Back from China

So I’m back from China. I left Saturday afternoon at 6:05 pm (China time) and arrived in Raleigh, NC at 10:30 pm (USA time). What a long day that was! And now here it is, Monday, and the jet-lag is still very much present. It’s about 12:30pm now and the sleepiness should be hitting me around 2:00 or so. I have no idea what cup of coffee I’m currently on, nor do I know what the total will be by the end of the day. I’m thinking I’m becoming immune to caffeine altogether. This could be a problem for sure!

 

I had thought, “wouldn’t it be a great idea if I did a restaurant review of each place in China?” Yes, that would have been nice had I thought about sooner, but alas, I did not. Anyway, I ate out for every meal while there and that would have just been too many reviews for me to write and let’s face it, for you to read. So here’s an overview:

 

Chinese noodle restaurants: I went to three and they were all Hui noodles. Each were delicious, but the best was the Gan Bian Chao Mian (as I had thought), which are homemade noodles stir-fried up with large chunks of green onions, fresh green chilies, green bell peppers, dried red chilies, ginger, garlic and beef. Really so delicious!

 

Chinese dishes: I had dishes three times. I will say that my favorite place was the last night in Beijing while we were waiting on the pearl necklaces to be made. The spread consisted of Gan Bian Dou Jiao (stir-fried green beans), Gong Bao Ji Ding (essentially Kung Pao chicken, but so much better!), Yu Xiang Qiezi (Fish flavored eggplant-sounds gross but doesn’t taste like fish at all!) and beef with peppers (Don’t remember the Chinese name). The beef wasn’t my favorite, but everything else was so delicious! Yum!

 

And one night we had Hot Pot and one night we had Jiaozi (Chinese dumplings). The Jiaozi was actually a feast we had in Xi’An where they form the dumplings into shapes describing what’s on the inside. If you get chicken dumplings the little dumplings are shaped like chickens and the duck dumplings were shaped like ducks. You get it? Very good.

 

And of course, I added La Jiao (chili peppers) to everything! Some serious heartburn followed but it was worth it.

 

And so now I’m back in the States recovering from jet-lag and heartburn and smiling for the great time I had with old friends and with new ones. It was a great trip. I’m really thankful I was able to go back and see my friends and hopefully encourage them as they encouraged me. God also confirmed that I’m not to return to Asia. I had been praying through this for some time and He was faithful, as always, to answer my prayer and He was very clear on that. So I’m here, in the States, for I don’t know how long and I’m enjoying life!

 

Waiting on the next adventure…

Friday morning

It's Friday morning here in Xi'An, CHINA. We have been here for two nights and we leave this morning for Beijing. We've enjoyed seeing the Terra Cotta Warriors, the difference in this big city and that of Yinchuan and enjoyed having our last fill of Hui noodles. Oh how we will miss those noodles!

These next 24 hours will be spent in Beijing doing a few things before the rest of the team arrives into Beijing Saturday afternoon. I (Kathryn) will be leaving China tomorrow afternoon before the team arrives and will be headed back to the States.

We're still trying to get some pictures posted so just bare with us. Mingtian jian! (See you tomorrow!)

Earthquake

So there was a minor earthquake here in Yinchuan, China. I don't know if it was anywhere else or if it's on the news. Probably not. But in case it was, we're fine. Just wanted everyone to know.

We've had lots of adventures so far. We've seen the ruins of the Great Wall out here, we've gone to a small village, seen the oldest mosque in Ningxia and we had our van overheat to which we had to stop every so often and put water in the radiator. Never a dull moment in China!

We're getting on the train tonight to head to Xi'An. We'll arrive around noon on Wednesday. And then a new adventure begins!

So far it's been super great to see old friends and catch up with them. What a blessing that has been! And did I mention the food? Oh yes, I have eaten my Gan Bian Chao Mian and it was everything I hoped it would be and more. Delicious food!

It's hot here, but not as hot as Charleston believe it or not. I'm actually more comfortable here without air-conditioning than I am in Charleston without it in my car. Go figure.

So far no one is sick and we're doing okay with jet-lag. The jet-lag has been affecting me the last few days and no one else. But I think their time is coming! They were taking naps today! Definitely catching up to them!

More later!

China

Just wanted to let everyone know that after 33 hrs of traveling we arrived into Yinchuan China this morning around 1:00. We've rested and we're headed to the vegetable market to explore. Will write more later. But we're here and we're happy!

This is it

This time tomorrow I'll be in the Toronto airport, most likely getting some more coffee.

I can't believe it's here now. I'm leaving for China tomorrow! It feels kind of funny that I'm at work today and leaving to go out of the country tomorrow. But my car is packed up and ready to get on the road to drive to NC to catch my flight out of Raleigh/Durham tomorrow.

So be praying for us while we're gone. Pray that I have an incredible ability to understand the Chinese language again. Pray for good health as there's always SOMETHING that goes wrong with me when I travel internationally. Pray that we would be an encouragement and a blessing to the people we're going to see and the people we encounter along the way.

I'll be returning Stateside on June 26th. But my mother and the rest of the her traveling buddies will be returning July 11th.

Bocci's-Restaurant Review

Bocci's-Italian Restaurant-Market St. Charleston, SC

I was really wanting Italian food Monday night for dinner so when asked where I wanted to go I chose Bocci's. I had heard a few things about this place and all were good so naturally it was on my list of places to try.

I was unsure of the attire that was acceptable at this place, but was happy to find that casual dress is completely acceptable as most people there were dressed more casual than I was (in a denim skirt). This is Charleston afterall! The inside of the restaurant is comprised of what looks like an old four-room house in a square with three of the rooms meant for dining and one of the back rooms being the kitchen. It's a quaint place with an intimate feel yet very family-like at the same time. We arrived around 6:30 or so and despite the fact that it appeared to be packed, we were sat immediately.

Now, unfortunately the service wasn't great. It wasn't bad by any means, but not great. And as I type this I'm thinking our service that night was not a reflection on the overall restaurant or even on that waiter as a whole but rather a reflection on that waiter that evening. I think he was just a bit overwhelmed with his other tables. They must have been some high maintenance people! It took him a while to bring us bread and take our orders and he didn't do a good job of keeping our glasses filled, but again, I think more of a reflection of a bad evening for the waiter.

I was wanting seafood, so my eyes were immediately drawn to the sauteed scallops. There were a couple of dishes with scallops but it is my belief that if I'm going out specifically for Italian food, I'm going to get some sort of pasta. Strictly my belief, but one I like! So the yumminess that soon entered my mouth thereafter was a combination of fettuccine in a gorgonzola cream sauce with sundried tomatoes and artichokes and topped with seared scallops. And then that nice young gentleman topped off my dish with some freshly grated Parmesan. Did I say yum?! Yes, yum!

Three things stuck out to me in this dish:
1) The gorgonzola added into the cream sauce gave it a nice kick
2) The cream sauce was not too thick. There was obviously some sort of cooking wine and/or stock added to it, which was so nice!
3) The pasta was a nice al dente.

Oh and I can't forget dessert-cannoli's! This was only my second time having a cannoli and I wouldn't even consider my "1st" cannoli to be my 1st. I had a bite of someone else's one time and that was it. On this night, I got my very own cannoli, which I didn't eat all of but that's beside the point. Very good cannoli. I do realize that I don't have a lot to compare it to, but I sure did enjoy it. To me, it's a perfect dessert to end with after having a heavy meal of cream and pasta because the cannoli is a dessert that's not overly sweet. It's relatively light with just enough sugar to meet that sweet tooth right where it is.

Overall, I recommend Bocci's for a really good Italian meal downtown Charleston. Remember, it's casual so don't come in that tuxedo. I'll be headed back at some point for sure.

And a complete side note...leaving for China in 2 days!!!!!!!!!

China

5 days and counting....

One week

I’m leaving one week from today for China! At this time next week I’ll be hanging out in Toronto with my mom while we anxiously await the time to board that big ol’ plane set for Beijing! I still can’t believe it’s been almost two years since I’ve been in China. It doesn’t seem that long. I feel like it was just a few months ago, but alas, it is much longer.

 

Some of the exciting highlights to come:

1.       The Toronto airport layover. It’s a long one and I kind of like that. Mom and I will grab breakfast and some much needed coffee and we’ll “sit and talk” and watch people. That will be my first time in Canada. Does that count?

2.       The international flight. It’s totally acceptable to be lazy and watch movies or sleep for hours. There’s nothing else to do! And ya know, I always seem to meet interesting people on international flights. They usually seem to be Asian doctors that are men. Hmmm….

3.       Immigration in Beijing. I’m really just looking forward to watching the three people I’ll be traveling with as they deal with the Chinese culture and no queues!

4.       The food. You know this had to be mentioned at some point right? The noodles, the chilies, the dumplings, the lamb, the eggplant, etc. You name a food there and I’m excited to eat it! Btw, when I return and you think maybe I look a few pounds heavier, it’s because I AM a few pounds heavier. No comments please. ;)

5.       Seeing old friends. What a great time to catch up and talk and laugh and pray together and encourage one another. It’s been too long to wait to see such dear friends. My heart will be glad.

6.       The train from Yinchuan to Xi’An. This “adventure” will be an interesting one for sure. It’s going to be hot and humid and smell awful. I hope I’m up for it. I am no longer accustomed to this and my traveling companions aren’t either. Hoping there are no “instances” to speak of.

7.       Some good ol’ bargaining. It’s been a while since arguing over a price was socially acceptable and I’m looking forward to it. Pullin’ out the skills there. Hope I can be as tough as those Chinese women! They’re pros you know.

8.       More great stories and adventures with my mom. What a great lady!

 

Have I packed? No.

Have I been to store to get necessities for this trip? No.

So not like me. I’ve got my list though. That’s better than nothing I guess.

Oh, got a new camera and you better believe I’ll be posting pics as we go so stay tuned for some photos from across the pond!

Fuel-Restaurant Review

Fuel Charleston as it is also called. This place used to be an old gas station, hence where the name derives from. You get it?

When I first picked this place I was thinking it was a restaurant with a sort of Asian flare to it. Not so. It's Caribbean food, focusing on tacos. The menu is not large, which I think I can be good. You have a short number of items on a menu and the cook/chef can focus on perfecting those items. You have too many items and nothing is bound to be good. I'm weary of restaurants that have huge menus. Something to think about...

Fuel is located downtown Charleston at the corner of Cannon and Rutledge, across the street from the Hominy Grill (which, btw has amazing breakfast/brunch!). Parking is limited so know that before you drive up close and could potentially get stuck.

The place kind of reminded me of an old diner at first look. In we walked...and were greeted by a couple of people I think. Very nice. I was able to see the inside of the joint for a brief moment, but yes, definitely reminded me of that old diner. I like old diners. We asked to sit outside and so glad we did! The ambience outside was really nice. Some of the tables were "covered" in old maps of the islands of the Caribbean, which of course, helped make you feel like you were there. The decor with the candles and the greenery outside made it feel kind of island-like.

Now, onto my favorite part of any restuarant...the food.

Because we were starving we ordered an appetizer of corn fritters. I must say, in looking at fritter it's not usually something that I think "wow, that looks so appetizing!" But regardless of the look of a fried corn patty, the taste was good. It had a good kick to it and hit the tastebuds nicely, but I can say that I would have preferred it to not be as "tight".

Like I said before, Fuel kind of focuses on their tacos. And unlike Taco Boy, you get two tacos with each order as well as a side item. With the choices between a variety of fish tacos, vegetarian tacos and chicken, pork or beef tacos I would have easily been satisfied. And each taco has a different concoction of relish/salsa on it. But this mouth was wanting fish. Onto the mahi-mahi tacos I went.

Mahi-Mahi tacos with a spicy pineapple relish and purple cabbage slaw. I'm thinkin' the tortillas might have been made in-house, but I can't be certain on that. Tacos, very good and nice and hot. Oh and packed full of stuff. Fried plantains were my side item. They were sweet and crispy and delicious! In fact, I could eat some of that right now!

Overall, great place to eat. Casual and cool. Good for large groups or a table of two. Service is quick and friendly. And, you can bring your dog (as long as Fido stays on a leash)!

Orchestra vs. Symphony-whatcha got?

I'm headed to the Symphony Orchestra tonight-a Spoleto event in Charleston. Pretty excited about it. The question was posed-"What's the difference between an orchestra and a symphony orchestra?" Beats me. I looked it up...

The basic of the basics is that all symphonies are orchestras, but not all orchestras are symphonies.

Orchestras can vary in size and instrumentation. They can be as small as 4-5 members and then would be called a chamber orchestra because they are small enough to play inside of a chamber, office, etc. When they are big enough to need a concert hall they become an orchestra or a symphony orchestra.

But...they earn the right to be called a symphony orchestra when they have the following qualifications:

1. They have four sections of instruments: strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion.
2. They have the capability to play a symphony. Which brings us to another definition and that would be the definition of a symphony.

Symphonies are long pieces, usually of three or more movements, written for orchestras with full percussion sections, piano, harp, bassoons, oboes, an organ, a special guy to play the triangle, etc.

To sum it all up-symphonies are orchestras on a very large scale.

I definitely feel like I can attend this event tonight and talk with the lady sitting next to me who will most likely be a regular attender of these things. Whew! Didn't want to seem uninformed on this important topic.

Is there a song for this?

So you know when you're about to get a plane, you sing that song "Leavin' on a jetplane"? You might not, but I do. Call me lame.

I'm headed on the road in just 30 minutes to go see my amazing sister (pronounced seesta) to make her feel special and loved on her 26th birthday. Happy Birthday Jennipoo! The girls are gonna have some fun I tell ya. Anyway, the roadtrip...

So is there a song for leaving in a car? I feel as though I'm on the road a lot more than I'm on a plane and that maybe I should have a song for that. Yes, this would definitely get me more excited about my little roadtrip if I could sing a song to pep myself up for it.

Hmmm..Hmmm...Hmm... (Me thinking and trying to hum something. Nothing is popping up into this brain.)

Any thoughts?

You decide

Chew on this...

As many as three million Chinese babies are hidden by their parents every year in order to get around the country's one-child policy, a researcher has discovered.

Yeah, that number is huge! It totally reminds me of Moses in the basket, floatin' down that river. I can't imagine living in a place where this is "needed". Oh wait, I did live there, but thankfully I didn't have to adhere to this law. Not to mention the fact that I'm not married and don't have children and therefore, this law was not even coming close to touching me.

So, you decide. Three million babies being hidden every year. One-child policy: needed or over-the-top? Parents hiding children: breaking the law or trying to live under an unfair law? Discuss.

And by the way, I'm thinking it's not as black and white as it might appear... Just sayin'.

Can I do a "Thankful Wednesday"?

I think I can. Although a new name for it maybe? [Thinking] Yeah, I can't come up with any. Have any ideas?

What I'm thankful for today:

1. That God lets me asks questions of Him and it doesn't make me any less of a believer/follower
2. A co-worker who displayed a simple of kindness to me today
3. Common interests with co-workers that make the day more pleasant
4. Peppermint tea bags
5. Peppermint Mocha coffee creamer (I'm seeing a theme)
6. That I can remember stories in detail from eight years ago
7. Dijon mustard-it's so much better than plain ol' yellow
8. Parents that are present in my life
9. Food friends
10. New friends that make me laugh so much my cheeks hurt
11. That I have thick hair. (Does that make me vain?)
12. My new apartment is sooo much closer to everything in my life!
13. The Word that speaks
14. Being a part of what God is doing on this earth
15. I was born an American, and therefore was able to hear and know the Truth
16. I have Someone to bear my burden for me (Psalm 68:19-20)
17. That I know what Anne of Green Gables was talking about when she referred to Diana as her "kindred spirit"
18. Women to push me, encourage me and pray for me towards glory
19. Fruit smoothies for breakfast
20. I live in one of the top culinary cities in the world! What better place for good 'ol me to live?
21. The ability to return to China in a couple of weeks to see friends and experience that culture once again.
22. Clean water
23. Blue popcorn
24. Can I say the Food Network? Yep, I just did.

Fulton Five - Restaurant Review

I met my food friend, Lauren, at Fulton Five last night following an incredible performance by Leszek Mozdzer of Poland. Fulton Five is a quaint restaurant located at 5 Fulton St. in Charleston, SC. It has been named one of the most romantic restaurants in Charleston. With enough seating for about 36 people and minimal lighting, it's easy to see how this could be true. If you've never been to Fulton Five it can be hard to navigate if you will. It's not hard to find the actual restaurant but it is difficult to determine where the entrance is. So for those of you who've never gone, but would like to-the entrance is downstairs not upstairs! Lauren and I each looked like fools heading up those stairs to nowhere! Another tidbit is that there are about 5-6 parking spaces across the street from Fulton Five reserved specifically for their customers. It's free.

On to the food!

Lauren and I always share an appetizer, each order an entree and share a dessert.

APPETIZER
Prosciutto and Mozzarella wrapped in a Romaine leaf and grilled with a tomato balsamic dressing. It was warm with simple flavors. I could really taste each part of the dish. It was a lovely start and was definitely a foreshadowing of things to come.

ENTREE
Lauren-Chocolate Espresso Rubbed Fillet with whipped potatoes and asparagus. I only tasted a bite of this but it was very good. The chocolate espresso was very subtle, but could still be tasted. Personally, I would have liked it to be bit stronger as the bites more towards the center of the fillet were not as strong in the chocolate espresso flavor.

Kathryn-Bone-in Pork Chop over Gorgonzola mashed potatoes with Apple Cider Braised Swiss Chard and an au jus. Umm, can I just say really quickly that I am an incredible orderer. If and when you go out to eat with me let me order for you because I'm very good! Anyway, back to the yummy meal. By the way, I never order pork chops in a restaurant because I make them at home so much, but I just had to get this-mainly for the mashed potatoes. And I am so glad I did! The pork chop cooked to medium and wow was it tender and thick! Minimal seasoning, mainly with some cracker pepper on top. I ate this first and then moved on to the mashed potatoes and the swiss chard. (I wanted to make sure I had enough room in my stomach to finish that pork!) The whole meal was delicious with the subtle flavorings of the gorgonzola cheese in the mashed potatoes and the apple cider flavor in the swiss chard. It seems that there are a lot of different flavors going on here, and there were, but they all went so well together.

DESSERT
Tiramisu-admittedly this was my first time having it. I'm usually not of fan of chocolate desserts so this was perfect because there's not too much chocolate and it's bittersweet chocolate so it's not too sweet. It was light and airy and a nice blend of espresso and chocolate. The plate was cleaned by us girls!

I found the service to be very good. David was our waiter and he was very personable and took his time to answer any questions, as well as explain each special in wonderful detail. As typical in restaurants, you have a waitor/waitress that is assigned to your table and you, as the customer, are to only ask questions of your waitor. But Fulton Five wasn't the case. While David was our main waitor, the staff at Fulton Five share responsibilities of each table to ensure that customers are not waiting too long for anything while the waitor is serving someone else. I found this to be a nice touch and one that made a clear statement that we, the customers, are important to them. Thank you Fulton Five.

I very much recommend this restaurant for you romantics out there. It's a keeper!