As many of you know I just came back from a three and a half weeks vacation in China. I thought I would share my journey through others art(and occassionally mine) as a way to highlight other artists and see how they captured a view that may heighten senses, give a unique perspective on what I saw or just hit me visually.

Thank you to those who have let me use their art work to inspire. If you are interested in the work, please click on the thumbnail and check out their galleries.
________________________________________ ________________________________

This morning we relaxed and traveled the 2nd half of the day. Mom and I ventured to the Chinese grocery market which is much like our Farmer’s Market but with meat and all sorts of unknowns… down to the pig’s feet. It was fun seeing the commotion and variety.
When we returned the 3 of us sat in the courtyard and played cards (65). Then, at 1:00 we went to a local hutong to have lunch with a local family. Here we ate cabbage, sweet n’ sour chicken, lotus root, and learned how to make dumplings, which was my favorite part of the meal.
Afterwards we were able to ask questions and visit. We found out our hostesses painted inside snuff bottles. Their collections were beautiful and of course I had to buy one.
When we left the Hutong we walked about a ½ mile to the shopping center and spent a little time there. I’m glad Mom, Dad and I went the night before because there wasn’t much shopping time. I bought a Mao mug that I had my eye on and a grass woven grasshopper. The group was also trying out popsicles at our meeting place. My first choice was thrown out after a couple bites. It was grape… which tasted like cheesecake with actual grapes in it… very interesting. Not to worry, I then took the recommendation of Tish and went back and bought another one which was strawberry ice… this was very good.
After shopping we had dinner in which we chose toppings and “tossed” a noodle dish. The dinner began with a vodka toast and peanuts. Next, there was this food that was rolled like a burrito, sliced, and fried. Pretty close to tasting like a corn chip. My favorite meal here was the eggs and tomatoes.
Finally, we loaded up the bus for the last time in Beijing and headed to the train station. The drive was very crazy and fast, but we made it safe and sound.
Everyone in our group went to sleep ASAP, so when Mike came down to say we were a little loud we closed shop. I have to admit, we were really rollin’ on the floor as I talked about my celebrity photo status. (In the last few days numerous amounts of people have asked to take pictures with me and some just take photos/videos on the sly)
I thought the train was cool. It was nice waking up and being in Xi’an, which I instantly liked.



And here are some of my photos and artwork inspired by Beijing:



________________________________________ ________________________________
my Dad has a DA account too!... Arnies-Corner


________________________________________ ________________________________________ __________________________________