I love China!!! I am definitely in that stage of loving the new culture that surrounds me. So much to see and do and experience, but the best part is the people around me. Being apart of a “family” over here is such an honor. Eating with chopsticks and sharing a variety of dishes in the middle, I listen to the music of chatter I can't understand. Always trying to help me, I feel protected. I love their smiles and helping hands. Their willingness to teach me words and then repeat them over and over. Their hospitality shines through.

It is strange to be in a place where I can't even begin to read the signs and the variation of food is far from what we eat at home. Jellyfish, squid, seaweed and fish...the meal always contains part of the sea. I love the hot broths the meat rests in. It warms me up in this cold climate. Slurping is a compliment here and it's okay to put the bowl up to your mouth and just sweep in the food. YES!

I have to admit, sometimes the food looks so foreign! But most if it has such good flavor (even for someone who normally doesn't like seafood)! So sucking in a squid leg and chewing on an unfamiliar substance, I am glad that I like trying new things.

Dessert tonight was a special treat. I had shaved milk ice with mango and potatoes with warm caramel that hardens as it cools. Yum! I hope to have it again.