In the West, we often hear about the Chinese Spring Festival and equate it with our New Years celebration, because of the timing.  I can safely say that the Spring Festival is far, far more intense and involving that any holiday we have in the USA.  The best part is that most Chinese companies and businesses give everyone a 2-4 week vacation!  I spent my time having extended Cultural Excursion Days and exploring China.  

The Kai Xuan Men Dasha Spice Market, Shanghai, China

Changshou Park, Shanghai, China

Huxinting Teahouse at YuYuan Garden, Shanghai, China

Jing’an Sculpture Park, Shanghai, China

Dong Tai Lu Antiques Market, Shanghai, China

Jing’an Sculpture Park, Shanghai, China

Changshou Park, Shanghai, China

Changshou Park, Shanghai, China

Changshou Park, Shanghai, China

Changshou Park, Shanghai, China

Jing’an Sculpture Park, Shanghai, China

Changshou Park, Shanghai, China

Changshou Park, Shanghai, China

The Kai Xuan Men Dasha Spice Market, Shanghai, China

Changshou Park, Shanghai, China

Changshou Park, Shanghai, China

Changshou Park, Shanghai, China

Rope shopping during Spring Festival madness at YuYuan Garden, in Shanghai, China

Changshou Park, Shanghai, China

Changshou Park, Shanghai, China

Changshou Park, Shanghai, China

The Kai Xuan Men Dasha Spice Market, Shanghai, China

Changshou Park, Shanghai, China

Jing’an Sculpture Park, Shanghai, China

Dong Tai Lu Antiques Market, Shanghai, China

Changshou Park, Shanghai, China

Dong Tai Lu Antiques Market, Shanghai, China

Changshou Park, Shanghai, China

The Kai Xuan Men Dasha Spice Market, Shanghai, China

Jing’an Sculpture Park, Shanghai, China

Jing’an Sculpture Park, Shanghai, China

Changshou Park, Shanghai, China

Changshou Park, Shanghai, China

Dong Tai Lu Antiques Market, Shanghai, China

Changshou Park, Shanghai, China

Zhujiajiao is whats called an “Ancient Water Town” because its made up of canals and waterways that people still use to travel through the city with.

The Kai Xuan Men Dasha Spice Market, Shanghai, China

Zhujiajiao is whats called an “Ancient Water Town” because its made up of canals and waterways that people still use to travel through the city with.

Zhujiajiao is whats called an “Ancient Water Town” because its made up of canals and waterways that people still use to travel through the city with.

Jing’an Sculpture Park, Shanghai, China

Zhujiajiao is whats called an “Ancient Water Town” because its made up of canals and waterways that people still use to travel through the city with.

Huxinting Teahouse at YuYuan Garden, Shanghai, China

Changshou Park, Shanghai, China

Cultural Excursion Day is a concept I came up with in my travels.  No matter where I am in the world, I take a few days every month to do things there that can’t be done anywhere else in the world.  The goal is to expose myself to cultures, activities, and people who I ordinarily wouldn’t be able to because they are unique to where I am living at the time.  I go out to take part in something special to that part of the world.  Being able to step into other cultures and learn how they live is a crucial Life Skill.