Here are a few things I've seen on my walks recently.

There was a long, orderly line of people in conical hats and matching outfits walking along our street. I have no idea who they were, what group they may have been from, where they were going. The last person in line was handing out some literature but we are often overlooked when people are handing out pamphlets. I guess that's just as well since my ability to read Chinese is even worse than my spoken Chinese, which is to say that it's nonexistent. Actually, at Chinese class tonight I learned to recognize the character for pig and for home because they are very similar - home is where your pig is, after all.

Speaking of Chinese class, we experienced an earthquake during class tonight. One of my classmates pointed out that we were experiencing one before I felt it. It lasted for a minute or two and wasn't so much scary as disconcerting and interesting. "Oh, wow, we're having an earthquake. Look how the tea in our cups is vibrating!"

It's clearly spring around here. There are quite a few different kinds of trees with huge blossoms - pink, purple, white, yellow. I have no idea what kind of trees they are but they're beautiful and people love taking their pictures.

Last sight for this post:

I can't ride my bike for another month or so but I can still notice other people's bikes. This is a three-seater. Mom or Dad pedals while the toddler sits behind them and the baby rides in front. Chances are none of them will be wearing helmets.