Jiaozi: A Documentary

Hey everyone! A post about the Terracotta warriors is in the works, but today I wanted to share this post from a few weeks ago that I never got posted. While this isn’t our dumpling feast from Xi’an, this dinner definitely was a feast! Read down below to find out more! Thanks for checking in! Audrey

In lieu of a blog post, we decided to make a video this week! Use this link and surf your way over to check it out.

For the past month, we have had a dinner party for the students we are getting to know during the weekend. We have eaten some foods you would find in America (pizza, pancakes, and this week, spaghetti), but last week the students offered to teach us how to make jiaozi (pronounced “jow-zu”), which are steamed dumplings. They provided all of the ingredients and the know-how to make the meal possible. Our dumplings were filled with pork and cabbage, and were oh so delicious! We ended up making about two hundred dumplings. Needless to say we still have some stuck in the freezer! We had so much fun learning to make jiaozi, and an even better time eating them!

-Audrey

 

A New Mode of Transportation

There are many modes of transportation here in Beijing, but this week we experienced one that set itself apart from any other.

The most common ways of getting around in Beijing are by walking, catching the bus, or taking the subway. On the way to church we use all three modes of transportation. This Sunday we added another way to our portfolio. After church we decided to grab lunch with some of our new friends. The restaurant was a few blocks down the road so we decided to pile as many people as we could into their motor-scooter they fondly call “trike”. In the end we crammed 9 people onto the cart. Their 5 year old daughter Lily immediately instructed us to take of our shoes, and after this procedure was carried out, off we went. (The moms walk with the strollers) Now, as I’ve said before, our outings attract attention in and of themselves so you can only imagine the stares and smiles we received bumping down the road. (This gave a whole new meaning to the term “clown car”) We survived the Chinese traffic, which is an achievement as well. It was a short ride, but it saved us the energy of walking, so we were all happy. But when we really needed the scooter was during the walk home from the bus stop, which we fondly call “The Walk of Terror”.

-Audrey

 

Some Things are Bigger in China…

 

This is a picture of our last meal out to eat. I know what you are thinking, “Okay, that is definitely more than seven people.” And you would be quite right.

Happy Birthday Toddler Mao!

 

This past Sunday marked the second birthday of our little Chairman Mao. We have not noticed much change in his behavior because Abel decided to get a head start and begin the “terrible two’s” stage early, just to warm us up. Our baby dictator is a fan favorite here in China, and rules the roost at home as well. We are hoping that because he began this “terrible two” stage early, he will end it early, because who could say no to that face?

A New yet Familiar Church Service

On Sunday, we took our first adventure as a family, venturing closer to the center of Beijing, to attend the Christian Church here in Beijing. Back in Stillwater, we would complain about the 20 minute drive to Eagle Heights in our air-conditioned, spacious 7 passenger Nissan Quest. This week we took a different way of transportation church, and what an adventure that alternative was.

Our First Authentic Chinese Meal

            

After leaving the airport and briefly putting things away at our new apartment, we went to eat at a restaurant located in our neighborhood.  It is traditional for a “special” meal to be held in it’s own room (apart from the rest of the people in the restaurant).