Daily Life etc.

A picture of Lara and the Kids sitting at the computer in our study. Note the map of the world--essential expatriate gear.



A picture of the main hall in the old building at school.



And what is a trip to China without Beijing Opera?

Shaolin Kung Fu Training

Here is a video that I just put together from some footage that I made during the summer.
Kung Fu training with my nephew Sifu Adam Kryder.

Kung Fu Training

Dear Friends and Family,

With our trip to Malaysia immanent, we have been training quite dilligently. We were also very happy to have a visit from our Kung Fu nephews, Sifu Adam Kryder and Andreas Dietsche, both on a weekend trip from Beijing.

Here is a picture of Lara practicing one of our combat sequences. Athena is having some fun trying to follow along.



Here is Julian practicing one of our sequences.



Here are Adam and Julian sparring.




And here is a picture of us at the rock park with Adam and Andreas.

Food and Stuff

Today is windy and cold so Julian and I went to the school cafeteria and shared a bowl of spicy ramen noodles.



A couple of days ago, Lara bought two-and-a-half kilos of fine Belgian chocolate. She made us some pudding. We made short work.



As I mentioned before. The kids have a few friends that they play with every day. In fact, they can be heard outside even as I write this. Here is a picture of them from my study window.



A domestic detail:

My esteemed colleagues, Tom Jones and Monarch

Birthday Memories

Of course, even though we live in China, we carry memories of other places. Here are some happy memory pictures.

Tala's Birthday:



Marly and Julian:




Tala's Birthday Cake:



Jo's Birthday:



Phil and the Kids on Idaho Peak:



With Lots of Love for our Friends.

We visited a temple with our friends, Cosmo, Hannah, Adrian and Sarah.




There was a pond where people could toss coins and make wishes. Athena tossed one over her shoulder and got it in. I wonder what she wished for.

There was a lovely statue of Guan Yin--one of the nicest I've ever seen.

Afterwards, we ate in this country style restaurant.

A Not-So-Traditional Thanksgiving

This year we had a rather unique Thanksgiving experience. A large group of teachers and families went to the amusement park next door, enjoyed an afternoon of rides followed by a feast in a faux medieval castle.



Here is us just inside the entrance.





Here is the first ride that we went on. A little trip down the Amazon.





Here is Julian just about to take his first roller coaster ride ever.



Here we are after our ride.



Lara and I even got to go on this wild ride together. Romantic like a couple of kids.



And here is the Russian Bellydancer that entertained us during dinner.



I hope that everyone enjoyed a relaxing and enjoyable Thanksgiving. Our thoughts are with you all.

Happy Birthday Dear Lara

Congratulations, Felicitations,On This Joyous Occasion!

Thanks to Adrian and Sara for having us over for a lovely dinner and a very special cookie cake.


We went to the wine bar to celebrate Lara's birthday. We had the best Chinese pizza so far.

Almond Butter and Jelly Sandwiches

Just so you don't think its all temples and gardens and exotic stuff like that, you should know that we are eating good old Canadian-Style Sandwiches for lunch.

We enjoyed our week-long break, relaxing at home, taking little trips, shopping for bikes, visiting the beach, the pool and riding our new wheels.

Check out our new pictures.



National Holiday week was very busy at the indoor pool. Slipping and sliding.



Here is Julian's first time playing roller hockey. He scored a stellar goal against his dad!



Here is our new home. My fingers are pointing to the two windows. As you can see, we have the top two floors.




I am really hungry after going to roller hockey with Julian. The sandwiches smell good.

Enjoy!

Two Dollar Meal

Here is a typical two dollar meal. It was chicken.

Golden Pebble Golf Course

Julian came along for the staff golf tournament. Here he is, oceanside at the Golden Pebble Golf Course.

Athena's Party

So many of our neighbors came to celebrate with us. It was a lovely party. Thank you!

The girls, Zoe, Athena, Naomi and Lily, at Athena's party.

Dragon Eating the Sea

We rented a bicycle built for three for, Lara, Athena and Me.
Julian got a bike of his own, and off we went, up the coast
To Dragon Eating the Sea

New Stuff

We were just getting ready for bed on the full mooon night, when Julian looked out the window and saw something bright floating in the sky. It turns out that the students were, according to tradition, launching hot air ballon lanterns in celebration of the harvest moon. We put on our shoes and went out in our PJ's to watch the launching. Enjoy.

Immortal Pig

'Nuff said.

Temple Flowers

This is a picture of us on the stairs leading up to the temple.
Lara took this photo just for fun.

Temple

Here is a picture of a little boy, waiting nicely for his mother.



We visited a temple near our home yesterday. Here is a picture of Lara.