Frank's Dream Come True!

STARBUCKS Logo Mug Coffee Cup 11 oz
Can you imagine Frank's elation at the sight of this sign? Finally after almost three years without his precious Starbucks, it is coming to our city! He has scoured the city for other sites and there are at least two stores opening that we know of. I wouldn't be surprised to see him camping out at the door the night before grand opening in May. I personally find their coffee a bit bitter for my tastes but Frank is on cloud nine!

mandy

Fake Flea Market!

Kay and I did some exploring near the city center this past weekend. She hadn't been there yet so we wandered down the little streets. We walked through the pet market and petted some of the puppies in their boxes. One kissed me and the lady said I had to buy him because we had a connection. He was cute, but not that cute! Around the corner from them was what looked like a flea market. Hundreds, maybe thousands of porcelain, glass and metal knicknacks, tea pots and vases were set out on sheets on the ground. We thought how cool it would be to give some of the pieces as gifts since they were old, with lots of history and character. Kay found a patinaed copper tea pot and asked how much. 1000Y! What! We thought this was flea market! We practically fled the scene for fear of tipping something over. As we exited back out on the main street, a man sitting next to his outrageously expensive junk called out after us: Waiguoren! Tai gui le! Tai gui le! (Foriegner! Too expensive, too expensive!) Darn right! He was mocking us because that's what any Westerner would say to the hefty price tags they had placed on 50 cent goods.
mandy

Pics

 

A Day Off!

I was so looking forward to sleeping in today. School is out for Tomb Sweeping Day and we have the next two days off. We had to work on Saturday to make up for it but still. All I wanted was to sleep in. That dream was ripped from my pillow  by Ji Tang (chicken soup), the rooster next door (dubbed Ji Tang by me at 6:30 this morning when he opened his big mouth!). He crows every morning, but we hadn't heard him lately and assumed he had graced the dinner table with his presence. No, he is alive and well, and I am AWAKE! It wouldn't have mattered much if he hadn't crowed, because soon after, a very badly behaved child began screaming bloody murder in the courtyard below and hours later, with many adults around watching her, is still at it. Someone please spank that child! But, I have the day off! Time to do laundry, blog, study(maybe), crosstitch, and anything else I can get done before time for dinner. I'm cooking tonight. Low-country boil. Chinese style (meaning whatever ingredients I can get that resemble the real thing). The weather has finally warmed up! This is what its supposed to be! I went out yesterday in three layers, scarf and gloves and was down to my capris and sleeveless shirt by noon. Glorious! Now if I can just get some rest.  Maybe tomorrow Chicken Soup will sleep in and the brat will stay at home. I can wish can't I?
mandy

People

     
 

 


 

mandy



 

Welcome To China!

Those are the words I say every time something doesn't go the way we think it should. Now, Ralph has started saying it too. But, a visit to any of the parks or restored "ancient towns" gives you another meaning to the phrase. The people here are very welcoming. Terribly curious, but welcoming. At least they stare with a smile. You can talk to just about anyone and expect to get a positive reaction. Even if they have no clue what you are saying, they will smile and grab their friends so they can look at you too. I am fond of the old men. I admire their silent strength. They lack the desolate look that many elderly in Western countries have.  One day, I hope to be able to understand the stories they tell.
 
mandachino

Back To Work!

Sorry it took me so long to get back to you. We ended up our last three days in Bangkok and had no internet access. We had the opportunity to stay at a local school that houses translators, and other volunteers, so we took it. It was a very special experience getting to eat breakfast with them every morning and tour the facilities. Everyone was so nice and there were several people from America working in construction. The grand opening of the new kitchen facilities took place our first day, complete with ribbon cutting! We were treated like special guests and even got a ride to the airport on our last day. There were other visitors there from Norway who also work at similar place, in the management division. We spent one day in the main part of Bangkok after a long boat taxi ride and we walked ourselves to death. Seven hours of straight walking in the hot sun! But, I we both managed to find a few pieces of clothing that we needed and we didn't get too lost. Here are some pics of the new kitchen and sights in Bangkok. I will post pictures of the rest of our trip as soon as possible.

mandy