So Bri's birthday weekend began fairly normally. At his request we had homemade falafel and naan...yes, we're so risqu
é as to combine Israeli and Indian food....but hey, we live in a country where eating chicken feet is normal!
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| Yes, he's eating tomatoes! |
Now somehow these six months have gone by without me telling you about an important piece of decor left behind in our apartment: we are the proud (temporary) owners of a samurai sword. And Brian's been itching to try it out. Hence the birthday watermelon. Who knew a $2 gift could bring such joy?
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| Spoiled, yes. One cake for home, one for an impromptu BBQ |
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| The "grown-up" version of a first day at school photo...all excited to head out the door! |
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| Yeah, I flinched when the watermelon and sword came flying at me.... |
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| So even a dull sword can slash through a watermelon. The birthday boy was happy. |
Ahhh yes, there is nothing that goes together better then beards and blades! Happy belated birthday Brian, sounds like you are having a great time in the land of enlightenment. Leslie, your writing is phenomenal as I am sure you have heard before, I look forward to reading more of your adventures there. How is the language coming along? I have been picturing you both joining the masses at dawn floating the crane tai chi, Brian with his sword balancing on a cherry blossom, fighting against the evil jiang shao and his armies of flying delicious fruits. Take care you two, I am jealous as hell!! Troy
ReplyDeleteHi Troy! Great to hear from you! Language is coming slowly--we have 2 lessons a week. The biggest frustration is the locals have no interest in speaking with us so we don't get much practice. The Chinese secretary at Bri's office told him locals don't expect foreigners to be able to speak correctly, so they don't bother to listen! But our teacher's parents are coming over Sunday to teach us how to make dumplings, so we'll be speaking as much Chinese as possible! Will we get to see you at Thanksgiving?
ReplyDeleteAhhh yes ghijee! That is not even close to the phonetic spelling but, I have encountered that as well here in the states. Even here we are foreigners, ha ha. You two have inspired me to start back up with languages, sometimes life gets busy with the day to day grind and fun gets blurred in the suck. At least that is what my marine friend would say. I haven't made plans for thanksgiving yet, I may be going to Baltimore to be with Kelly's family not sure, but I will keep you apprised. Until then, good luck with the dumplings ! Take care and my best to you both Troy
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