Where the foriegners are

Today is the first of three days dedicated to celebrating the founding of the People's Republic of China. I am on vacation until the 10th of October. Josh will have to go back to work (for his teahcing job with the kids) on the 6th to make up for having this weekend off. On Monday morning, we will take a train to Qingdao with Mei and Karen. Its a sea-side city in Shandong Province where the residents are "arrogant because their city is so clean" according to one my students.

Last night, we did a little National Day celebrating with representatives from many different nations--at an 80's party! The party was thrown by a 20-something woman from Cincinnati called Rebecca. She reminded me of Drew Barrymore. Including Josh, there were three Cincinnatians at the party--they had exclusive inside conversations about Skyline Chili, Graeters Ice Cream and even discovered that they knew people in common.
Americans, Australians, Canadians, Brits, Irish, a Kiwi, a Norwegian, three Chinese,and a Zimbabwean mingled and danced to 80's hits. The three things we all had in common were that we spoke English, taught English and remembered bits and pieces of childhood in the 80's---slap bracelets, Oregon Trail, hypercolor t-shirts, CHIPS, Duck Tails, jellies, Pee Wee Herman and so much more.
I don't plan to run with a foriegn crowd and miss out on China, but it is comforting to know they are all out there somewhere--and easy to spot in a crowd!



The self-portraits are getting a bit old, I know, but I thought you could get a glimpse of our costumes (and what facial expressions we must think go with the 80's).
Josh borrowed from the Miami Vice: sleeveless shirt, sports coat with rolled up sleeves.
For me, a side pony, off the shoulder sweater, cuffed jeans and chucks.
It was rad!