Emily and the Miao People

Emily is studying Symbolism at school and the Miao People (pronounced the same as the noise a cat makes) have a lot of symbolism in the dress and culture. Here are some shots from their visit.

Someone gave her a big pencil for her birthday.... only Emily would use it at school!

Claudia's New Haircut

She had been hassling me for a fringe - I gave in. If she says one more time, "I look like a completely new person." I will go crazy. I like it, Paul isn't so keen.

Lets hope it encourages her to brush her hair a bit more often?

Claudia's Art Show

Emily is 9u

Emily turned 9 this week. She celebrated at school and is having a slumber party Friday night.

Here is her at school and the amazing cake I made her.

Xi'An

We have just returned from an wonderful weekend in Xi'An. Xi'An is the home of the Terracotta Warriors and a place I have always wanted to visit.

In true Ciempka style, our plane was cancelled due to fog and snow so we had to catch the overnight train to Xi'An. This was no where near as bad I as I thought it was going to be. We had our own little cabin with 4 bunks and it only smelt slightly of cigarettes. Which in China is a miracle. I think the true highlight of the trip was trying to use the squatty potties on the train with out falling in as the trian swayed its way across China.

Once we made it to Xi'An, we headed straight for the Warriors. They certainly lived up to my expectations. It would have helped if it wasn't - 10 degrees inside the hall and and we could have stayed longer with out freezing! I could have looked at them for hours.

We explored Xi'An, the city wall, the Muslim Quarter, the Wild Goose Pavillion and some markets and Muslim Mosques. It really was a lovely weekend!

These photos show just how cold it was.

Emily's Living Wax Museum

My Amazing Brother

My brother Doug is a chiropractor who is in Africa working voluntary for 6 weeks working with people who are living in poverty, refugees, rape and violence victims and sick. I just want to take the opportunity to tell him how proud I am of him, inspired by him and think he is doing an amazing thing.

Doug your life will never be the same. We are one of the lucky ones.