I’ve been trying to think of how to write this blog because last weekend was the moment that I realized I live internationally. It sounds silly as I have been gone for almost two years, but it’s true. To make a long weekend a short blog, I rocked Hong Kong and Tokyo in the same weekend. I mean… the good, the bad, and the ugly. Like Vegas, that’s really all I can say. Last weekend also included a tech conference and needless to say, Jen and I were exhausted so we paid extra for the good seats on the return…
Year of the Turkey
Okay, I know it’s the Year of the Dragon (as I am reminded of nightly by the deafening firecrackers to ward off evil…) but since I will be moving to Istanbul, I am changing it up a bit. My new school is beginning to send me information and I thought this video was very interesting – I knew that Turkey was rich in history, but I had no idea how much. Start saving your pennies people and come see for yourself. In the meantime, enjoy the video! Year of the Turkey video
Breaking Up is Easy Peasy
Dear China, I am just going to come out and say it. I am breaking up with you. Yes, the rumors are true. I met someone else and his name is Istanbul. You’ve meant so much to me and I’ve grown leaps and bounds because of you. But let’s be honest. My need for open communication has always made you bristle. I know you have been listening; but have you really heard me? I’ve been enchanted with Istanbul for quite a while. He is dark, mysterious, and makes the best coffee. Don’t get me started on his cooking skills… delicious….
I’m a Vietnamese Millionaire!
I had 5,000,000 dong in my wallet (roughly equivalent to about $200US) – I was a millionaire in Vietnam. I already loved it but then I learned two things about Vietnam that will forever keep this country in my heart… in this place, sugar and coffee are kings. Find one of the many street vendors and have them whip up an iced, milk coffee (strong coffee with sweetened condensed milk and chilled on ice) or a freshly squeezed orange juice loaded with scoopfuls of sugar for about $1US. Or just walk around any street and you will find some funky,…
Buddha is Home
I glance over to see the serene gaze, the praying silence, and I am smitten with my new Buddha. He still needs to be cleaned up quite a bit, but with this quiet divinity next to my lovely cabinet, I can’t help but smile. Looking at him, it’s hard to imagine that he will be packed off and shipped to wherever my new home will be in six months time. Right now, that can’t come soon enough. Thank you to everyone for the thoughtful emails and comments. Simply put, it warmed my heart to no end. Like I told my…
home
Today is a particularly difficult day. I want to go home today. Like, California, mom’s hug, all the Christmas trimmings. Right now, I miss it immeasurably.
It’s Heavy Carrying Other People’s Garbage
We knew that we were being laughed at. Jen and I were walking through the Zhu Hai ferry station with our bags full of Chinese goodies on the way home after a productive day of shopping. Jen’s ‘spidey sense’ was on fire as she led us to a new area where we discovered Dude #1’s shop. Essentially, Dude is any Chinese vendor who sells us great things. He’s Dude #1 because so far, he has sold us the best stuff without the Western price tag. I have heard that many Chinese people in the countryside throw out what is now considered…
Head Scratcher
Jen and I did a ‘burn and turn’ this afternoon to Hong Kong – we left on the 4:30pm ferry right after work, shopped (purchased the cutest trouser jeans), and then returned on the 8:20pm ferry. So on the way there, as we chit chatted away, this random guy approached us. The first I noticed was that he stunk. And by that I mean he had really bad breath. He then incoherently spoke to Jen in Chinese about going to Taiwan and needing $5,000 US dollars… we couldn’t really tell. We both informed him that we weren’t interested, but then…
Before Claire Leaves China (BCLC)
Currently, I feel like a person jumping off a lovely, seaside cliff into the unknown… I gave my notice this week. As a result, my BFF Asia and I are making of list of all the things I need to do before I leave China. Part of this list includes things like getting certain clothes made, getting some paintings painted, finding this secret street in Shenzhen proper that sells antiques… fun things. And then she mentioned the packing word. This may sound weird coming from a person who travels, but I am not a fan of packing a suitcase. I…
Really, Made in China
Quick post but I need to share. I have talked about the pottery place here in the ‘Kou before, but today we found the secret room! I found a ton of name brand stuff, like Rachel Ray. I ended up buying several items for 147RMB… roughly $23US. The Rachel Ray piece with the lid retails for about $50.00 (I looked it up). I am attaching some photos so you can see for yourself. This is one of those times that I wish I had a portal so I could bring all of my family and friends to get these amazing…
traveling with claire 