This past weekend we had a visit from our friends, John and Halie. It was so fun to see familiar faces and to be able to show them our new home. We hadn't seen them since we got to stay with them in Dubai(where they live) last year. Even though we only had a few days, they were jam packed with activities, sightseeing, and laughter. It's fun to have friends that are easy to travel with; especially on this side of the world! One of the highlights was pranking John...Halie was in on it this time, but they are both pranksters in their own right. When we were in Dubai they had us stand in a crowded cafe, facing a statue with our arms outstretched and backs turned to the camera... we were standing there waiting for them to take the picture and when we turned around to see what was taking so long...they were nowhere to be seen and we were left looking like American idiots!!! To return the favor, Halie and I slipped a cellphone into the outside pocket of the backpack John was carrying inside the Buddah Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown, turned the ringtone on the loudest setting with a rap song, waited until we were in the silent hall, and then called it. His reaction was priceless. Prank pulled off perfectly! We went all over Singapore and visited some of our favorite places, but the best part was spending time with these special friends! Till the next trip!
We landed in Singapore at about 6:30am on Friday after spending 4 days in the People's Republic of China. We had arranged for visas before leaving the states so luckily they let us in! We sort of kept looking at one another and repeating..."We're in China?" It was the first country that we've visited since moving here that truly felt foreign. Just knowing that we were in this forbidden world and communist country made it feel ominous and exciting at the same time. We arrived at Pudong International and took the Maglev Train into the city. It only takes about 7 minutes when you're going 300Km/h. Amazing Technology. One quick subway ride down line 7 and we were at The Kerry Hotel Pudong; Cody got us upgraded to this incredible room and our adventure in China began. Since this was technically a work trip we had to squeeze some sightseeing in, but I think we did a good job. Shanghai felt a lot like NYC: the hustle and bustle, crowded streets, and honking taxis. It was chaotic, enlightening, and a challenge, but we really loved the few days we had there. We also ate about 300 dumplings! What a whirlwind of a trip. China has been checked off the travel list for now, until we make a trip to the Northern regions. Yesterday China, Today Singapore, Tomorrow Tokyo- stamp my passport please? We're having the best time!
It's a little odd to be back in the airport; it's only been 12 hours since our flight landed last night from Bali and we're back again. Today we're headed to Shanghai, China! One of the major perks of all of Cody's work travel is the lounge access. It's so nice...plus, anywhere that serves cheese and crackers-with or without the wine, you know I'm a fan of!
We had the most amazing time in Bali: beaches and sun, massages and relaxing...It's a really beautiful part of the world. Lucky for us, it's very close to our new home.
The highlight of our trip was climbing Mt. Batur. We started the assent at 3:30am and made it to the summit for sunrise. Our guide took us around the entire caldera and we were able to see all the way to Lombok since the sky was clear. It was such a challenge, but incredibly rewarding! Here are some of my favorite pictures. (Please notice how thrilled Cody is: he loves it when exercise fits into our adventure.)
We'll be in Shanghai for the rest of the week, then back to Singapore to see John and Halie! Couldn't be more excited! In the meantime...Xiao Long Bao appear to be in the immediate future.
We celebrated Easter just a little bit ahead of our friends and family this year... 13 hours to be exact. Nothing makes you miss Texas more than when your loved ones are gathering together and you have to miss it, but we were able to share in some of the festivities even on the other side of the world. Thank goodness for technology! It was also a wonderful surprise to get an Easter basket from Kaydee: chocolate and a sock puppet bunny made it all the way from America! My sweet Grandboo also sent her love via the Singapore Post. Mail is such a treat over here and we're thankful to have such thoughtful people in our lives.
Oh OH oh!!! My cousin KATELYN IS ENGAGED!!! Her fiance, Tyler, popped the question before Easter weekend and we are just thrilled for the both of them! We got to send our love via youtube-Harlem Shake style.
Cody and I have recently spent some time reflecting on the opportunity that we have being overseas. For me, I am literally living out a dream and crossing off a big time bucket list item. I know that it was God's plan for us to be located where we are and that there are no accidents when it comes to who we interact with. Our prayer is that our lives will be a testimony of the love that Christ has for us. All in all, that's what Easter is all about. Even though we weren't able to be with our loved ones this year, I can rejoice in the promise that we will spend eternity together...when that time comes. For now, we're enjoying this incredible, albeit very different life on the other side of the world.
Have I mentioned how much I miss Mexican food, the Tahoe, and you guys?? Sometimes I forget we live in Asia. :)
XOXO
Christie
P.S. The 4 countries in 4 weeks tour starts tomorrow. Yay!
