Interesting, a Chinese who doesn't know...

This is kind of strange, when one hears about a Chinese (in this case Tianchi) that really does not know how to ride a Bicycle.. even being 10 years old.

There is a explaination of course for this unusual predicament. Looking back, this was all we saw of China.. almost every Photo from there had People riding Bicycles in the street's of all major Cities. So here we have my LaoPo's Son, never been on a Bicycle in his life.. with the exception last week in Santa Barbara on a Tandem with me.
You see, in Shanghai (especially the inner City/Districts) all live in high-rises and when there is free time.. one stays inside mostly.

This of course is responsible for the lack/know-how to ride a Bike of any type. So one of the first things we've done, is buy him a Bike (Qing actually did). Yesterday, while my LaoPo was working.. I decided to get him started on learning how to. Up and down our own street, me holding him up/straight as he pedals away. Funny thing, as he pedals.. he looks down to his feet.. but never where he's going. That took a while to convince him, that this is "Much" more safe that way.. to look up.

I can see this will take a couple of weeks, til I can let go of him and not see the poor Kid.. meet the same faith Qing did a while back.
Anyway, for his lack of exercise also.. we are teaching him Ping Pong/Tennis/Soccer. We'll see what he is best at.. besides playing Games on the PC or Cell? The latter, which is going to be cut a lot (not to his liking) before School starts.

Come to think of it, it is quite a interesting sight to see.. 59 year old Neighbor running alongside 10 year old on a Bike. It's like, I don't need the exercise... he "Does"!

Qing's Son arrival and his adjusting to all that's new to him.. so far.

As of last Saturday, after a long Flight across the Pacific and another 70 miles by Car.. Qing's Son (Tianchi)- my Sister In-law all arrived at our Home. One can imagine, being 10 years old and coming to the USA.. seeing no more Chinese Characters everywhere.. no more (or very few) super high Buildings like in Shanghai and not really speaking English much. That this can be either exciting or somewhat over-whelming for a Child.

Anyway, first was to show "His" bedroom and the rest of the House. That alone was enough to place a big smile on his face. He, of course is/wasn't use to seeing or living in this kind of style, as Shanghai is mostly all Apartments and high ones of course.. that you spend most of your time "Inside" during your free time. To top it off, it was time to go even further and show him the "Outside".. the Yard. As his eyes opened wide, he started to let go a laugh.. not because it was funny (nobody ever laughed at my backyard yet).. but because it was something so open. Almost, like.. that is a lot of wasted space! In other words, he's being spoiled and maybe doesn't even know it.

I was pleased that he also loved the blue paint I've used in his Bedroom, along with everything else. Little does he know yet, Qing will make him "Earn" it all.. soooooon. Paying back by studying hard in School and with his English.

So Sunday, it was .. Shopping again! Outlet's near Palm Springs, with 200 and counting Stores to choose from.
Monday, I took a day off.. looked in the Mirror and ask the "Boss" if I could have the day off. Why not.. was the answer!

As my Neighbor mentioned Santa Barbara a few days earlier, Qing thought that this was a good idea. Well, load up the Bikes.. as this was to be a Fun and exercise Trip to the Beach front. Myself and Tianchi on a rented Tandem Bike and the Girl's trying to keep up with us both. Overall, wonderful time/weekend all together.

Tomorrow, it's back to Shanghai for our Sister In-law.. as this was only a one week Vacation for her this time around.

Here as always some Photo's .....

Not bad for first night Dinner

In Santa Barbara during Bike-ride

Ahhh.. if we only had one of those....

 A little rest, after a long up-hill Bike ride through Old Town

The "Pier"

..on the "Pier"

On a hill-top Restaurant over-looking the San Fernando Valley for Dinner. As one can see, I'm more "Red" then the Wild Salmon on our plates.

Next Saturday a new begin....

As most of your readers know, Qing's now been here with me for 2 1/2 years and counting. All I can truly say, it's been a fabulous time and not just for myself.. as I can imagine for my LaoPo as well. We still to this day, make fun about still being in our "Honeymoon" phase and we both can back this up quite well too. haha.. just ask us!

Anyhow, next Saturday (as the Title suggests) Qing's Son (TianChi) will arrive here in the US. He's ten (10) yrs. old and we could see.. he's more interested doing what a 10 year old does.. than wondering coming to a new Country. So for us, a new Chapter will open up and I'm sure with many challenges for all three of us.
I assume, my patience will ones more be tested to it's limits.. but something I do have experience in.. and that is Kid's of all ages/sizes and of course tempers. Not a Spring Chicken anymore at 59, I should survive just fine. Too bad, for this I don't have a chance to win a Million Bucks.. like on Survivor TV show.

 Here I'll post a few Photo's of Qing's trip back to China, some of my favourites anyway.