XIN NIAN KUAILE! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

To celebrate the New Year, the single girls (yes, there are a lot of us!) remaining in Qingdao had a Thanksgiving feast- complete with a turkey! Amy and I made sushi rolls (more of an appetizer) As you can see by the pictures there was a lot of food! It was a great way to kick off the celebrations and spend time with the girls.

I have not been quite as productive this vacation as I would like to report, but I have had many fun times with my friends here. Last week, Angela, Amy, Jane (in the pic), Kris, and I went out for Sushi!!! My group of sushi eating friends is growing.

And now for one of the most exciting part of my vacation... I learned how to cook 2 Korean dishes from Heather's mom! Word travels fast in this community... Heather's mom was accompanied by Harry's mom and Lisa's mom! It was an ESLA reunion! I have truly grown to love these moms! Lisa and Amy also came with me to learn- we learned bulgogi (marinated beef) and a soup made with seaweed. I brought along an american classic- apple crisp!- which was a huge success... there were no apple crisp leftovers to take home :( After eating, the kids went outside and we were able to enjoy each other's company and just talk. It was a great opportunity to get to know them better.

Lisa and her mom, Mrs. Moon, Jennifer (Heather's mom), Amy, me, Lisa, Heather, Grant, Harry, and John

On Saturday night, Jin Hai Guang Chang (my apt. complex) was given quite the fireworks display! I felt like I was surrounded by fireworks! It was great! and loud... and colorful... and exciting! Fireworks began going off as soon as it was dark, but the big show began a few minutes before midnight! Sadly, my camera was not able to truly capture the show- but I did manage to get one that was shot outside next to my apt...(that's my apt building in the picture! I had a great view from the balcony!