Escape from Our Normal

Well, it's literally been a year since I've posted to this blog. We've certainly settled into life in China now. While we're blessed with some unique and amazing experiences, it no longer feels like we're on an episode of the the Amazing Race each day. It's just living. For those who are saying "What?! Just living?...In China?!", I can acknowledge that what is routine for us now would be quite an adventure for others...crossing 6 lanes of traffic in a culture where pedestrians NEVER have the right-a-way, buying fresh chicken with the head and feet still in tact, dodging an unrelenting barrage of fireworks during Chinese New Year.

That's our normal.

Well, this Chinese New Year we escaped to the beautiful beaches of Phuket, Thailand. The weather was gorgeous, the beach was crystal clear, and the people were the most accommodating people I've ever met. It was a perfect retreat.

We aimed for simple on this trip. For the most part we enjoyed sleeping-in and relaxing by the beach or pool. However, everyone (that is everyone in the China expat community who take trips to Thailand like folks in the states drive down to Florida) knows that you can't go to Thailand without riding an elephant! Of course Morgan and I were not leaving without doing it, and we dragged the boys along. It was quite an experience. I thank God for such incredibly unique opportunities!

Take a look at a few of the pictures from our exotic escape from the norm.

Morgan and I decided to have a tropical fish pedicure.
I love my adventurous girl!

The fish feeding on the dead skin on our feet. I'm much too ticklish for this!

My adventure-partner-in-crime and I couldn't wait to try these
coconut drinks we saw everyone walking around with. It was a
disgusting disappointment.

Even Christian gave it a try. Then off to the nearest trash can.

Lazy day at the beach. 

She thought it was so much fun to bury her shoes
...until it was time to find them.
(Farell and I  laughed hysterically!!)

Found them!

So long Thailand...
We will miss your 80 degree days, clear beaches, and smog-free skies. 

Chinese New Year...in Japan

Last year we vowed to escape the 2012 Chinese New Year madness in Shenyang, and we kept our promise. While many other expats traveled to tropical locations in Thailand, Singapore, or Malaysia, we opted for what I would call the best of both worlds. We visited Farell's aunt living in Okinawa, Japan. We got a little taste of culture along with a little taste of home.


Okinawa is a small island off the coast of mainland Japan, and anyone familiar with this island knows that it's home to several military bases. Farell's aunt and her husband are both civilian employees at Kadena Air Force base, so we had the privilege of spending time on base in "little America". 


In addition to being able to eat out at Chili's and stock up on grits and grape jelly at the commissary, we took in a little Japanese culture as well - Pinapple Park, Gyokusendo Cave, and an Eisa dance show. We even celebrated Morgan's birthday at a Japanese restaurant -- followed by a traditional butter cream cake and ice cream, of course. Ahhh, the little things...


The best thing about this trip, though, was that we were able to hang out with family and it only took us eight hours to get there!


Enjoy the pics!

On Kadena Air Force Base

I'm soooo glad the kids had the opportunity to spend time together.
Priceless!

Christian did not appreciate dressing up for these photos.
I love, love, love them!

We missed our turn headed to Pineapple Park, and then Christian got
car sick...all over Angela's back seat. But look what we stumbled on!!
The water is a crystal clear aquamarine. Gorgeous!
We've had these "God winks" in every vacation so far.

Christian, Aunt Angela, Farell, Morgan, and little cousin Nyla

We finally made it to Pineapple Park -
Home of pineapple cookies, pineapple cake, pineapple tea
pineapple chocolate, pineapple wine... The kids OD'd
on the pineapple chocolate.

Pineapple smiles!

As we strolled through the museum at Pineapple Park

Japanese "Dollar Tree" (100 yen is equivalent to about $1). 

Eisa Dancers

Lion dance - This was very similar to the lion dances in China.

Floral lion that greeted us at the entrance to the Eisa dance performance.

Our own little lion

Habu snakes are the venomous inhabitants of Okinawa Island.
After we watched a Habu demonstration, Farell and Christian decided
they could be snake handlers (this of course is not a Habu).

Habu Sake -
Yes, those are real venomous Habu inside the bottle. I think
you may need to have consumed a couple of shots of sake to
even consider drinking this!

Inside the 300,000 year-old Gyokusendo cave

My big girl and me enjoying the beautiful, lush environment

Japanese restaurant with traditional seating. As customary, we had to
remove our shoes.

The Family - Diante, Angela, Luis, Farell, DeVita,
Morgan, Christian, and (sleepy) Nyla.