Lucky qi (7s)

Wow who would have thought that within the month we would be learning TWO different languages! I am so happy that the girls have their Mac Books now and are starting to function on them. And I received my iPad this week that Tom and the girls bought for my birthday. Now with the newest technologies, we are learning one of the oldest languages.

This morning I listened to Sarah's recording of herself speaking Chinese, while playing with Garageband - modifying the voice and speed. Now tonight, Madison and I have been trying out a character writing software app on the very cool big touch screen. And yes, the character above means seven!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

E-Mazing

This came from today's school newsletter. Sarah's classmates ran the whole thing! FYI- Edwin has MD and is to be out for the remainder of the term. You can maybe spot the girls in the group photo below. Hint: Maddy is wearing a white shirt and orange shorts. Sarah has her hair in braids and is wearing a plaid shirt.

Today showed just how strongly we can all come together and get behind someone we care about! Families baked 100s of cakes, generous donations were made and the school came out in a riot of orange. What started out as a small idea from some of his close friends to support their pal has turned into a giant affirmation from the whole DC community. Over $75,000 was raised in this first round of support.

Three of Edwin's close friends Zac Sang (10YDS), Angus Prosser (10SBR) and Max Carrey (10YDS), who were amongst the initial group who came up with the idea, were amazed at the response. "I was blown away by the generosity shown by everyone." Angus said. Max said "It was amazing to be part of helping a friend in this way." Edwin would like to thank everyone who has contributed. "I am extremely grateful for your efforts, support and generosity" he said in typically humble Edwin style.

All of us wish Edwin the best on his brave an difficult journey over the coming months as he undergoes a series of operations to straighten his spine.

Making it to Mui Wo

Mui Wo is the next village over from Discovery Bay. Apparently there is a wonderful hiking trail between the two, but we aren't ready to conquer that yet. So how do you get there? It's taken two months and two weekends to figure that out. As with everything, you can't just get a simple answer on Google. But with persistence, you can find the ferry schedule. And with trial and error, you can find the ferry.
The little boat is hidden on the other side of the bay off the regular bus route. It is not part of the regular transportation system, and takes cash only. Also the schedule is not nearly as frequent so you have to time everything perfectly...(Thus the two weekends to time it right)

But what's the big deal at Mui Wo, bikes.... And lots of them.

For the locals, it seems to be their only form of transportation to and from the village. For DBers, it is the SOURCE. The girls have been saving and plotting and pricing all summer. After reading tons of forums, we discovered that Friendly Bikes was the place to go. And so we did-Both decided on Giant brand mountain bikes with matching helmets and locks to ride them to school. The girls were extremely happy with their purchases, especially Madison who just go her very own, new, full-sized bike. No hand-me downs for her this time.