Sam had the first Saturday of the holiday off and we started it with jidan bing for breakfast. These delicious pancakes filled with egg, ginger, coriander, chilli and fried dough are a firm favourite with all of us. We have recently discovered a new street stall near us which sells the best ones we have ever had. Whilst sitting on some steps eating them a man approached William and Oliver and told them that they are now truly Chinese!
Unfortunately, in order to get his seven days off Sam had to then work on the Sunday and Monday. The boys and I headed up to meet him for lunch at our favourite duck restaurant and to then go round the aquarium.
The following day the boys and I met Anna, Oscar and Eva for a picnic in Century park. I thought I had found a nice quiet area until the school parties arrived!!
The rest of the holiday week was spent riding along the canal and watching the fishermen, picnicking, swimming, making crafts and playing with friends and eating lots of jidan bing!
Towards the end of the week our neighbours, from the US, invited us to a 'black' party. When I looked blank she explained that it was at the end of the day, everyone brings some food and drink and hangs out outside their house. I made some comment about it being dark so hence the name black to which she now looked a little confused. Sam then asked if it would be ok for us to head over at half five and she looked more confused and said is five thirty ok. We had a chuckle about all speaking English but still having problems communicating. At half past five we headed over to their house excited to be experiencing yet another different cultural experience. We were chatting about the name of this type of gathering when someone explained that it wasn't a 'black' party but a 'block' party! So basically a street party! It was a fun evening and the cultural experience was learning that although we have a common language there can be a huge divide.
