This week we have had several thunder and lightning storms. Last night I got the idea to try to photograph some of the lightning. Here’s what I ended up with (color adjusted to show the lightning better, of course).
Enjoy!
–Melissa
This week we have had several thunder and lightning storms. Last night I got the idea to try to photograph some of the lightning. Here’s what I ended up with (color adjusted to show the lightning better, of course).
Enjoy!
–Melissa
Here are links to many Chinatowns around the US and Canada. We have only been to the Chicago Chinatown so far, but hope to visit the Philly Chinatown this June. We have also heard the Toronto Chinatown is just awesome.
Many large cities have a Chinatown. If you are visiting a city not listed, do a search–I was suprised to find that Philly had a Chinatown. Your city may have one too!

USA Map with Chinese Characters
I found this map of the United States with Chinese Characters. I think it will be a great thing to bring along when we go to China again, to include in our daughter’s SWI Director’s present (indicating which state we live in).
We can’t wait till someday we can visit the Chinatown in New York. It’s the largest in the U.S. and I’m sure has some awesome things to do and see (not to mention wonderful food). A great time to visit would be around one of the Chinese holiday’s like New Year, Dragon Boat Festival, Moon Festival etc. Check out the events at their website.
As an added bonus, if you plan to go to NYC Chinatown, you may want to book a walking tour with Jami Gong.

This past year after I got back from Yunnan I wanted to order some good tea to send to a Chinese American friend. I ended up ordering the tea from an online tea company who ships their teas directly from China. Well, I ordered the tea for my friend, and also some for our family too, called Cherry Ball or Rising Sun. This turned out to be the coolest tea I’ve ever had. The taste was very subtle and delicious, but the really awesome part was what happened in the tea cup. After I poured the boiling water on the tea the ball of tea leaves began to “bloom”, slowing opening up to look like a beautiful green and red flower. Needless to say I’ve saved the rest of the tea for the soon coming Chinese New Year!
So, for all you tea lovers out there, I can recommend the Cherry Ball tea, but check out all the other cool teas they have too. I’m itching to check out others that bloom as well.