The holidays

Between Christmas, New Years, my birthday, and now Chinese New Years happening right at this very moment, it's been a busy few weeks. The last month has been amazing. Really and truly, it has gotten so much easier on a day to day basis, thanks to my Chinese coming along well and some great new friends I've met. Oh, and a dangerously fun social life. The city, as big as it is, is becoming familiar finally. I can tell where I am, usually, and I have a pretty good idea about the particulars of a neighborhood. Mine of which, is the best if you ask me. I love it.

Here's some of the highlights:

Some of my faves. Two Californians, one Floridian, a Chinese girl, and two Tibetan boys. Makes for a fun night out on the town. There's a huge Tibetan community in Chengdu. More than once have I had Tibetan moonshine and yak meat for dinner.

Pandas! Are you kidding? They're the cutest little things on the planet. Other than my nieces, these guys win the award for adorable little snuggles. But the truth is they smell, and will maul your face off if you really try and touch one. Good thing Chengdu has a breeding center where you can view from afar. Anna and I took a trip here last month.

FOOD: You know I love it. And Sichuan has got its fair share of delicious food on every corner. This particular night was my birthday dinner. I like spicy so I came to the right place. In almost everything they have these little balls that, if you eat one, it'll make your mouth go completely numb for 5 minutes. It hurts- let me tell you. But if you're careful to avoid the little suckers, you will enjoy every meal. It truly is some of the best food I've ever had. From baozis to Kung Pao chicken to shou kao, the food is insanely delish. Thank God, I walk everywhere.

Chunxi Lu. A walking street where you can literally buy anything you'd ever want. It's pretty cool at night. I like this picture.

In Chinese, the word for handsome boy is Shuigou. These shuigous are my co-workers and they are hilarious! Despite the language barrier, these guys manage to crack me up. Especially White Horse and Boar who I'm standing in the middle of. These guys are the techie brains behind BDMJ. This was at our company New Year's party. 

Pretty fun huh? I think so...I'm really loving it. China is awesome. Chinese New Years is LOUD. Fireworks everywhere right now! I just looked out my window, and I can see fireworks for days. Pretty cool. Kate comes tomorrow for a visit. So excited beyond belief. I'll post some pics of the shennanigans, which I'm sure will ensue upon her arrival. 

Happy year of the rabbit!