China!

 We've been in China for a little over a few weeks now, so things have settled down and I thought it was past time for a blog! (not that I write blogs often anyways, but hey, I'm going to try to update this at least once a week.)

Anyways, Ryan and I are starting to get into the teaching routine. The great thing about teaching here is that there aren't many restrictions on us as teachers. Although that can sometimes be hard on the kids (we're allowed to kick them out of class if they're being naughty) it can also be good for them. I have a little 3-year old in my Small Star Blue class who is really cute—on Friday I scooped her up in my arms and gave her adorable chubby cheeks some kisses! We're also encouraged to tickle, hug, high-five and chase our students, as showing affection will actually encourage them to learn in our class and endear us to both the students and parents :-)

At first, I was a little surprised about our small apartment. I thought it would be 2 bedrooms, but it's technically a studio (it might be a little closer to a small 1-bedroom). However, now I'm really starting to like it! It's cute and so snuggly! It also makes it easier to decorate for Christmas. Ryan and I went to one of the big grocery stores (Auchan) and bought a mini-Christmas tree, some stockings and a dozen little ornaments we'll hang from the ceiling once we get some fishing wire. We work the weekends, so on Tuesday and Wednesday (our days off), I have Ryan play Christmas music while I practice cooking on our temperamental hot plate. So far in the battle of the hot plate, I think I'm winning... although it has burnt one of my pans beyond use. Ryan is really great with it and hasn't burned a dinner yet! 

One of the first cravings I've had since being here is.......popcorn! (and you thought I would say chocolate, didn't you?) Actually, I'm really surprised that I'm not craving chocolate or sweets—I guess cutting sugar cold turkey wasn't as hard as I first supposed. I don't even know what the deal with popcorn is, I didn't eat much of it in the States even. Weird. Luckily, that craving is starting to subside. They do have mini bags of popcorn in the foreign section of the stores, but each bag is about $2-$3 USD! Crazy expensive (whereas Chinese food is cheap!). Since leaving home, Ryan has craved his Dad's Sunday Spaghetti, mac & cheese, and coffee. Next time we're home, we're definitely filling our suitcases with some coffee to take back!

In all, we are having a blast so far. We usually spend one day of our 'weekend' traveling to a nearby district called Luqiao, where we get to have Starbucks! This weekend, we also went to the street market  and had some dumplings at a little hole-in-the wall place (which is kinda funny, because most restaurants here are literally hole-in-the-wall rooms with a couple of tables and a stray dog waiting for your leftovers).

Anyways, I'll post some pictures so everyone can see our apartment! It's on the 12th floor and we love having a view of the city from our bed :-) Even though I'm typically a big fan of the beige, brown, and tans—I'm kinda boring in my color admiration—our bright blue walls are cheery and I actually really enjoy them. I hope you do to! 

Our front door, pantry, and bathroom door

Our Kitchen

Sink & Electric Kettle

Our Microwave, hotplate and big vent!

Dining room- fridge and table (kitchen is to the right)

Ryan sitting on the bed

Our closet

This is where we usually eat- I love the little table and decorated it for Christmas!

Our TV, which we've actually only watched once

I really like our shower! I feel like I'm in a space capsule

This is for my sweet mom—we have a toilet!

We have a washer (and laundry room!)

Our view

To the right

To the left (the blue lit-up building is an international hotel, where we turn right when walking to school)

  

Philly May 4th

May 4, 2012

            Ok…today was a day! Jess and I woke up bright and early and headed toward the Rittenhouse District. This area of town is located just south east of City Hall. While on the walk there we were stopped by a film crew, and police. They were filming a movie with Colin Ferrell and we were told it was about New York Mobsters. I realized it was a ritzy neighborhood for three reasons. The first was because of the movie. The second is because of all the high priced shops, and name brand stores that were located there, and thirdly because of the hotel we were going to. The hotel is rated #52 in the World, and their restaurant inside is rated in the Top Ten of the country. Jess looked up some of the meals…and the prices, so we decided breakfast was more of our style.

            Breakfast was spectacular. We had a great walk through a park up to the hotel, and a stellar view from our seats in the restaurant. Jess had a Belgian Waffle with homemade batter and fresh berries. I had eggs benedict with some amazing pan seared potatoes and finely chopped red bell pepper. My English muffin was the softest richest one I think I have ever had. The ham was salty and had the perfection of prosciutto, and the hollandaise sauce had the best consistency, richness, and tang than anyone could ask for. The meal was delightful.

            After the breakfast of the decade Jess and I walked up a few blocks to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. There we ran up the steps like Rocky, and stood in line for quite awhile. There was an exhibit for 42 works of art by Vincent Van Gogh. However, the tickets to view that exhibit were much more expensive, and we would have had to wait in line for the next available tour, which was an 11 hour wait. So instead we looked at all the other art. I learned a lot about ancient weapons, and Jess really enjoyed the museum’s classic European art from the sixteenth century to the mid-nineteenth century.

            After the museum we did something that I thought was quite funny. Going from the breakfast we had the next bite in our mouths were from venders on the street. A professor from school told me, “eat hotdogs, and a lot of pretzels from the guys on the corner they are awesome”. So we did just that. I had a hotdog, and Jess had a pretzel. It was actually really good, even Jess liked my hotdog. The snack was a good one and held us over until we got to Reading Terminal Market. This place was huge, and crazy! The market was set up like part grocery store, and part food vender stands. Each row was labeled like an avenue. There were at least 50 venders or more, and each one selling food, jewelry, or a specialty. Jess and I ate there for lunch. We had bake ziti, and a slice of pizza. Then the real eating began. We went around trying different things, but the highlight for Jess was when we got to the Flying Monkey. Flying Monkey is a bakery that specializes in cupcakes. They do not ship, and they only have one locate, Reading Terminal Market, and Jess is in love. Jess said, “it is like a frozen meringue frosting. The mint wasn’t sugary it tasted like a light peppermint leaf accent.” She was all about her peppermint chocolate cupcake.

            After Reading Terminal Market we went to Penn’s Landing. We went there earlier in the week, but never really got a good view of it all. So Jess and I walked there. After a few minutes of soaking up the scenery we decided to walk all the way back to our hotel, for fun. While on the way there we spotted several interesting things. Possible one of the coolest English Bulldogs, some several mouthwatering restaurants, and some people Jess and I will never forget. We met and started talking to some people named Brent, Susan, and Pierre. Brent and Susan were clearly soul mates, and Pierre was their friend visiting from France. We walked up and down the streets with them and they were kind enough to invite us over for a while. Well…we did it! Jess and I had wanted to see what the inside of a house in Philly looked like, and these people were more than welcoming. We spent a few hours with the fine couple learning about them and their travels. I have to say I wouldn’t be surprised if Pierre comes and visits us one day. After a few hours with Susan, Brent, Pierre, Daina, and Paul (Brent’s neighbors) we decided it was getting late and started walking.

            After a few minutes we found our way at the Chapterhouse where Jess and I shared a pot of peppermint tea. It was great, and I think it is our favorite coffee shop we have ever been to. The music was soothing while we drank tea and played scrabble.

            Shortly after Chapterhouse Jess and I thought we could kick our hunger pains and started to walk down to Pat’s. We got caught in the rain but that didn’t stop us at all. It truly was the icing on the cake to a great day.

Jess with New Jersey in the background, walking back to the Hotel..right before we met Susan and Brent

Philly May 5th

May 5^, 2012

            Today was our last day in Philadelphia. It is hard to believe that it has only been four days so far. I feel like I have seen so much, but the more I explore the more I realize that I am barely scratching the surface. Every coffee shop, every bakery, every nook that the Old City or South East Side have to offer is still waiting for me to either return, or find. I can easily say there are over hundred places on South Street in just ten blocks that I want to go to.

            Today Jess and I woke up early and packed, and thankfully the hotel held onto our luggage allowing us to move a bit easier in the city. We started off at Chapterhouse. It is such great coffee that it is hard to resist. Afterward we walked down 9^th street, I think this is our favorite part of town, and if we were to move to Philly I think this would be the neighborhood. All the streets are lined with beautiful houses like I have never seen. Built with brick, skinny, and three stories tall with a basement.

            We reached the Italian market and by this time it was noon, thanks to Jess and all her slow packing…and me sleeping in, but we had made it. We stopped at Sarcone’s and shared a slice of pizza that rivals any I have ever had. Once we were done we continued our final trek through the market. We stopped and had some amazing cheese and sausage at Claudio’s. We also had some Gelato while walking through the market. I mention the Gelato because a little girl scooped it for us, and it reminded me how much this town is about family, history, and loyalty.

            After some “purchases” Jess and I went over to Jim’s. Most locals told us that they prefer Jim’s cheese steak rather than Pat’s or Geno’s. We were able to see that when we got there and saw the line out door and around the corner. After an hour wait we got our cheese steak with wizz, mushrooms, and sweet peppers. Jess loved it and made me know for a fact that Jim’s was her favorite. But, just like the city’s loyalty, I am staying loyal to Pat’s. Shortly after Jim’s we hit the subway and back to the hotel.

            Now I sit on an airplane; thinking about my trip and realize how much more I really loved Philly than I thought. I know this sounds a bit radical, but I felt like I always was supposed to go there, and I feel like Jess and I really just blend well in the city. Perhaps, in the future, I will write about Philadelphia not as a tourist, but as a resident.

Philly May 3rd

May 3, 20120

  I had another amazing day in the city of Brotherly Love. Jess and I went to the world’s greatest stadium, Citizens Bank Park, where the Phillies play baseball. We traveled around the stadium for over two hours. Every thing about this ballpark really settled on its history, reputation, and legacy. Yes this team makes, and spends a lot of money, but they are more focused on loyalty than royalty. My favorite part of the tour was either when we went on the field or went into the ball club locker rooms. The field really held a balance of open space, and intimacy. Whether a fan or player there is no feeling of claustrophobia, but there is a feeling of just an arms reach away from anyone from the field to the stands. I loved it. The locker rooms were anything a player could dream of. These players really do have a character of having fun. I think the funniest thing I saw was either Shane Victorino’s long board in his locker, hearing about how Roy Halladay will go out on the field at random and fly is toy plane. At one point while in the locker room we got to hold some bats. Big hitter Ryan Howard, and Chase Utley were by far the coolest bats I have ever seen, or held.

            After an extensive tour at the stadium Jess and I got on the SEPTA all the way to Fairmont Street. We walked west from Broad all the way to 22^nd street, that’s about seven blocks. We stopped at a pizza shop on the way and had a Philly cheese steak pizza slice and sausage slice. (seriously so delicious) Once on 22^nd and Fairmont we were at the front of Eastern State Penitentiary. We were able to go inside and see everything from cells, to the hospital, punishment cells, death row, and even Al Capone’s cell. The prison really is interesting. And as weird and morbid as it truly was, I recommend it to anyone going to Philly.

            Afterwards we walked to Love Park. I really enjoyed Love Park, and all the features around it, like the great view looking down Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and then when we turn around we see the monstrous city hall.

            After the park we walked around downtown, and found our way to the oldest operating tavern in the city (Est. 1860). I was expecting something similar to City Tavern, but they decided to keep the area up with the city’s trends. We enjoyed nachos, shepherds pie, and some seriously delicious mussels while watching the Flyers game. Another great night in Philly.

Press Box

Sitting in Charlie's Press Chair

on the field 

It was overcast, but we were glowing

Across the street was where the old stadium was (the Vet). They placed markers where the mound, bases, and home plate were.

      

Philly Journal May 2, 2012

May 2, 2012

Today was a challenge. I woke up with great expectations for the day. But when I woke up I realized that it was not only raining, but also about 55 degrees. For the fact that I packed flip-flops and shorts I knew I was in for a long day. I mention it now because it was in my mind the entire time, and often it consumed my thought process rather than enjoying the Old City District of Philadelphia.

            We arrived in the Old City to have breakfast at a place called Double Shots. I had a decent latte, nothing to brag about and nothing to complain about, but Jess’ breakfast sandwich was great. (Bacon Gouda, egg, on a croissant panini style.)

            Afterward we went to Christ Church, and learned they ordained the first African American priest. Also it has the some land off of 5^th and Arch where there is a small cemetery. We threw pennies on Benjamin Franklin’s final resting place, which is locally known to bring good luck.

            Then we traveled all across the Independence National Historic Mall. I saw the first president’s house, Independence Hall, and the Liberty Bell. I really feel that the Liberty Bell stands for a lot more than I realized. I also learned that the bell has been cast three separate times. After the liberty bell was Independence Hall. It was everything I dreamt of. The room was about the size I thought, but it was wider than I expected if that makes sense. Kind of like when you know the Grand Canyon is going to overwhelm you, but you don't realize how much until you actually see it. Something the tour guide really emphasized was the faith the  men that drafted the Declaration of Independence. At the time they did not know they were going to win the war, or even if their neighbors were on their side. If they lost the signature on that document sealed their death sentence. Fortunately for them, the Philadelphians, and me they won the war.

            Afterward we were able to go to City Tavern. This tavern provides gourmet meals with a colonial style menu. Jess and I experienced a rabbit based meal with mixed greens, and pasta.

            When we were done at City Tavern we walked around in the bitter cold, or at least it felt bitter after leaving the warm candle lit restaurant we traveled just off the Delaware River. We went into this amazing candy shop. I felt like I walked into a Willy Wonka shop, it was called “Shane Confectionery”. The men were dressed like in the olden days, and everything is hand made…little white gloves and all. While there we picked up a few things and even tasted chocolate covered bacon. It was an interesting taste that focused on the bitter salty taste of bacon and pure cocoa. I found in interesting and I would try it again, but would never make it a thing to buy; it was more novelty.

            Also while in Old City we saw the Betsy Ross house, honestly it was nothing too crazy so shortly we got on the SEPTA and went down to the Italian Market. While there we walked down the streets from the previous day, but this time we were there while shops were open. Jess and I went this store called Claudio. They are straight up ITALIAN! This guy was the best New Yorker I think I have ever met, or maybe he was just straight Italian, I couldn’t tell, but he was funny as all get out. We bought some hand made Pasta, and some of the best cheese I have ever put into my body.

            After a short trip at Italian Market we jumped back on the SEPTA and headed back to Old City. We ate at Farmicia, a place the owner of Chapterhouse recommended, and to tell you the truth it could be the best meal I have ever eaten. Braised duck in this super awesome sauce was the main protein dish. My starch was this perfectly balanced wild rice, barley, corn like grain, and a toasted pumpkin seeds concoction. It was the perfect mad scientist dish. Not to mention the killer snap pea side dish that really lifted everything up so it was not to be too heavy. To be honest I think that was the best meal of my life. The crazy part is Jess had Seared Yellow Fin Tuna; including Soda, Fancy Mango tea, and tip (22%) we walked out without spending over $100.

            All in all the day was amazing. I only wish I had worn jeans and tennis shoes. That way I could have been warm and really enjoyed my time in Philadelphia to the max.

Benny Grave Site

A man that volunteers and is "the first circus owner of the US." The real guy and Washington were dear friends

The room where they signed the Declaration of Independence

Second US Bank

First US Bank

City Tavern

Jess had a blast at that place

Philly Journal May 1st (It took me long enough)

May 1^st, 2012

Wow. Today was my first day in Philly, the City of Brotherly Love. Jess and I landed at the airport late due to a full flight at 4:45, but no doubt we were determined to pack in as much in before our bodies shut down from walking, plane flights, and crazy cab drivers. Once we checked into our hotel I began looking up addresses and aligning them to a map so we can fit in as much in a day without having to go back and forth in the city. We were given a small buffet at the hotel, but it was probably for people going to the Flyer playoff game.

            We got on a subway and I think it was actually my first subway experience. It was about what I thought it would be. Something to note is that the kindest people we met were public transport people…and this crazy black guy on the subway; he hates cherry peppers and loves Geno’s. That was our first stop. We got off the Orange sub line and traveled across Ellsworth down to 9^th street. This street was fantastic. I could barely hold in my excitement. I had dreamt of coming to this city for five years at least, just for the food and culture, and ever since 10^th grade I wanted to come here for the history. We walked the streets and found Geno’s Cheese Steak on 9^th across the street from Pat’s. I have to be honest Geno’s was bland and not note worthy at all. I feel that they stand on the shoulders of Pat’s for their fame. Pat’s was up next. Jess and I split a cheese steak from each place, and we were worried that Pat’s would fall short as well. I know Jess isn’t a cheese steak fan, but the creamy cheese wizz, salty steak, chopped onions, smokey mushrooms all crammed in the softest hoagie bun I have ever felt was amazing. It was similar to that moment when you first have at In and Out, or first time you go to Starbucks it is nothing more that something to tweet about, but as times goes on the more you need to go back and eat two there, and order one for the road.

            After the best 1000 calories in about five bites were gone Jess and I traveled up 9^th street up the Italian Market. We got just north of Fitzwater and we arrived at our caffeine and wifi haven. Chapterhouse is possibly the best coffee shop atmosphere I have ever experienced. The owners were there behind the bar making drinks and very helpful. They even let their dog hang out in the open café that had three rooms, front porch, and back porch. Something to note about Chapterhouse is what Jess ordered…A neutella latte. I think we would be willing to go back to that place just for the coffee, atmosphere, and people. Compared to this place Starbucks has lost their edge with the “4^th place”. 

            An hour or so at the coffee shop Jess and I walked back to the sub station and went back to our hotel, and did I mention it is literally across the street from Citizen Bank Park. Tomorrow we will hit the Independence Historical Park. Things included Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Christ Church, and City Tavern. Tomorrow will be a full day with many pictures, and much more to write about.

Pat's King of Steaks

            

1-1-2012 Meals for the week

Well I am gonna see how well this works out. Jess and I have decided to eat a little more "pan-terian" which means a lot less meat and even then we only eat it once a week. This is going to be what we eat this next week.

Miso Vegetable Soup
Tuscan Bean Soup
Eggplant Parmesan
Israeli Barbecued Chicken


Using Recipes from:

for the love of Soup
My Memory
best ever book of Jewish Cooking


Pictures might follow.


-ryan

Ps. Happy New Year