Hiking, socializing and food

Took these pics a couple days ago when I hiked the mountain across from my apartment. Although I know its a pagoda, kind of like 'replicate of a temple', I have no idea what temple is being replicated. Beautiful, nonetheless. At the top, the views of my city Jioajiang, are amazing. I found it entertaining that while I was taking pictures of the temple, the Chinese were taking pictures of me and asking to have their picture taken with me. You just can't escape it. What's also entertaining is that its totally normal for Chinese girls to wear high heels and dresses on this hike. I was donning yoga pants, a Widespread Panic t-shirt, new balances and sweating like a whore in church (excuse the simile). These women are dressed to the 9's and literally have no perspiration coming off of them. It takes them 5 times longer to get to the top, but I suppose they do it in style?

At karaoke bar with friends/co-workers John and Dan (from England and Australia, respectively). Karaoke bars...where do I start? Let's just say karaoke is something you would NEVER catch me doing at home, regardless of alcohol consumed. However, in China its a different story. Although we did not karaoke the night this picture was taken, about a week and a half ago there were about 10 of us foreign teachers onstage and belting out American tunes. I actually got a softball sized bruise on my right thigh from playing the tambourine with too much gusto (true story). We looked like the Partridge family up there and loved every minute of it!

 

Above are pictures from the street vendors that set up shop outside of my apartment building. I know what you're thinking, "Street vendor food? Isn't that the kind of food they warn you not to eat in China?" Let me clarify that this is some of the best tasting I've ever had. The woman in the bottom picture runs a dumpling stand with her husband. They know my order by heart. They steam their dumplings rather than frying them in MSG so its one of the healthier dishes here. The picture of the man and woman is taken at their kabob stand. Picture lots of veggies and various meat all on kabob sticks. You pick the ones you want, put them on a tray and hand them to the man to cook it. I admit that I'm not brave enough to delve into their meat selection, but their tofu and veggies are delish!! I'll have to take a pic of the infamous 'meat selection.' Who knew that chicken feet were considered a perfectly normal thing to eat?