I left Thailand and headed to Kunming, China to enjoy a week with my college friends David and Marianne. I had such a fun time with them- it felt way too short. We ate great food, except for that one time that Marianne tried to get me to eat “pig’s sinew” (gross, Marianne). I forgot just how much I love real Chinese food. I am worried that I will be spoiled and unable to eat American Chinese food after this. (Sorry, Kahula. I know we’ve had a good run, but even the crab rangoons just aren’t cutting it these days.) We took a lot of little strolls around their part of the city, I explored a park nearby, we caught up on life and episodes of 30 Rock…it was fantastic. And it was so nice to share a little Christmas cheer with friends from home. It’s actually cold here, so I’m adjusting to the fact that it is indeed December, and I will no longer be enjoying a perpetual summer. Thankfully, Marianne let me borrow sweaters and coats, as the India/Thailand wardrobe just wasn’t going to cut it. I helped Marianne decorate their Christmas tree, and we listened to lots of Christmas music. There was even a cafe nearby that served peppermint mochas. And they were good. They were “cry tears of joy into your mug” good.
Marianne and I took a little excursion to a market near their apartment to pick up some things for dinner one night…the following are among the things we chose not to buy:
Fish heads…
…and pigs’ feet.
Yep, they sure know how to use every part of the animal in China. We, however, chose to forgo those little adventures and the digestive havoc they would most likely wreak. Despite the obvious exceptions (which also included eels and chicken blood) the market was a cool little place held in an old warehouse. They had about everything you could ever want. And then some.
It was also fun to see David and Marianne getting ready to welcome their first child in February. Our friends’ two-year-old daughter has declared that their baby’s name shall be Dodi Ham, which I wholeheartedly support.
I cannot thank David and Marianne enough for taking in this slightly weary traveler. I loved laughing with you guys. And I can’t wait to see pictures of little Dodi very soon!
3 Comments
December 12, 2008 at 4:59 pm
and? and? what’s next? I’ve been so lost in your adventures I’ve forgotten what’s next.
December 14, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Ha! I like to leave you on the edge of your seat. Now I’m in Shangai, China, staying with my friends Lisa, Dennis, and their very adorable one-year-old Will.
December 23, 2008 at 9:19 am
I love your pictures! You will be getting a big hug from me very soon! We’ve missed you. I love you have a safe trip home.