Grandma Lu and Nancy

My mom and Ridley's assistant Nancy got here Wednesday night. Yeah!! Their plane came in at about 6, being a half hour late. We didn't know what we were getting into, but the traffic back to Puxi at that time of night was something we have not encountered yet. We had hired a car to fit us all and thought we would be home by 7. We were in bumper to bumper traffic for 2 hours in Pudong (which is where the airport is) and didn't get home until 9pm. The girls had done homework in the car and at the airport while waiting. We came home to an incredible feast from Mei, although everyone was a little too tired to eat much. So happy to have them here! This is a picture taken on our lane.


We made a stop at the Mansion Hotel where Ridley and I stayed in January. It is just around the corner from our house. We loved this area so much when staying here and didn't realize the house we rented was right around the corner until later. The Mansion was originally a house for the leader of a prominent gang lord in the 30's when it was built.
Mom and Nancy at Element Fresh, a wonderful restaurant that is oriented to ex-pats and has good asian and western food. We are initiating them slowly!
Xiangyang Park down the street from us. Early morning (much earlier than this photo) finds the park packed with people exercising: tai chi, backward walking, dance, saber moves, beating up against a tree. . . . on and on with such a variety of things. The parks are really well used during the day, too. Just hanging, playing card games, walking. This was an extremely humid day, and it was nice to be under the trees with the breeze.
After doing a lot of visa and bank business, mom, Nancy and I headed off to Pearl City after lunch. Not enough time there! Too much to see. It got mom and Nancy through the day without a nap, being excited about seeing all the great pearl deals. We went to school to pick up Storey who had stayed after for swimming, and then back home to another luscious meal. Mom was in bed shortly thereafter and got a good 12 hours in!

We are heading to Beijing by sleeper train tonight. I will try and post from the road. We'll see!