Friday Night BBQ

From FAO BBQ

The FAO (Foregin Affairs Office) of South China Normal University Nanhai put together a little Friday night BBQ for those of us who were interested. As long as you realize that BBQ doesn't stand for Better Be Quick and that like many plans here...you are on China time, you'll be fine. Sad to say, the return of the Phantom Menace AKA Durian Dave had forgot these two rules. A lengthy traffic jam delayed our ride which left us in front of Junya Gardens waiting for our campus bus. I felt pretty bad for the other teachers that were just trying to get home and sadly no BBQ for them.

We had a nice group of FAO staff, deans, FLF (Foreign Language Faculty) and a small contingent of the cutest off spring who are trained to call us "Soosu" and "Aiye" (Uncle and Aunty). China loves it's children and so do we.

From FAO BBQ

Our coach driver took us to another world not very far away from our neighborhood, we stared in amazement as he took a full 50 seater bus down a scooter alley trying to get to the river park. Imagine our surprise when he actually abandoned this plan and did an Austin Power's turn around to head back to the main road. He stopped halfway and grabbed a guide with her bicycle, loaded them in front and off we went!

Honestly, we LOVE living in China. Sure, a lot of what happens is lost in translation for us but Gail and I have each other so we just sit back enjoy the ride and laugh.

By the time we got to the river park the BBQ tables were ready to go. We ate like the hungry dogs that were roaming about, which is better than EATING the hungry dogs that were roaming about. Although a few jokes were made about this.

I know all Laowai (old outsider) are not as lucky as us and even we get frustrated at times with the acculturation process (or lack of), but honestly when you finally sit down at the table and eat with your Chinese hosts all that other stuff just doesn't matter. We're just people at a BBQ and what more could you ask for on a Friday night?

More photos online here: http://picasaweb.google.com/rocco.galloway/FAOBBQ?feat=directlink

From FAO BBQ

Gail Says Hello Kids

A Wok in the Park

Friday morning coming down, slow and lazy. Welcome to expat life in China. It's 10:30 in the morning and despite being a bit TMI, here I sit in my striped underoos and fuzzy snow man slippers with a cup of Vietnamese coffee as Gail is in the kitchen doing what she does best: COOKING.

We just had a small discussion on what to call our little blog. What can I say, my mind works in strange and mysterious ways. Usually strange to others and a mystery to me.

I hope that Gail and I can share our expat life with you here in Southern China, where we have lived since August 2007. We know such an adventure isn't for everybody, but honestly we think you should consider it even if for a moment.

Ideally you'll get a smattering of "Laowai" life from both of us in these posts, and honestly let's face it, my wife is much better at expressing how great things are here than myself.

Speaking of my wife, "Chef Gail" she has concluded her morning magic in the world's smallest kitchen and has summoned me to do what I do best: EAT!

I'll leave you with this question. Can you cook bacon in a wok?