Eclipse, Ice Cream, Plane Tickets and Peaches

So as you may of heard, the longest solar eclipse was this past week on Wednesday. It passed over a large part of China, including around Shanghai. No, we did not get a view of a total eclipse in Beijing. In fact, we did not get ANY view of it. Stupid weather! It was just really over cast that day, so we could not even see the partial eclipse in Beijing. The sky went a little darker during the eclipse, but that is all we could tell. Apparently, if you had the patience, you could see a little bit of it through the clouds every few minutes, but I did not have that kind patience. We did see some videos on line of it, and it would be very cool to see in person. I have never been in an area that is even close to the eclipse, so It was a little sad that we could not see it at all. The next eclipse that is to pass over Canada is in 2024, including a bit of the total eclipse in Montreal. Road trip anyone?

Friday we decided we wanted to treat ourselves. We went to a Japanese restaurant close by, which is reasonably priced (Just over 7USD for the both of us). This is a treat to us, as often spend about 5 USD/day for food for the both of us. We just wanted to have some fun, and as long as we don't do it too much it is fine. But here is where we really treated ourselves. We decided to go to the Haagan Daz store there as well. In China, it is set up more like a cafe, with comfortable chairs, menus, ect. You just don't go in and get a cone to go, but sit and enjoy an amazing ice cream creation. We got one treat to share, and that one cost about 11USD!!!! It was really fancy and tasty and filling! Check out the picture and description at Lost in Manhattan! This is not something we do a lot, but it was fun.

So we are headed home, Chelsey on the 21st of August, and myself on the 29th. Chelsey has to fly before her 36 week, which is the 24th. We decided that I should work that last week, just to make sure that we have enough money to pay our rent while we are gone. We are also looking at the option of having someone 'house sit' for us, and then they could pay our rent. Whatever happens, we are headed home to take care of the baby and visa stuff. But believe you me, getting Chelsey's plane ticket was a hassle!!!! We were first going to send her on Air Canada, but the partner airline Air China that would get her to Vancouver does not let pregnant women fly past their 35 week (meaning, if you are at 35 weeks, you are not allowed on their airplanes). So we started looking for other flights, as we did not want to be separated for two weeks. We found on on China Eastern Air, that takes her to Vancouver, then a West Jet flight to Calgary. So we go to buy this ticket, and it refuses my credit card. I try calling both the website that was providing the ticket, and China Eastern, but I could not get a hold of the website people, and China Eastern air (at least their new york office) was less then helpful. They suggested I try calling the Vancouver number, which had a wrong number listed on their website.... go figure.
We called my dad, and had him buy the ticket for us. He had to try two different cards as well, but we finally go the ticket, as well as the conformation that it is bought. Hassle it was, but we got it done!

It is peach season in China. All the fruit vendors on the street are selling deliciously ripe peaces, most of them very large! We love fruit. And there is always something in China that is in season! YUMMMMM!!!!