I am walking through the winter park where the trees stand cold and bare (光秃秃的). The yellow leaves have fallen to the ground. Now, a group of women gather at the sides of a path. In the cold winter, they're moving their arms and legs to a rhythm (节奏). They are, of course, the dancing aunties.

    It seems that if you go to any public space around China, you're likely to see these dancing aunties. When I first came to China, it was one of the first things that annoyed me. That's because in Britain dancing in public is not a cultural habit. You won't see any age group swinging their arms and tapping their feet in a park. Usually, they just take a walk for exercise.

    Now and again the dancing aunties have hit the headlines (头条新闻). Some people find them annoying. But others respect their right to dance in public. Most of them are middle-aged. They finally have some free time to do whatever they like. There is no more work, and their kids have left.

    All in all, I like seeing these women enjoying themselves. They remind us of the importance of exercise as we get older. Besides, most of them have raised the whole families. Now it is their time to have fun and enjoy some peace.

Street Markets Around the World

    There are many ways of shopping. You can shop by telephone, by post or through your home computer, but for many people, the most exciting way to shop is also the most traditional—at a street market. You can find markets anywhere in the world. Here are four of them:

    There are many "floating markets" in Asia; perhaps the most unusual(非同寻常) is in Thailand(泰国), at a place called Damned Saduak. It's open from six in the morning to the noon every day. People sell fresh fruit from their boats.

    Many Belgians(比利时人) say that the Grand Place is the most beautiful square in the world. It's the home of a colorful flower market. It's open every day except(除了) Monday. On Monday, instead of(替代) flowers, there's a wonderful bird market.

    One of the world's famous markets is in Mexico City(墨西哥城)—the Sonora Market. You can buy toys, birds, herbs(草本) and medicine. There're all kinds of things. It's open every day from early in the morning till late at night.

    In England, on Saturday and Sunday thousands of young people from all over London travel to the Camden Market—it's the place to go for street fashion, CDs and tapes. Many people also go there for fun.

    In the Middle Eastern country of Syria (叙利亚), there are over 4 million refugees (难民). Youssef was 10 years old when a local Syrian musician discovered his talent: a deep, powerful voice. However, Syria's civil (内部的) war took place. He and his family lost their home.

    When the Action for Hope Music School announced that it was looking for talented children to train, his family encouraged him to attend the school. A year and half later, the now 14-year-old, Youssef, with another 11 children, was chosen to take part in a concert.

    Youssef, a shy boy, was a lead singer in the concert. He gave a confident performance of traditional Syrian songs. “We only heard the sound of a mortar ( 迫 击 炮 ). It fell near us. Many buildings fell down. That is all I remember,” said Youssef. “Music makes me forget everything. Music is the most important thing.”

    Basma, director of Action for Hope, said the music school offers strength to the children who suffer (遭受) from the war. They can find a good way to express themselves and stop thinking of themselves as refugees.

    “Art gives strength. It comes from the ability to create,” Basma said. “People who are in difficult conditions need this strength much more than the rich.”

    Ms Lin, an expert on psychology, is giving a speech about how to stay relaxed.

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    Whenever you need help, turn to your parents and friends for help.  It's better to speak the worries out and get some advice from others.  Sometimes you will feel relaxed when you find that someone else has the same problems as you do. 

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    If you find yourself stressed out, try to find a way to let the feelings out. Doing breathing exercises, listening to music, doing some sports and taking a walk may help. Or just shout it out if the other things don't help you feel better.

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    When you calm down, it's time to deal with your problem. You should find out what the problem is and figure out a way to solve it. If you can't solve all of it at once, you may begin by solving part of it. When you don't know what to do with your problem, you may become stressed.  But when you've found out what the problem is and have started solving it, you will find your stress gone.

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    Every coin has two sides. Looking at the dark side can make you stressed and it won't help solve your problem. So why not look at the bright side? You may find your problem not too hard to deal with when you are less stressed out. And more ideas will come up to you when you are relaxed.

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    After you have solved the problem or part of the problem, buy yourself a gift, go and see a movie or just hang out with your friends. You will enjoy the feeling of being relaxed.

    Do foreigners find online shopping fun or painful? Some of my foreign friends have shared their online shopping stories with me.

    Ari James(the US)

    One of the first things I was told about China is Taobao. When I arrived in Nanjing, it didn't take me a long time to start buying things from Taobao. I bought bags, shoes and many other things.

    Christine(Australia)

    I've been shopping online for nearly three years. Now I'm completely in love with Taobao. I can find almost everything I want on it. It took me a long time to get used to online shopping, since most online shops serve Chinese people. But as soon as I got the knack(诀窍), online shopping became quite easy.

    Barbara Gordon(the US)

    I've only used Taobao a few times. Compared with website like Amazon, Taobao is worse. You have to be very careful about what you will buy in order to avoid scams(诈骗). If Taobao can try harder to fight against online scams, it'll be more successful.

    Lindy(Canada)

    I can't stop shopping on Taobao! I often search for what I want through Taobao of a whole day! I'm so crazy about traditional Chinese gifts. I won't miss this year's shopping day.

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