Finally; the weekend!!

My first weekend in China was pretty relaxed. Went strawberry picking on Saturday after a short visit to the school to learn some introductory Chinese. Amy and Kevin have given me a Chinese name, "Xi Wen" - pronounced (see-ven).  They picked it since it sounds like Sylvia, and because of the meaning: bright, flowery pattern of clouds. Works for me.  They also asked me to choose an English name for their 1 year-old niece. They would like a name that means joyful, happy, and beautiful.  I'll have to think about that one.

There was a gas line break somewhere in the city on Friday, and as a result I've had no hot water or heat since Friday afternoon.  Before I realized it, Amy came knocking with a giant thermos of boiling water so I could have tea.  Saturday morning she came running with more, and a boiled egg for my breakfast.  I'd be lost without her.  I decided to run out and buy an electric kettle yesterday. I doubt this will happen again, but electricity is cheaper than gas, and I drink a lot of tea.  As far as food goes, you can cook a lot with a rice cooker!  I had rice and dumplings yesterday, and manage to boil eggs for lunch today.  Amy and her mom are cooking home made dumplings and some other stuff, as today they celebrate some sort of lantern festival.  Apparently there will be lots of fireworks tonight as well.  Amy's mom doesn't speak English, and at the market today she bought dumplings filled with black sesame and chocolate.  When we arrived home, she gave them to me as gifts, but sadly I can't eat them as they have peanuts :(

Speaking of my allergy; Amy has alerted everyone at the local supermarket about my food allergy, and they are all ready to help me read labels if needed.  I am the only foreigner in the area, and they are very proud that I've come to live in China.  I guess I stand out.  People at the farmer's market were asking Amy where I am from and if I speak Chinese.  They are always very happy when I am able to mutter a word or two.  It's nice that they're so happy to have me here, and I am almost treated like a celebrity.

Not much else happening today.  Cleaned my bathroom, now that my hot water is back.  I don't have to cook dinner tonight.  Maybe I'll find a movie to watch on the internet.  Until next time, peace out!

I've posted a few more photos to the album: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10101643028385022.3075300.28108784&type=1&l=f184742eea