Shoe Shine Gals

All over the city you can come across these women who have their shoe shine kits and want to polish up your shoes. It only costs two kuai. This is my leg getting its shoe shined in the downtown square. The shoe shine ladies often have their babies on their backs and carry their own stools and chairs to set up 'shop.' I like to get my shoes shined. I usually give them 5 kuai, just because they do a good job and at least they're working for it. There are so many beggars who just want a handout. Jeff was with me, we'd just eaten at McDonald's when this gal approached me. So, if you live in my city, there is no reason to have scruffy shoes.

Pinapple on a Stick

Today I just went by a 'pineapple on a stick' street vendor. (In February, no less!!) One nice thing about living in Yunnan is the fruit, and I don't mean my students! I mean lots of beautiful, fresh fruit of all types year around, especially tropical fruits. Because the southern areas of Yunnan Province are very warm and tropical, in Kunming, the provincial capital, there is a steady stream of gorgeous fruit from the south. I've never been a big fruit eater, but living here is changing that. The pineapples are scrumptious and juicy. The street vendors sell all types of fruit loaded up in their carts. Yummy.

Water on Wheels

In most places in China the tap water is not drinkable. So, these water guys on bicycles are a common sight on the streets. How they can ride their bikes in crowded traffic with six big water bottles balanced on the back is more than I can figure out. But, they do this with ease. Sometimes you forget to order your water and then it's a real bummer in the morning when you can't make coffee. It's a real language breakthrough when you can finally order your water in Chinese with confidence. We just ordered water today. Two big bottles. They usually arrive within a half hour of your call and deliver right into your apt. and install one bottle in the dispenser. Water on wheels took some getting used to, but it really is pretty convenient.

'House Plants' Gone Wild??

I am standing in front of what we call in the states a 'Norfolk Island Pine.' But, we have them in pots in our houses in the Midwest of the U.S.!! I have a friend in Rockford, Ben, who has a pretty big one in his family room, BUT not this big!! These gorgeous TREES grow right outside the gate to my school. Yunnan Province is the home to over 15,000 plant species. It is one of the most biologically diverse places on the earth. The tropical plants growing around Kunming make it a place of constant wonder to an old Midwesterner like me. Oh, for those of you suffering under the harsh winter back home, there is a blooming geranium right outside my window on the ledge.