Recap of Past 2 Weeks

Greetings, Friends, Family, and those who have randomly clicked through to our blog--

It's been about two weeks since I have let you in on what's going on over in my corner of the world! Here's a recap of some of the past days' events:

- Last Monday, September 14th was our anniversary! (I INTERRUPT THIS TO TELL YOU-- I just saw a pair of denim pants fall from the clothesline of another apartment and coming flying through the air! That was weird to see soaring pants!) Yes, it was our anniversary, and also the day Typhoon Koppu decided to wreak havoc in Hong Kong. Tripp and I went to this massive enclosed mall since the rest of the city was boarding up and shutting down. We went ice skating-- no small feat in this humidity-- and had a blast. Think of two giants wobbling on skates unable to control which way we were going and Asians having to race out of the way of our warpath. Unfortunately these memories are only in my head, as Tripp would not allow any pictures to be taken of this blessed event. After our Ice Capades, we went to an Italian place and split a yummy pizza with mushrooms and EVOO. So tasty! We had dessert at a coffeehouse inside this same mall, then ventured outside to find the city deserted. The wind was going nuts and our umbrellas flipped inside out. We waited for ages for a bus to come by, but to no avail. Once the rain started coming down, we were getting pretty nervous. I had never seen anything like it! The two lone cabs we hailed quoted us triple the regular price, and I was too stubborn (or cheap) to agree, so I got out. Luckily, a Cantonese guy heading our same direction hailed a third taxi, and talked him down to the normal rate. Then he surprised us by insisting on paying the fare, saying, "for my friends! my new friends!" To top it all off, the typhoon warning was up to a Level 8 the next morning, so everyone got the day off school! A Happy Anniversary indeed!

Other things worth mentioning:
- We had a great time visiting St. Andrew's Church with Phyllis, our friend from Singapore. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming!
- Last week the teachers were eating sweet potatoes as part of their lunch. When I was offered some, I readily accepted, and then found not only do they serve the regular orange ones, but also a true purple color! Talk about a bowl of Clemson goodness! Would make great tailgate food in the form of purple and orange sweet potato fries!
- We have been so blessed to have people all around extending the hand of friendship. Jamie, a great girl we met through Tripp's Aunt Betsy and Uncle Doug, invited us to dinner last Sunday night and we really enjoyed getting to know her! Tripp has been making all kinds of friends, and is excelling in the South China Men's Basketball League. We have met some great people through that, as well.
- There is a stereotype that Asians have a high level of respect for their teachers. One example of this-- when the whole class is walking somewhere and spot me in the hallway, they all freeze and turn my direction, then bow deep and chant slowly, "Goooood afternooooon, Miss Sarrrraaaa". Too cute.
- Liza stepped on a chicken head. Middle of the sidewalk, no big deal. Beak and all.
- I have been sick this week-- went to a doctor's office they have converted to a flu clinic to deal with the masses getting H1N1. Got tested and am waiting on results to see whether its swine flu or not. Regardless, I am currently on my third sick day off of work-- and I only get three for the whole year! Better get well soon!! Fingers crossed those around me will stay healthy.
- Last but not least, a huge congratulations to Caroline and Geoff who got married on Saturday! Hate I could not be there for your big day!!

Love yall! SB