Things I'm going to miss about China

Grocery shopping

Things I'm going to miss about China

Eternal rain

Things I'm going to miss about China

Eating with plastic gloves

我爱我的父亲

I have the best Dad in the world.  And it doesn't get said enough.

Dad works hours that would vanquish most people and I'd expect him to come home and sleep the whole weekend.  Instead, I usually walk outside and see his legs sticking out from under someone's car that has broken down and is sitting in our driveway.  I don't think I know anyone with a servant heart as big as his.  I think he spends all of his free time doing things for other people, and I've often been the recipient of his generous nature.

His smile is contagious and he takes every opportunity to share it with anyone he is talking to.  I used to pride myself on never getting homesick but today, I miss my parents terribly.  So I'd like to take this opportunity to say,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!
I LOVE YOU!

Things I'm going to miss about China

Split pants

Things I'm going to miss about China

The Indian canteen

蝎子。。。没问题，我吃过了

One of the most entertaining and simultaneously annoying features of a dinner party in China is the constant toasting.  Every few minutes someone feels the urge to stand up and say something complimentary to someone else in the group.  Then everyone proceeds to drink their corn juice, or baijiu, or whatever strange concoction is brewing in their glass at the moment.  The time came for Jessica to salute her students for bringing us to such a wonderful restaurant, perched in the side of a cliff.  She extolled the greatness of the evening, elaborating on how we loved all of the dishes on the table.  "Usually there is something that is very strange for foreigners to eat, but this time we love everything!"

The next bowl was brought out with a flourish and placed in front of me.  I glanced up at the tiny legs and pincers glistening amongst the chili peppers.  Scorpion anyone?

In case you are wondering they taste so good I had seconds.

"Could you recommend some delicious food to me?

Of course.  Er…would you like some desserts at first?  And I advice you to try beverage.  It's fresh today.

I'd like some hot dessert.  The beverage sounds nice.  I'll try.

I guess the main course for you should be vegetable salad.

Thanks.  I'm right on a diet.

Have a good time."

-A conversation my students wrote