After living in Shanghai for almost 7 months I finally post some shots as-seen-through my apt window … 

lately my students have been giving me food.  the smart ones have caught on that chocolate will go a long way for them.  others have graciously shared some of their more “interesting” snacks, including seaweed, vacuumed-sealed sausages, and spiced beef (along the lines of beef jerky).  today, one of my students decided to give me their pickled chicken foot.  i told her i will eat it later and put it away, hoping she wasn’t expecting me to eat it in front of her.  the chinese teachers claimed “it’s delicious.”  and you know what, it actually pretty good … for a chicken foot.       

since i have been in shanghai i have discovered some “unusual” but delicious food. today for lunch at work i had one of my favorites: cloud ear fungus ( 云耳). (other favorites yet to come) although i only took a picture of the fungus, it was actually served with cabbage and pork.  the fungus doesn’t taste like much but it’s slightly crunchy while maintaining a soft jelly-like texture; it adds interesting consistency combinations to food.  so i try to eat it often.  my chinese co-workers also tell me it has amazing medicinal properties … have yet to figure those out.  

today, sarah, henry and i went to the market at people’s square.  henry bought me these earnings.  i will wear them proudly around china and rep USA all the way baby! chyeahhhh!