As we get settled into our apartment, one armload at a time, there are some long days. If you need to buy an ironing board, mop and bucket, laundry basket, Tupperware containers, flour and rice (not to mention a coffee pot and rice cooker) it takes many trips on the bus back and forth to the market. You can only hold so many purchases while standing on a crowded bus. There are days I miss our blue minivan!
In contrast, as we settle into new relationships and rekindle old, the time flies!
This evening went by in a flash as we ate hot pot with good Chinese friends. Sipping tea while cooking our food in mini soup bowls at our table as we caught up, equals a perfect evening and marks why we returned. The kids ate so much I thought they might get sick. Our host chuckled that Soccer Dude and Roo had spent enough of their early days here to have a love for the local food that most foreign children don’t have! The young two also enjoyed the meal. When quail eggs were ordered because “children always love these” I had my doubts. To my surprise the kids were popping the tiny eggs in their mouths as if they were candy. I personally wasn’t as fond of them so I stuck with the mushrooms, tofu and rice noodles. All so yummy.
Our friends have also spent some time in Michigan. As we enjoyed the food, I asked them what American food they had enjoyed in the States. “Oh we loved that general tso’s chicken, eggs rolls and sesame chicken you have in the States.” I almost choked on my tofu from laughing. What we call Chinese food in the states is nothing like what they have here!
Enjoying the food and friendships while settling in – it makes the multiple bus trips seem a lot less difficult! 😉
The pictures are a bit blurry, but you get the idea! We had a great time. Somehow I missed getting a photo of Little Man. He was running around the room entertaining everyone and I was focused on keeping him away from the hot soup pots! We will get a photo of him next time!
Casting A Stone 