katiekate's Guestbook

Home away from home
Well I guess we'll have to take you down to the sand dunes (a little south of Salida). Salida, COLORADO that is. Mom and I have been camping there but I guess we haven't been down there with you and Sarah. Google Great Sand Dunes National Park. Good post. I never really knew anything about Qinghai. Have to visit sometime. Later, Dad

A Tattoo?!
Hi Katie, OK, I have to say I think it is very clever, artistic, thoughtful, meaningful and YOU. I knew what it was, right away. I still would have suggested putting the design on paper, framing it and hanging it on the wall........but then you didn't ask me, did you? I'm certainly glad you didn't get the same tattoo as Ian! The rest of the McGees are coming for dinner tonight, so you'll probably be able to 'feel' us all talking about you......and your tattoo. If Lianne comes home with a tattoo, you're in BIG trouble! Ha, ha. Terry

Scorpions, Lizards, and Fish Heads, Oh My!
Hi Katie, I'm going to bore you once again with memories from 2001. We first saw scorpions, dried lizards (sort of crucified on sticks) and fish heads galore - along with a lot of other animals and vegetables - at the Qingping Market in Guangzhou. It was a short walk from the White Swan Hotel and made for a very 'interesting' morning. We just couldn't figure out what someone would do with a bucket full of live scorpions. We just never found a recipe that sounded good. I also vividly remember the beautiful vegetable displays at the small market on the campus of China Southern Normal, as well as the 'petting zoo' of frogs, fish, whatever(s) at the restaurant close to your apartment. All this gives new meaning to the term 'fresh.' Glad you finally got to Tiananmen! It is big alright - built to accommodate 1,000,000 people (comfortably?). I know you'll enjoy the Forbidden City too. Again, back to 2001 - I got my prize Starbucks cup there - for a short time, officials (Starbucks lovers probably) allowed a Starbucks store inside the Forbidden City. Eventually attitudes changed and they were booted out (I have to say, I agree. As much as I love Starbucks, the Forbidden City is not really an appropriate location - same for Maidonglau, KFC, Pizza Hut, etc.). I hope the air stays clear for you a while longer. It sounds as if you're studying hard (way too much) and learning a lot! I look forward to photos of your new purple do - remember, the cutest guy may not be the best stylist...but then, you probably don't care. Terry

Maidanglao
Hi Katie, When you mention Maidanglao, it brings your 6th birthday to mind. In Guangzhou, Judy, Lianne and I took a taxi to meet you at the McDonalds on Beijing Liu - simple, right? Wrong. We told the driver we wanted to go to 'McDonalds' - having no idea that it wouldn't translate phonetically. The driver was trying really hard to understand us, but with no success. Suddenly a bus pulled along side the taxi - it had a big ad for the Golden Arches - yay! We signaled to the driver and voila, it all became clear. We got to McD's, and sang Happy Birthday to you (the only song we know in Chinese)! It's an all-around favorite memory of ours. So, glad to hear you've reconnected with Maidanglao. Someone posted the Trump, 'China' video on FB the other day - I couldn't believe I watched the whole 3-minutes of Trump saying, 'China.' He 'knows people in China' you know, and they ALL think he's great - just ask him, he'll tell you. It makes me proud to be an American....not. Please reassure the people of China that Trump will NOT become POTUS. If he does, we're moving to China. Also, thanks for the info re: the parade in Tiananmen - I've studied the history and keep track of the current back and forth between Xi Jinping and Shinzo Abe. Your blogs are great - keep them coming! Terry

You'd Be Crazy NOT to Have Jitters
Hi Katie, I distinctly remember being with you, Judy and Lianne at Xi Hu in Hangzhou in 2001 when a woman walked up to us talking 100 mph. We all looked like deer caught in the headlights until you spoke with her and told us she was just curious about what the crazy foreigners were up to. We all thought you were brilliant! So, at that time you were 6-years old and not hesitant about anything. As you mention in your blog, just charging ahead, making mistakes but getting your thoughts out there is the way to go. I'm betting that in no time at all you'll be as relaxed as when you were 6 years old. As for adoption - I'll be very interested to hear your thoughts. There are jerks everywhere as well as those who recognize adoption/international adoption, is just one more (great) way to make a family. Terry

Hey
Hey Katie - Lianne said that you've enjoyed Terry's comments on your blogs. I didn't want you to think that he's our only family member reading them! I especially enjoyed '(except Molly laoshi, because she's got so much personality that containing it would not be possible).' Lianne is jetting across the Atlantic as I'm writing. You damn kids will grow up & move on! Just think of all us poor, old folks holding down the fort back home! Love, Judy

Xing ba ke!
Hi Katie, Thanks very much for the photo of Xing ba ke - xie xie, xie xie. It looks impressive and high-tech - like a glass tube (with good coffee inside). As usual, the family style meal looks yummy! The Luce Chapel - the name Henry (& Claire Boothe) Luce came up often in the Contemporary China history class I took last spring, so very interesting to see your photo and caption. I. M. Pei designed the Chapel as well as the NCAR building in Boulder - I don't think they look very much alike, do you? You are a very descriptive writer - the tranquil beauty of the tea plantation, and the sweaty mugginess of just walking around. Glad to hear your Chinese language skills are improving - especially so you can order that delicious sounding intestines with spicy blood soup. Lianne is complaining about one aspect of her internship - she attends events which are often held in big Chinese restaurants - she ends up with plates full of jellyfish and chicken heads. Happy 4th of July to you! We eagerly await your next blog entry! Terry

Taipei
Katie - Great to read what you're up to in Taiwan! Indeed the food sounds wonderful and interesting as do some of the sights. In the past I've heard that the air pollution in Taipei is terrible, what's been your experience so far? And how about the dialect(s) of Chinese? Mandarin primarily? Looking forward to reading more about your experiences.

I will NOT even mention penis ice cream
Katie and Tanya, Whether you are getting lost, locked out of your apartment, riding the subway, collecting masks or Gangnam Styling, you always manage to find great food! I like the way you travel! See, I didn't even mention the penis ice cream..... Katie, keep us posted on what food items and specialties Taiwan has to offer. Are there any Starbucks in Korea? Enjoy, Terry

George (the cat) has figured things out...
Hi Katie, When you first left, George just stayed in your room, sleeping on your bed. After a couple of days, he has figured out that something is wrong. Now, he is walking around the house looking for you. Hmmmm, I think he will be very happy one year from now. Have fun!!!

Yum, tteokbokki!
That pot of tteokbokki looks like enough food for a whole family! OK, now I'm hungry. So, are there a lot of sheep walkers? Keep the photos coming - they're great. Enjoy!