Because I was involved in a ridiculous amount of work in the last week, I have not had a chance to take a picture or even write a word except for lesson plans and comments on my students’ work. I am itching to “get out there” and see what my Nikon can find.

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy these shots of homes that I took last summer in Shanghai. I was surprised that everywhere I traveled in China, I saw laundry hanging from balconies, doorways, and window ledges. Here in the US, we keep our laundry behind closed doors or hanging on lines in the back yard, away from the eyes of strangers. Different cultures.

Click on any image for a closer look. 

Some small businesses away from the major business district

On a street away from the major business district

An apartment above a shop

Apartment building near a huge camera store

A few minutes before, I had seen these boys playing in a small fish pond inside of a peaceful meditation garden. Can you see the laundry hanging from the balconies?

Looking through the window of my hotel room in Shanghai

A tighter view of the rooftops from my hotel room reveals the ubiquitous laundry.

A side street off the Nanjing Lu

I liked this blue shirt that seems to be waiting for its person.

No laundry hanging from this apartment building protected by a heavy iron fence

Near the major business areas

I frequently walked this street in the French Concession.

Beyond the gate are homes.

There are many courtyards such as this on the streets I walked every day.

Beautiful home