Evidence of a return!! Bonus, your name has been mentioned every weekend since you left. A devine reunion it will be. Until I read this entry, I couldnt escape thoughts of the slim possibility that you would stay past your 1-year plan. Enjoy the last couple months.
Fun Poem I wish I could bring a case of spotted cow with me when I come. Sadly I think my only option is to fill two ounce containers with beer and hope for the best - not exactly a perfect a plan. They do make soap out of Fat Squirrel though that might be more TSA friendly.
I enjoyed your post. My blog is looking for travel photos, stories, accommodation reviews, and food reviews. If you have the time and have some to share, email us at dirtyhippiesblog@gmail.com or check us out at dirty-hippies.blogspot.com
Continued fun on your travels,
Eric
Nate, How great that you and Ben got to spend time together. That's so cool! I'm glad to see that even you finally have limits in terms of what you will eat! Pig brains.....tooooooo gross! I'm so glad you are continuing to do your blogs, they really allow us to have a glimpse of what life has been like for you. Stay safe, Ann
My head still feels great Nate- fabulous tour guide. I'll swing by to pick up the check real soon. Can I borrow $1,000? I'll pay you back in ten years.
Love the Pics & your writings Chris, what great pictures of your trip. It really does look COLD.
Nathan, your story telling & comments are fantastic. I could see your Mom's expressions through your writings! Thanks for sharing!
awesome pics. What a great family reunion. Looks like your parents had a blast. I hope you find Ben somewhere and you guys get a chance to hang out soon! Much love and keep the tales coming, cuz. -Kate
Nate, What a great year your having! I'm so glad that your parents and Ben got to come visit you. I fear I would not have been quite as adventuresome as your parents when it came to food........
Touring China during the Spring Festival was fun - 7 planes, 5 ferries, 1 boat cruise, 1 subway, 1 bus trip (oh my!) and several taxicabs in 14 days.
I learn a lot about China’s history, beautiful ancient buildings, 300 year old cypress trees & customs. The people were friendly and generous. The crowds were overwhelming but did offer me the chance to “rub shoulders” with the locals. Food I love the dumplings, spring rolls, cabbage and pork dishes I could get used to you pouring jasmine tea for me.
Your Mandarin is good (impressive), whether you were bargaining for items, ordering dinner, or asking for directions - you took great care of us Thank you. Love, Mom
Thailand Great descriptions. Yes the LadyBoys are somthing. Glad you were safe. Must have been my twin in Thailand. Heard from your folks that they had a wonderful trip. We cannot wait to see some of the photos and hear more.
Take care! Rita
Once in a life time holiday Dad and I had a wonderful time in China ~ being able to see the culture and people through your eyes added to our experience. I am impressed with your Mandarin language skills and the different dialects. I am not sure where you learned to barter for a price, but you made many shop owners smile at the challenge. I found the people to be warm and generous with their smiles and jesters, thanks Nate for showing us your China.
Hey thanks Aunt Chris!, We are all in China and having a great time. I'll make sure to make them eat everything and take some pictures of my mom 'using' her chopsticks, hilarious!
Hi Nate...... Hi Nate,
Just wanted to check in - I know your mom and dad are leaving tomorrow to see you in China - how exciting. You guys will have a wonderful time and you'll show them all of the sights! Make sure they eat some of the stuff you've talked about! Enjoy your time together! Love, Aunt Chris Sr.
Taco Bell Update Nate,
Given your love of Taco Bell, I thought you would want the news -- today's headline in MSN - Taco Bell founder dies at age 86 - Glen W. Bell launched Taco Bell in 1962 in Los Angeles area. A sad day for those of you who love Taco Bell!
Rita
catching up Nate, Good to catch up. You have been on my mind a lot as the headlines in the morning paper are about Google and China. I wonder what the people you know think of Googles stand on sensorship. China is such a big market it is always a balancing act for US companies wanting be a part of it and make money and the challenge of "Playing by the rules" that China sets. We will see how this plays out in the long run.
It is good to look back and see what six months brings. Thank you for sharing that experience. In your case the changes are more readily apparent. And -- what about that great news about your sister Emily- We are all very excited about her engagement! I am sure you have read about the earth quake in Haiti, the news of the disaster is worse every day. We are all getting back into the normal work patterns now that the holiday s over -- but you are soon heading into Chinese New Year -- a wonderful time! Kind of fun to separate it from Christmas. Nice to see the photo Carmen. Where are they moving to in Canada? Jimmy and I love Canada, so we hope her family will be happy. Wait until she hears their accents, eh? Well -- got to go. Stay happy. Rita
another midwesterner in zhongshan
hey nathan, just stumbled across your blog. Nice job. I'm a wisconsin-ite that's been in ZS for about 3 years. never had the ambition to blog, but enjoy reading yours keep it up. weather sucks now but better than the 5 degrees F back home!
hey Aunt Rita it is wierd to think there might be a little Koffel get together on the other side of the planet, but Im excited. This New years is just a warm up. Everyone celebrates but Spring Festival is the real shabang, very exciting.
Christmas in Saint Charles, IL Nate,
Good to read your blog. Yes it s a small world. We had a great Christmas celebrating at Jim's sister's home on Christmas Day and at his nieces on Christmas Eve. The celebration on Christmas Eve was fun. Jimmy's niece has 2 daugters age 2 and 4. And Santa Claus came! It is so cool to be around kids who really still believe. Lots and lots of presents were opened, and squeals of delight! So much for it being a down economy. You could not tell from what we saw at least for the kids!
It rained on Christmas Eve and Day which was good because lots of folks were traveling. But today it has been snowing since dawn. As I sit here typing we have about 6 inches of fresh snow and it is still coming down hard. So, we are doing the American thing and eating leftovers, watching foot ball, and generally taking it easy.
Not much new to report. I was excited to talk to your Dad and hear that they are coming to visit you! That will be wonderful. I guess your cousin Ben is also headed your way at the same time. Amazing to think there is a family gathering half way around the world.
I hope New Years Eve is fun...do you celebrate now and in February? Or is this just a warm up to the real thing?
You have your folks guessing on the "girlfriend" thing......good luck!
Take care for now and Happy New Year! Rita & Jimmy
Foreign Days Hey Nate, I remember foreign days. Just wait till you head back to the States. You expect things to seem strange in China. But when you come back to the US and your own home seems foreign...that's the weirdest of all. Have a great Christmas! Liz
My name is Nathan. N-A-T-H-A-N. I am from Ohio. I have lived in the midwestern United States my entire life. I used to live in Zhongshan China. Now I'm living in California.... full info
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What will happen to your cat, when you return to the US?