上海 Shanghai, China (Summer Camp)

We are now in Shanghai where i will be attending Mandarin Summer Camp for 6 weeks.  I'm excited and nervous at the same time because i don't know what to expect.  I hope i don't mess up on my first day of school. Shanghai is a very big city - over 25 million people (the largest city in the world!). It is a beautiful city and so far i like what i see.  My mom took me to The Bund which is a waterfront area in the center of Shanghai (Wooow i have never seen so many people in one place) - the fact that i speak some Mandarin helps because most people including taxi drivers don't speak a word of English.

On The Bund

Happy Birthday to me and over 19 million people who share this day...

Today (June 20) is my birthday - I finally reached 9!  My mom won't make a big birthday celebration since we are leaving for China in a few days.  Only a few friends will join me on my birthday - Happy birthday to me!
To the over 19 million other people who were born on this day with me - this is for you!

An 8 year old at a night club?

Yes, only in Asia! I went to a night club with mom, dad and our friend Simon.  I had never been to a nightclub before - all i could say is it was fun! We danced the whole night and came home at 1:30am.  I didn't know people enter nightclub as homosepians but depart as homoerectus:)

My dad and I dancing...

DJ

Penebel near Tabanan - Bali

We left Ubud and drove up to Penebel to visit Kiki and Robert at their house. This part of Bali is really peaceful and beautiful but the best thing is the people who live in this part of Bali get to protect this area from pollution and new buildings. The air and water is super clean.  As for Robert and Kiki's house - this is one of the most beautiful houses i've ever been to. The house is built high up in the mountains overlooking the green rice paddies with the most stunning views of Bali's valcanos.

Kiki

Kecak Dance - Ubud, Bali

This performance i will never forget! Kecak dance tells a story of Hindu Prince Rama and his rescue of Princess Sita who was kidnapped by the evil king of Lanka.  I had never seen anything like it. It was hard to follow the story at times since there was no translation.  About 50 men are chanting, clapping, hitting their chests, thighs and shouting. The performance was very dramatic, the dancers were full of energy and costumes were amazing!

Fire dance

Pura Tirta Empul

This Hindu temple is also known as the Temple of the Holy Water. People from all over Bali travel to this temple. They come to bathe in the holy water and also collect the water to take home for ceremonies. Anyone can cleanse in the holy water but you have to wear a sarong to cover your legs.

Pura Desa (Temple)

Bali - "the island of a thousand temples". Pura Desa temple is surrounded by a beautiful garden right in the middle of Ubud.  Mom and Dad's friend took us inside the temple and explained to us about Balinese Hinduism.  We had to dress up appropriately for the ceremony otherwise entrance is prohibited. Both men and women are required to wear sarong and sashes. See my dad and I below: