Dalian

During the girls' Easter holiday break, we went to Dalian. The plan was to spend part of their vacation with Larry and stay at his apartment. As with so many of our plans, things didn't turn out as expected. After we'd already booked our flights, Larry found out he had to go to Jefe. We couldn't cancel the flights without a huge penalty so we figured we could manage since Terry's wife, Wendy, was going to be there. We also couldn't stay at Larry's apartment since the government regulates the heat/AC to the buildings. They cut off all heat at the end of March even though it's well below freezing at night. We ended up at a fairly nice hotel with two twin beds. We arrived after a two hour delay (the girls entertained the crowd at the airport with their antics and posed for picture after picture) late Tuesday night. Larry was up and out by six the next morning to catch his flight. The girls adapted quite nicely per usual, especially enjoying the breakfast buffet while still in their pjs. We met up with Wendy and her daughter, Nicole and spent the day exploring the coastline of Dalian. We enjoyed a carriage ride with a near deaf driver who shouted in chinese how beautiful the girls were. We fed some very friendly pigeons, some of whom were quite fearless in their quest for food. At one point, Sydney had four birds perched on her body, while Katie ran screaming if one tried to come near her. Sarah tried to make sure each bird got a fair share. If I hadn't been there for their births I'd dispute that they are related.

The coastline is breathtaking. In trying to compare it to something back in

the states, I guess it would be a combination of Oregon and Maine; rugged, undeveloped, steep cliffs, winding roads. The skies were sunny and clear, but the wind was biting. We didn't stay outside for long periods of time, only long enough to capture the moment. I would have been content to travel the roads, stopping every once and a while to enjoy the views, but the tribe was getting restless. Luckily, we bargained our way into an aquarium and the girls were delighted.

The next day we took the train into the downtown area, which made me laugh as I thought we were already in the downtown area. Mid morning traffic wasn't too bad, but walking to the shopping area was still frenzied. The girls found a manicure booth and begged to get their nails done. Since Wendy and I had planned on getting our hair done we used this as a bargaining chip. So with beautifully painted nails and bellies full of McDonalds (Dalian has many McDs), we left the girls with Wendy's friend at the playground and had our hair done. No English spoken, but I don't have any gray hairs. They still aren't big on styling...I mean my hair is straighter than straight and hair stylists at home can usually add some fullness and life. These guys I think actually made my hair straighter. Thank God for mousse and hairspray. The girls arrived and immediately were wisked away to have their hair washed and styled. What a life.

Larry was at the hotel when we got back, but spent the night at his apartment since he had to be at work early the next morning. We discovered that first night that three people or even two people in one of those twin beds is too many. Our last day was spent around the hotel. The girls swam in the pool for over three hours, driving off just about everyone that came in. No children just older folks taking swimming lessons or doing a few laps during their lunch hour. We roamed the hotel until Larry got back. Dinner at Pizza Hut, then he took us to his apartment. Not another "westerner" in sight. The streets were alive with vendors and folks out enjoying the cold, clear Friday night. Basketball game, Tai chi, pool halls, restaurants, clothing sales...oh, and a skinned goat complete with head and hooves laid out to dry. I so wanted to take a picture but Larry cautioned me against it. His apartment is nice, except for the bathroom, which is bizarrely efficient. One can take a shower and wash clothes while sitting on the toilet...seriously. Though he says he hasn't done that...yet.
Hopefully, we can return to Dalian when the weather is a little warmer as it really is a lovely city.