Shanghai postcard #8

It's been really quiet this week, with the notable exception of lots and lots of fire crackers going off in celebration of Chinese New Year.

The contrast between Shanghai's noisy hustle and its quiet, contemplative side is one of my favorite things about this city. 

Rather than having a front yard, most detached houses here have a wall with a gate facing the street. I see the closed gates everyday and don't notice them until they're suddenly left open - revealing someone's quiet garden and quaint crooked path.

What have you seen around your neighborhood this week?