Peace and quiet in China?

I decided to take a walk over the weekend and of course, did not take a map. Why I chose to forgo the map: 1) By wandering in different directions, I often happen upon unique and interesting things- it is called a sense of adventure and slight stupidity, 2) I cannot read a map in English, let alone a map in Chinese.

I seriously believed there were very few places to go in China without people. My wanderings actually led me to a place, a beautiful beautiful place, where no one could be found- A PARK! I guess Chinese people do not hang out in the parks...SWEET! Right now, all the flowers are blooming and everything is green. This park was along one of the waterways in Jiaxing, making it especially lovely. Below are a few photos- I tried to take close-up photos of the flowers for my friends who study plants! Also, notice the beautiful pagodas. The door on one pagoda was barely tall enough for me to fit in- are Chinese people really that small? Amanda, you would be like Alice in Alice in Wonderland trying to get through the door.






Typically, you can ask someone to take a picture of you when out 'touring' China. What do I mean by ask? Point at the camera, then point at yourself, and then point at the slightly confused Chinese person and the camera at the same time. Following the pointing exercise, you will typically here 'Ahhh'. At that instant, you know you have made yourself clear, and the Chinese person will happily take a photo of you. On this beautiful day, however, no one was to be found. I actually had to take pictures of myself. How refreshing! Don't get me wrong, I love China but it was so nice spending time outside ALONE. Here are some AMAZING, oh wait, amazingly bad self-portraits.