Pictures from China

Mike got back from China last night after being away for 9 (almost 10) days. We were super excited to see him!  I loved hearing all about his trip.

 

There were 400 school administrators from around the world that went over.  There were 42 people in Mike's group that traveled together.

They got to visit a Kung Fu (aka "Ninja") school.

He had such a great time learning about China and their education system.

Anyone that knows Mike well knows how much he loves Germany and all things German.  Well, he said China is right up there with Germany.  He'd go back in a heartbeat.

Mike with a monk

 I'm not sure I would feel the same way.  Everyone smokes and the pollution and smog in the cities like Beijing is awful.  He ate crazy food like snake, pig's ear (which he said was good), pickled ducks feet, pigeon, and chicken (with the head still on).

He probably ate dog and cat too since that is normal over there.  He became so close with the people in his group.  He even joined Facebook so he can keep in touch with his group- Henan 7 (and he was anti FB for the longest time).

Mike's new best China friend. Unfortunately China does not allow Facebook.

I think Mike could take a trip in a cardboard box and make it a great time :)

Here are a few more pictures from his trip...

The Great Wall

The holes in this tree are from monks standing there tapping it over and over again with their finger and contemplating life.

The tree in the background is over 1200 years old.

 And now I'm off to write sub plans for next week, do a ton of laundry, and pack for our trip to St. John.  By this time next week my sister and Eric will officially be married and we will be celebrating all together on a beautiful, warm, tropical island. 

Peace.