Sometimes it's hard not to pick out all the negatives in a situation. I've noticed that whenever I start to think about all the things I miss about home (talking with family and friends, eating normal food, and understanding what's going on to name just a few), that's when being here is the most difficult. But if past experience has taught me anything, it's taught me to seek out and enjoy the small moments, to live the life you're given. It's not enough to just live them, though. No, you've got to make a record of them so you never forget how great the times were.
Like the day I bought 6 oranges, 2 apples and a watermelon all for under $3.
Or all the nights we have the opportunity to play with the kids before they go to bed
The day Kelbi and I found the most legit steak and coffee place right up the street. $6 for a steak!!
Going to the Chinese New Year's Festival with Ake, George and the group. Which, I thought was quite interesting actually. The festivities that take place are so... grand.. and we're not even in China! There were at least 4 days of celebration happening each night. Ake took us to the festival on the last and biggest night. They seemed to have an endless supply of fireworks, which were being shot off from a boat in the river. An insanely loud and bright concert took place on the river as well. There were so many colors and dang was it loud! I could feel my insides vibrating from all the speakers! The dancing was... well, there was a bit of a culture difference.
The monks tied money donations to a rope attached to the top of the temple to symbolize that it was going to the gods. Definitely not something you'd find in the States, but it was so cool to see.
Getting our fortunes in the temple. This was our first real experience of being openly gawked at, and while some of the group hated it, I didn't mind, which is weird. At home I hate any sort of attention being drawn to me for any reason, but here, in this strange and foreign land, I find it quite fun.
And then there was this gem of a car :D
These are the moments that make this experience such an eye-opener for me. I mean, I love it all, but these are the chocolate covering on a chocolate ice cream, because you really just can't get better than that.
And score. Surprise dinner with Tang :D
