I have been swapping language lessons...I teach her French in exchange for Chinese. I now know how to say "pass the rice," "this tastes good," "thank you," and "it is nice to meet you." Though my pronounciation is still shaky, I'm trying to practice as much as possible. No, I won't be fluent nor close to fluency in Chinese once I come back to the states, but hopefully I'll be able to say more phrases that can get me around!

Tourists, travelers, and visitors are always swarming around the Linden Centre. There is always a buzz around here, which is fun. I have a feeling that I will be meeting many people from all over the world. There are four courtyards and the rooms surround them all. In the first courtyard, they are building an infinity pond where a large Buddah statue is going to sit right in the middle. Construction is still going on until next week so Shane, Bryce and I hear the hammers, saws, and breath in the dust during our lessons. The second courtyard (in the pictures I just posted in my second photo album) connects to the cafe/wine bar. This is where everyone gathers together for coffee in the mornings and wine in the evenings. Whitney Houston and Celin Dion were just blasting through the sound system before, so I quickly made a new play list including Van Morrison, Adele, Diane Birch, and Ray LaMontange!

For the past couple of days, I have been catching the afternoon sun and writing and drawing in my sketchbook while sitting on the rooftop terrace. Here you can see the mountains to your right, the farm fields (where they are currently planting winter wheat and garlic), and the lake to your left. I sit in the round wicker chairs and sip some coffee, and think, "How did I get so lucky?" The colors are so vibrant and rich.

The other day Brian, Bryce, and I walked into town so I could see the village square and sign Bryce up for piano lessons. Brian pointed out how they are redoing many of the houses and businesses in the area. It's a three year plan and they are in the middle of building and reconstruction. It's going to be beautiful once everything is finished. As we walked back to the center, we snuck into a new antique shop where I found a laughing Buddah sitting on top of a turtle! I might have to go back to get it...the only problem would be getting it home! (I won't think about that now!) The Linden's loyal horse cart driver pulled up just as we were walking out of the shop. He and his horse, Radish, were eager to bring us back even though we were thinking about walking. Since it would be my first experience riding in a Chinese horse cart, we had to take the ride! Along the ride, we stopped to pick up a small local meat pizza that the three of us split once we got home.

Once again, I am counting my blessings. This is unreal.

Love to all.
Peace, love, happiness, and sweet travels.

Food Blog:
Salty Street Meat Pizza....yummmm
Spicy beef
Bitter greens
Yunnan Wine ( tastes like communion wine infused with the wafer flavor!)