JACOB MALONE, Radio major, writes: Sunday we took a day trip to Suzhou. Suzhou is an old Chinese city also referred to as the Venice of Asia. Not quite as many canals as expected. Suzhou is also the birthplace of world famous architect I.M. Pei. Pei is the main funder behind the Suzhou Museum. The museum has great examples of ancient art, as well as examples of gardens owned by ancient Chinese nobility. In the afternoon we went to one of the largest traditional gardens in all of China. Even in the cold winter months the gardens were beautifully cared for, and it was a very relaxing environment. Before we left Suzhou we were able to take a tour of the silk-making process. We were even treated to a silk fashion show. Needless to say, almost everyone bought something; I guess that is why the tour was free. Back in Shanghai we ate hot pot again. I love the food here, but I won�t miss my meal staring back at me.
