Week 17 - Founders Day

Founders Day was a day for our school to celebrate its British links, and did so by having a day full of carnival or summer fair activities; including a merry-go-round, sideshows, face painting, sports games and of course a hog roast. The kids loved running around on the field and then we sat to watch and listen to a performance of the combined choir and orchestra, from both the senior and junior schools - incredible talent capped off with an impressive fireworks display.

Week 16 - Dancing in the Park

As a last ditch tourist effort, we spent a day in Puxi, and took Didi along while Jie Jie was at school. We explored the Shanghai Lanes, had lunch in the former French Concession and then went to Fuxing Park to see the gorgeous spring flowers and let Didi go on the Merry-go-Round.  

But what really surprised us was the loud music playing and the number of couples dancing (properly) in the park.  I loved that Didi joined in, and looks like he is dancing with an imaginary partner!  The really random bit, was when the music played was 'Click go the Shears'!

Week 14 - Pearl Tower

Once again we are 'home' in Shanghai - at least for a few months until the summer holidays.

This view of the Pearl Tower is from the Flair Bar in the Ritz Carlton in the IFC - stunning views to enjoy while sipping cocktails!

Week 13 - Here comes the Bride

That stunning bride is my beautiful baby sister.  She is almost ready to walk down the aisle of St James Church, Islington, in London.

I was a bridesmaid with those other two, who are friends of Marnie's from school.  We were making sure Marnie was all ready before we did our final touches, like shoes!

We had a lovely morning getting hair done at a nearby salon, then make up back at the house.  A white London taxi was the wedding car. And the flowers were stunning.

The reception was held in the Islington Town Hall, and despite the weather, the day was perfect.

Best wishes and much love to Mr and Mrs D!

Week 12 - Changing of the Guard

This beautiful horse is a police horse patrolling Buckingham Palace during the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which is held about 4 times a week during spring. 

I took the kids, anticipating walking up to the Palace fence and watching easily... I wasn't prepared for the crowds at all. The crowd from the fence was easily 6 deep, with people of all ages on shoulders as well. All around the base of the Queen Victoria statue in the middle of the road was packed. My little two didn't stand a chance, and I was sure I would lose one of them!  Fortunately we did get a good spot on the barriers onto the road (which averaged 3 deep), and we saw all the Guards march by, plus the marching band and several Royal horsemen.  

But supervising it all were the London Metropolitan Police on their gorgeous horses. 

Week 11 - Finalising wedding flowers

This beautiful collection of spring flowers is in Islington.  From the Karst Peaks of Yangshuo, via a few days in Shanghai, the kids, my parents and I were now in London to help my sister get ready for her wedding.

Here she is finalising her choice for her bouquets... what a gorgeous shop, and what beautiful flowers!!

Week 10 - Karst Peaks

This is the view from our balcony at the Yangshuo Village Inn, a little out of town in a small village called Moon Hill Scenic Village.  The scenery was stunning and our few days here were just amazing.  We had an equally spectacular view out of the other side of our room.