Suzhou

A quick day trip from Shanghai, Suzhou is a place Jordan has always wanted to go but never made it. Maybe because it is on the bullet train, or maybe because we just had the will, we finally made it to this place they call the "Venice of the east."

They use the term Venice loosely. Most of the once prolific canals have been filled (paved paradise and put up a parking lot), but a few have remained for tourism purposes. They are very lovely though!

The canals are not very busy navigation wise, but for the random gondolas carrying Lao wai (foreigners). However, they are bustling with something else - the Chinese middle class taking wedding photos! It's hysterical but I somehow didn't get a camera phone photo but will get one up here sometime. 

In lieu of silly Chinese wedding photos, you get us! 

We had a real treat for lunch, because let's get real, it's all about he food. We found a local noodle place that was to die for. 

Don't mind the hair flip. 

The other thing Suzhou is famous for is its gardens. They are pretty for sure! 

Me zen. 

Here is Jordan being serene. The garden is expansive and full of bridges and wandering paths. And Chinese people wanting to take pictures with Lao wai.