March 10th...Shopping and Lunch (of course) with my Posse!

To say I have an absolute BLAST with these bunch of ladies is an understatement! Celeste, Pam, and Christine are just fun to be with and I so enjoy getting together with them. This is the same group that went to tea a couple of weeks back. I must take a picture next time we're together (which will be March 17th).
We started the day with lunch at the Indian at the Cross for some divine Indian food. It was delicious and we had a very enjoyable meal with much chatting and laughs! After lunch we headed to Shangtang Street: Suzhou's Shantang Street (山塘街) has always been regarded as the first name of Suzhou ancient streets. This has three reasons, Shantang Street has a long history of about 1,100 years, its layout and architecture are best to represent the characteristics of Suzhou's old alleys, and it has connections to many ancient Chinese celebrities and anecdotes.
It's a very unique experience with great shopping and wonderful little shops. Here are a couple of pictures:

The Canal that runs along the street

Shangtang Street

They still make the bamboo accordion fans. Here is an artisan at work:

We wondered the street and shopped for a couple of hours...many items were purchased between the four of us. Lots of lovely things and plenty of bargains. I got many gifts to take home.. and I purchased a couple of little paintings of Suzhou done by a local artist to hang here in the apartment. They will be a nice reminder of the time I have spent here.
Before we knew it, it was time to head back. It was a fabulous day...and I can't wait till March 17th.for our next excursion!