We tried to keep a couple traditions such as Valentine's for the kid's school (so thankful for pinterest, as creativity does not come naturally for me). :)
We found out a few weeks ago that we were rewarded a free hotel night certificate that expired Saturday through our credit card company. We made the reservation for Friday night and have been looking forward to a night out of the house, away from language learning cards and screens. It was so very refreshing and exactly what we needed. :) Another reminder of how faithful our God is. :)
We travelled by trolley then bus to get us close enough to walk a couple blocks to the hotel. All forms of transportation here is such an adventure. :)
When we arrived to the hotel, we were surprised to be on the 24th floor - what a view.
So, as though just having a free night with a great view wasn't good enough - He took it a step further... We were put on club level - free dinner and breakfast!! Blessing upon blessing. :) Having pancakes, french toast and bacon was such a treat!!
Oh - and free macchiato!! Yummy. :)
We were excited to see a new part of our city. Our staycation proved to be so much fun!!
That eve we went to a street which was the busiest commercial area during the Shu Kingdom (early 200's BC). It was redone and opened to the public in 2004 (so not original, but still really neat). Before entering we got more of these really cool light up toys that you shoot into the air. :) When were here two years ago we got these in GZ - the kids were so excited. :)
I'm not sure if it always looks this way or if the lanterns are here for Ch*nese New Year (this Thursday). Either way - it is beautiful!
The road is really narrow with craftsman shops (candy art, shadow puppets, calligraphy, wood carvings, ......), local food and fancy food - like Starbucks. ;)
Never a trip without getting our pictures taken with strangers. :)
Our first ice cream stop since being here. It said it was "New Zealand Ice Cream." Wherever it was from - it was good and truly ice cream (many desserts here aren't what they look like they'd be). :)
Our boy got tired, but we all really enjoyed it.
The next day was Valentine's Day. We went exploring some more. Where better than one of the three most famous places for cultural relics in this city that was built to honor a female poet who wrote of love and joy. It was too beautiful to pick just a few pics.. So here ya' go! Want to take a tour with us?
This is a painting of the artist/poet who the park was created in memory.
Such a big book it took both the big kids to turn it's metal pages. No idea what it said, but cool nonetheless. ;)
Meisi liked the really big pottery. She asked to have her picture taken next to it. :)
I am so amazed at how the old and the new stand right next to one another...
Isn't it just too beautiful for words? Relaxing and breathtaking. It was almost like walking into a storybook.
While in a storybook - here is my Prince Charming. :)
Can you read the sign? "Smiling at others make your happy." I couldn't agree more. :) Especially when the smile is on a cutie like this one. :)
At the end of this park was a small amusement park - not Disney but so.much.fun!! It was about $1.50 per ride. The kids had a blast, so did we. :)
Last sight - a really cool bridge. The structures here are amazing. We love being here. Thankful for the one who put that love in our hearts. More importantly thankful for His great love for us. :)
While this has been a Valentine's Day that will go down in our books as one of the best... The best Valentine's to date was 2 years ago. Because this post has already gone on for a while, you can read that story here. :)
Happy Valentine's Day!
