I arrived in Changzhou early yesterday morning. I was so fortunate because, I was taken to Chanzhou by some friends of mine in Shanghai. It was so lovely getting to sleep in a car instead of on a train. Upon my arrival in Changzhou, it was raining and quite chilly. I met up with our family friend, who took me to his newly opened Italian Gelatto Shop called Fantasio El Gelatto. It is a enterprise that originated in Italy, and now our family friend has started the business in China. I got to taste test all of the different flavors that were made right in the shop. They also had delicious Italian Hot chocolate and Italian sandwiches. The sandwiches weren't quite their speciality, but with time I think they will get better and better. The ice cream, however, was absolutely amazing and rich. I have to say, I liked it better than Ben and Jerry's ice cream! Last night, I had a relaxing night, which included just hanging out with my family friend's. We had a delicious dinner and then just hung out. I watched Grey's Anatomy Last night, which always makes life just so wonderful. It's one of those shows, that just makes me happy!
This morning I slept in and felt really rested when I woke up. We traveled to Nanjing, which is where the Dr. Sun Yat Sun Memorial is. Oh boy, was I not prepared for how many people there were going to be. Today, was a reality check for me. I never realized how big this country actually was, until I entered this memorial hall area. I don't know why, but our family friends insisted that I had to go in and see the actual tombstone of Sun Yat Sun. I definitely could have passed on that, but since they insisted I waited in line. Well what I didn't realize, is how once I got in the line there was no getting out of it. I have never felt more suffocated, claustrophobic, and fearful in my life. It truly was scary, because people were pushing and shoving the entire time we were waiting to get in. I thought someone might just push me down to the ground in order to get ahead of me. Today, I truly learned the concept that there really is no concept of lines in China, only pushing and shoving. It has definitely been one of those days with a little bit of culture shock. I also felt like everyone seemed to be staring at me today. There are some days when I get more stares than other days, and today happened to be the day, when more people just decided to stare! Today was definitely one of those days that tested my patience and all the other virtues.
I'm looking forward to heading back to Shanghai tomorrow night to prepare for the arrival of my family!!!I can't believe that they will be in Shanghai in three days! I really do feel like a child of Christmas Eve! It feels like it has been a long time since I have seen them in person!!
Sending my best to all my friends and family all around the world!
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