Too Much Water in This Water Town

This was the first of a few trips that are sponsored by NYU.  On a rainy and freezing Friday, a group of us headed over to a water town, on the outskirts of Shanghai called Zhu Jia Jiao (which means "Zhu Family Settlement" in Chinese).  Zhu Jia Jiao was formed about 1,700 years ago, but some findings show, that this town dates back 5,000 years.  There are 36 stone bridges and numerous rivers that line Zhu Jia Jiao.  Granted that this area is still home to various residents, it has become more of a tourist attraction in recent years.  

While we were there, we took a scenic tour, while our tour guide  explained the different pagodas and buildings and their significance.  Afterwards, we were treated to a family-style lunch.  **Quick observation: every time our group goes out to eat, once the food arrives, we devour everything, and the table turns quiet...while all the other tables still have way too much food left over.**

After lunch, we were given an hour to just wander around the town.  We found snacks and trinkets and such to satisfy our touristy cravings.  NYU arranged for us to take a "boat ride" around the town, so we all got into groups of 6 to take a "gondola" through the town.  I guess you could call it the "Venice of China."  

This was the path our boat took us through.  

Left to Right: Marissa, me, Colin, Jae, and Garrick

Thankfully, it stopped raining halfway through our trip, otherwise it would probably have been miserable.  But, due to the rain and cold, our trip was cut an hour short, which is fine considering how cold it was.  

Hopefully the next time we head somewhere, the weather will be more favorable to us!

Just a quick update: 

The weather has been getting warmer.  It is suppose to be around mid 60's(F) today and mid-70's(F) tomorrow.  Fingers crossed that it stays this way for awhile.  Other than the weather, this week is closing in on midterms.  Luckily, I only have two midterms, one for Chinese (an essay on China's Human Rights and a presentation where our group is doing a skit of a dating show) and one for film class (presentation), so it doesn't seem that bad.  We are also in the midst of planning our Spring Break travels, which is fast approaching.  Everyone wants to go somewhere different, so hopefully we can all work something out and just go everywhere! ...wishful thinking....

Until the next update: 再见！