Well, I'm finally getting to the point where I am starting to talk about life in Wuhu again. In the span of four weeks, a lot happened in Wuhu. There were some changes that came unexpectedly. Most of those were surprisingly pleasant.

While we were gone, it had snowed pretty heavily in Wuhu. Brian was still around for the snowfall and so he managed to get a few photos. The place looks really different in the snow. It's hard for me to imagine how cold it might have gotten and how cold my students must've been in their unheated, uninsulated dormitory and class rooms. It was so cold in China during that time, that it snowed in the city of Kunming in the south. That's the "City of Spring" we're talking about. Unheard of.

Among the other surprises was the Walking Street. I think I've come to expect constant change on that street, but it was still a little unexpected. Before leaving Wuhu I remember seeing a slew of booths setup on the street, but they were all empty. Well, by the time we were back, those booths were filled with all sorts of little businesses. Most had become the sort of concession stand you would expect. Others became photo shop outlets to have your film developed or even to rent a camera. That's different. Then, there's the most interesting booth to me, the bubble tea booth. Bubble Tea has finally made its landing in Wuhu. I guess it was just a matter of time before this Taiwan fad would hit all the major cities on the mainland.

Another plus popped up right outside our campus's west gate. That's the gate closest to my apartment. A new supermarket call JinJiang opened its doors for business during the Spring Festival. We call it JJ for short and, let me tell you, it's created some new spending habits in us foreign teachers. I can buy products like Nescafe, M&Ms, Oreos, Chips Ahoy, Lays Chips, Doritos, New Zealand butter, Canadian bacon, cold milk, liquid soap, blue toilet blocks, and stainless steel mugs. That's just a sample of the things I could get there.

Also on the food front, one of Terry and Jan's friends found some really good tasting bread. It tastes like authentic Western bread. It's soft, tender, chewy, and even grainy. It tastes wonderful. It's become a regular staple in our lives now. It's nice to know that I can have breakfast in the comfort of my own home. An option to going out in the morning and scavenging for food was sorely needed. This bread is a God-send.

Another blessing is the discovery of a sports shop that carries decent in-line skates. I was scouring the department stores and other sports stores near campus for true in-line skates, but I only found them today with the help of a gracious friend. It took us some time, bargaining, and solving a mixup, but now I'm a proud owner of a pair of rollerblades. Heck, I'm even wearing them as I type. I'm ... ahem ... breaking them in. Maybe I've been out of Canada too long and I need to be in intimate contact with something that is loosely connected to home. Hehe.

Closer to home, what I think must the best surprise of all is 24/7 hot water. Before, the hot water in our apartments were limited to 2 or 3 hours in the evening. Now, though, we could take morning or daytime showers. It really helps after coming home from some strenuous exercise. I love it mostly because now I can wash my face in the morning with hot water. No more "Brrr!"

So a lot of good things have happened since we've come back. It's great. Classes are fun and starting to click again. Students are visiting and asking plenty of questions. Plus, spring (and allergies) are here. Not to mention that Internet costs are supposed to be reduced now. What great and abundant blessings! Who could ask for anything more?