China (Suzhou): Our HangZhou (杭州) Trip!

On 20th Nov, we took a coach to HangZhou. Winter season is around the corner. We could feel the chill especially at night. We reached there around 2pm and check-in one of the hotel we booked via Internet. Thereafter, we took a cab to XiHu (西湖). A place that you must not miss if you're going to HangZhou. It was so crowded with people since it was Saturday.


The next day, we decided to go to JiuXiShiBaJian (九溪十八涧). We chose the public transport so as to understand the people and culture there. At the bus-stop, a lady approached us. She asked where do we intend to go. When we told her that we wanted to go to JiuXiShiBaJian (九溪十八涧), she started to persuade us to go to LongJingWenCha (龙井问茶). Having done enough research about HangZhou, we knew that LongJingWenCha (龙井问茶) is a place for people who love tea and wish to buy some there. So, we politely declined her offer of bringing us there.

Upon reaching JiuXiShiBaJian (九溪十八涧), we were looking for toilet. And suddenly to our horror, she appeared in front of us and asking again whether we're going to 龙井问茶. We're so shocked that she has been tailing us all the way. This time round, we're very firmed and told her off.

Thereafter, we walked around the JiuXiShiBaJian (九溪十八涧). Wow, that's the first time I saw maple leaves!!



After the walk at JiuXiShiBaJian (九溪十八涧), we went to a good chinese restaurant. Dear hubby gave me a great treat - a sumptous dinner:D Yummy LOBSTER!!!

On 21 Nov, we went to a western restaurant near XiHu...Heehee...I missed western food so much!! We thought that restaurant was quite good. I meant from the menu and the ambiance there. Alas, the steak is super hard and tasted so funny! After the awful lunch, we went shopping:D Bought a lot English books for dear daughter though:p

On 22 Nov, we checked-out the hotel and took a coach again back to Suzhou:)

China (Suzhou): Birthday Treat!

My birthday is coming soon! Dear hubby decided to apply for few days' leave and we're going to travel to HangZhou!!! HURRAY!!

China (Suzhou): XiShan (西山)

This morning, we took a public bus to XiShan (西山). It's about two hours' journey. The weather is getting cooler now. XiShan is full of rocks. You can see rocks everywhere. That's why it's being called ShiGongShan (石公山) as well.

China (Suzhou): MOZIE Everywhere!

Winter is coming pretty soon, but still have a lot mosquitoes....We bought this mongolia camp for dear daughter:D So mozie can't get near her anymore!!

China (Suzhou): Tong Li (同里), Little Venice

Today, we travelled to Tong Li (同里), little Venice. We took a bus there. It is located on the outskirt of Suzhou. It is also known for a system of canals reminiscent of Venice of Italy.

Canals

Cart selling fruits

Kids Shoes for winter

Traditional Chinese Wedding

It was a wet and gloomy day... We have been to Venice before. I still prefer Venice:p

China (Suzhou): Searching for Preschool

I had shortlisted about 4 nearby pre-schools. Had visited them and dear daughter likes those schools. But alas, I noticed that there're a lot mosquitoes leh... Also, I felt that the teachers are a bit too demanding for a 3years old child. Another big concern is they can't speak English and dear daughter would not be able to communicate with them.

We don't intend to put her in Singapore International School cos it'll cost us a bomb. Pray hard that we could find one biligual pre-school.

China (Suzhou): Taking Public Transport:-)

Today, dear daughter and I took the public bus around SIP. The buses in Suzhou are generally old and not well maintained. The people here tend to throw rubbish and spat anywhere they like. So, the buses are quite dirty. There isn't any bus conductor around. So, the bus driver was rather stressed up. Despite seeing my young daughter with me, she didn't bother to wait for us to be seated and zoom...she moved off the bus. Well, I must say that the bus fare is really cheap. ONLY RMB1 = SGD 20cents per adult and free of charge for children below the height of 110cm.

China (Suzhou): Refused to sleep!

Dear daughter doesn't like to nap in the afternoon since young. But at least she would nap once or twice a week, if I "insist":p It's getting worse in Suzhou now. For the past week, I had literally spending more than an hour to coax her to nap in the afternoon. But alas, she simply refused to nap. Maybe she's still adjusting to the new environment.

I am trying to find a pre-school for her. We managed to download a list of pre-schools in Suzhou via internet. Well, still have to call each of them up to find out more information. Hopefully I can find one nearby. No matter how, she needs friends to play with:p