Tunnel of Fish

One of my favorite tunnels at the temple fair for Chinese New Year!

Qingcheng Shan

Not too long ago, we took a little trip to a nearby mountain called Qingcheng. We were expecting to see lots of snow and beautiful vistas and were not disappointed. Unfortunately, I have never actually assessed my ability to walk on ice and really struggled (physically and mentally) up the slick stairs and over the icy bridges. With a firm grip on Zach and a push or two from a random hiker on my behind, I survived to tell the tale. I didn't take too many pictures because I was basically terrified of falling the entire hike. I feel as if I conquered a fear that I never knew I had! 

Tasty Treats from the Chinese Streets

Dried meats, tails attached. We had a bit of fun trying to identify the snacks, but didn't taste any of it. 

Sorry to my veggie-minded friends and family!

Back to China: iPods vs. aPods

We only have the fake Apple stores here in Chengdu (Apple Time that sells aPods), but the real Apple Stores are seriously impressive.

Hong Kong Apple Store,
that's two stories PACKED!

Shanghai Apple Store,
taken by Ben.

Philippine Randoms

A few more photos from the Philippines... I have about 600 more on top of this.

Cows and buses viewed from the motorbikes.

That's a BIG guitar!

One of the places we stayed-
our own private beach shack.

One of the many beautiful, old churches we spotted. 

I did NOT want to leave the beach!

Zip Lining and River Cruising

On our voyage into the interior of the island, we took a cruise up river to some waterfalls surrounded by jungle. This was followed by a zip line over the same falls. My first time to zip line! I wasn't very scared until I saw the end coming (ignore my screams!).

River Cruise

Too bad we missed the Loveboat.

This one's for Mom

My favorite of our day trips in the Philippines was going to see the Tarsiers. Yes, they are even creepier up close. I was most scared of one of these leaping at my neck, but we got out safely. 

"I'm waiting to jump at your neck when you aren't looking."

The crew

Motorbikes, oh my!

How do you have as much fun as possible in the Philippines? Rent a motorbike! I didn't drive one, but I had a blast sinking my claws into Zach's back as he maneuvered around tight turns and peeled out parking lots. We rented the bikes for two days as we toured Bohol- land of the Tarsiers. 

Ready to go!

Close up of the notorious Bohol Banditos Bike Gang.

Stopped for gas and discovered another use for Coca Cola bottles.

Kawasan Falls

One of the first places we visited was a little piece of paradise called Kawasan Falls. We spent the day there swimming and playing in waterfalls. We had a great time!

In a jeepney on the way to the falls.

Kawasan Falls

Just chillin' under a waterfall.

The manager of the tables enjoying a cigarette. 

The Beach Bum Life

Over the winter break, Zach and I traveled to the Philippines islands to escape cold and rainy Chengdu. We got exactly what we were looking for- blue skies and sun, lazy days on the beach, time with friends, etc. It was an awesome trip!

We found the perfect hammock for reading by the shore.

Super tricked-out trike.

First view of the beach.

A New Year

So, I've taken quite the break from the blog, but with all the chaos of the end of the fall semester, traveling over the break, and starting school up again over, I hope to be a little more consistent... yes, I know you've heard that before. I've sorted through the Philippines photos and will be posting them in the next few days! Please check back again soon!

Here's some photos from last night's celebration. We spent it on a friend's rooftop patio overlooking the city. Check out all the fireworks in the background! Chinese New Year was a blast!

A little too close for comfort-
don't stand too close to the edge!

Here's what a firework looks like from the 17th floor- eye level! 

Not even midnight yet!

Happy Dragon Year!

Chun Jie Kuai Le!

Happy Year of the Water Dragon! Wishing you all the very best from Chengdu! 

This video was taken by Ben at the TaZiShan Temple Fair.
How'd you like some fireworks in your face?