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Yancheng

 We're finally starting to get out on a few adventures.  Covid really put restrictions on us but now we're able to get out and it's so good.

The day after Christmas we went to a local tourist place called Yancheng.  The area is huge and it has a zoo (which we've been to), an amusement park, a museum and lots of little local shops and historical charm.  Things were closed that day because everyone was sick from Covid (we think), so it was just a walking tour.  I'm a huge fan of walking tours.  The girls, not so much. But we did it anyway.  

This is my favorite picture I took that day.  It has so many layers of Chinese culture.  In the foreground there is a brick fort that we are on, then you've got the older Chinese buildings, wires hanging below the bridge, waterways, a Ferris wheel, and high rises even farther in the distance.  

This post is mostly a landing ground for photos---for memories for the girls and my (bad?) habit of taking texture pictures.  So without further adieu, here is a photo dump:
This statue was carved between 618-900 AD.  Pretty old.
Close up of the statue.  One layer reminded me a bit of the sunstones.
My favorite fruit:  a pomelo.  I had never seen one on a tree, so it got its picture taken.
I'm fascinated with alleys.  This one has typical AC units attached, plus the ever conspicuous scooter.  Who lives here?  What are their lives like?  What do they need?  How do they make their living? Are they warm enough? What are their biggest concerns?  Are they happy?  For some reason alley ways get my questions churning every time.
Out of one of the windows on the fort that used to protect the city.
These kinds of scenes are so fascinating to me.  Look at how narrow that door is, and how high the step is.  There are wires running trying to modernize this old building.  Such charm.  And more questions churn.
One of the most common scenes here in China and I'm still stunned by it.
 It was fitting to find a holly bush right after Christmas!
Exit now if you don't like texture photos. 

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