I truly nearly killed some people trying to get on the local train with my suitcase, carry-on, and over-the-shoulder handbag. The Taiwanese on board were very forgiving, and found a place for me to sit before I could hurt myself and others. The train was very crowded with others going into the city to prepare for Chinese New Year. The walk, MRT, and Taxi parts were not nearly so dangerous! And even though I though I had downsized, I must downsize even more before we leave as each person must hoist their bag on the bus or boat on the long trip to the beautiful island of Borrocay.
I left all the travel gear in the apartment, and set out to get Kevin a birthday present...an LED picture frame for his desk. Ch has it up and running, butnow we need to upload the pictures. C & A arrived home after a 3 1/2 hour CNY party. A brought home a painted fan, a brush-painted red lantern, a string of "firecrackers," and red envelopes containing even numbers of chocolate coins. The room mothers who planned everything for 5 classes surely did a great job. We 3 took off to do more errands, stopping first in the neighborhood to see Jeannie's new apartment. They moved into the new place after my arrival in January. They spent 18 agonizing months in India with Dell (hairraising stories), but the artwork and rugs they bought were quite unique. You know I love to see that! C had helped her place her pictures. Her mother-in-law and other family members arrived yesterday, and they will spend CNY in Bali.
C picked up Indian tiebacks for her living room (pieces of painted art) and an outdoor bunny candle holder, and a chair for A's room and a red Chinese table at the Porch Gallery's sale. She had been waiting and waiting and calling and calling about the chair, so we hurried over when the telephone call came that they had arrived...well, at least two of them had arrived. She has made arrangements with a friend who has a car to pick them up today.
Ch arrived after our return home with two friends in tow who would spend the night. K arrived last with local food and 4 boxes of pizza from the ACC. The last thing I heard was a "SHUT UP!" between 2 and 2:30 AM. Let's just say they were all a little droopy on Thursday.
I was thrilled to be able to get my roots done and have my toenail polish changed at the ACC on Thursday morning. I made sure that was a possibility before I confirmed the Fulbright...a definite dealbreaker without it! Peter does C's hair, so he is familiar with those of us who wish to remain blonde until the day we die. He's lived in Taiwan for 20 years, after moving here from Hong Kong. He is spending his CNY holiday biking in the mountains during the daytime, and sitting in the hot springs at night. We also discussed earthquakes and typhoons...some things I am trying to prepare for in advance of those experiences, although I must say they are not new to me.
The remainder of Thursday was spent checking more "to do" things off the list before we leave. We ate lunch at Mosburgers, a local chain that the Ks like. I had my first fish burger...the "bun" was two thick "cookies" of sticky rice that are heated and browned before a mixture of fish and seasonings is inserted between them. C & I had pomelo tea, Asian "grapefruit" in the bottom of an iced tea glass. ..all very tasty and cheap. The 3 girls then walked to Sogo, and the boys went to TAS to play some football/basketball and hang out. We taxied back to TAS where I slipped out to check out The Bazaar for Chinese shirts and jackets...nada, only dark, heavy, wintry jackets on sale. We met back at the Havaiana flip flop store so the Ks could outfit themselves for the beach. The only one frustrated was C who could not find her slim size. Dinner was back at Shebaba for three families and kids. Just before we were scheduled to leave the apartment, the food from Mosburger's told me to stay home near a toliet. Nausea and low temp disappeared over night, but I still think I will be very careful today. I hope I am not looking for toliets as we make our way to Borrocay VERY early tomorrow. Today will be spent washing and packing and prepping for the early departure.
I have taken it upon myself to give you a feel of all the CNY decorations going up. The first set is from the ACC yesterday. I will walk around the 'hood today, weather permitting, to get some more perspectives. It has gone from 91 degrees yesterday noon, to 55 degrees as a high for today. I'm still going to try to walk the park this AM...it was good to hear the strains of "Yes, Jesus Loves Me" and "Take it to the Lord in Prayer" wafting through the air in Mandarin from the Christian dancers/exercisers again yesterday.
I just found out the ACC pictures will be uploaded on a separate post...I am such a techie....NOT!
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