Girls Weekend

I have always wanted to go to Harbin, a second-tier city in the far northeast corner of China.  This "Ice City" is known for its Russian influence and its annual Snow and Ice Festival (one of four in the entire world) held each year.  But it is bitterly cold, with highs during the festival of less than 0 degrees Fahrenheit.  So instead of hauling the family and all of our cold gear up to Harbin, a group of us ladies decided to do a short one-night trip to check this China must-see off the list.


It was worth the trip, but was indeed close to the coldest weather I have ever been in, with the nighttime temps around -15F.  And we were lucky enough to also experience some of the worst pollution on record, with the levels on Saturday exceeding what could be even be measured. But it only takes a few good friends and a few bottles of beer to make it a memorable one.  

Kristin through a single ice block

Walking across the frozen Songhua River

The Great Wall made out of Snow

More snow sculptures

The Ladies