thanksgiving 2015.

We used 3 ovens and 2 hot plates. 

Oh the noises and faces this guy makes—so funny. 

Mmmm!

Carving like a boss.

Our spread.

The Zhangs ;)

Our first Thanksgiving as a married couple and I was so excited to host!

"How do you feel about me wearing your shoes?"

While out on our weekly date last Wednesday night, Melissa and I decided we would have a Thanksgiving dinner this year. We even ordered a turkey! (I've had some kind of Thanksgiving dinner every year since I've been in Beijing, but none of them have felt fully authentic or traditional and only one included turkey.) 

We decided to keep it really small and family-like, so it was just me, Tony, Melissa, and Ken. On Saturday afternoon (the only day we were all free), we went grocery shopping and that evening, Melissa and I cooked while the boys played the Wii and drank beer. 

Along with our 600RMB ($123 CAD!!!) turkey—now you know why I've only had one Thanksgiving dinner that included turkey—we had dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, squash, green beans, and dill pickles. For dessert, apple pie with ice cream! Well, three of us had apple pie; Tony had chicken feet :) #crossculturalcouple

Melissa and I enjoyed kicking back afterwards and watching the boys do dishes. And then I kicked their butts at Mario Kart. And then I kicked their butts at Monopoly ;) 

Maybe the best part... hot turkey sandwiches a couple days later! It was Tony's first; he asked, "Do I toast the bread?"

China is really starting to feel like home. 

highlights from vietnam.

Almost two years ago now (TWO YEARS!), I spent Christmas vacation in Vietnam with two friends. And I never blogged about it, aside from the post when I told you I was going and the brief mention of Vietnam when I posted my faces of long distance. No one can accuse me of being a travel blogger. Oops. 

In all honesty, I don't think I remember enough details from the trip to write an in-depth post, but I want a record of it on the blog so I figured I'd post some of the photos I took on the trip and share a few memories. (I didn't even take that many photos. I remember feeling in a "I don't want to take photos" kind of mood, thinking, "Can't I just experience it and live my life?")

I remember when we applied for our visas online, we paid for an express service and a taxi to our hotel at the same time. Express service was so worth it. 

I remember laughing at this scene in the airport because boys will be boys anywhere in the world. (There was a soccer (football?) game on TV.)

I remember we were excited there was a Burger King when we were leaving the airport. BK has been an international travel tradition since 2012.

I remember this was so heavy. We gave major props to this guy for carrying it around, until...

he made us buy coconuts because he let us take a photo. And we thought he was just being nice! Oh well, we figured if this was the only time we were scammed, we were lucky.

I remember eating so many of these and debating what they were called. (They're rambutans.)

I remember this was when I was still in my "Valencia or Rise" stage.

I remember the motorbikes everywhere. These photos do not do it justice. I think this is one of my favourite things/memories about Vietnam. 

I remember feeling so rich because at the time, 1 Canadian Dollar equaled approximately 20 000 Vietnamese Dong.

I remember visiting the Củ Chi Tunnels and not taking many photos because even though other tourists were, it just didn't feel appropriate. I kept thinking of the war and the lives lost and the events surrounding it. Maybe this was because we had just visited the War Remnants Museum, but I felt pretty somber and also fortunate that I was visiting this place, this piece of history, and had the chance to learn more about it.

I remember staying in Phu Quoc, and learning the correct way to pronounce it.

I remember playing many games of Crazy Eights here.

I remember this was the first time I had my toenails painted in years, because Sara convinced me: "C'mon, paint the nubs!"

I remember feeling so peaceful by the pool each afternoon.

I remember the gecko in our room and I jumped on the bed and we squealed and laughed. (I've since gotten over my irrational fear.)

I remember this beach was beautiful and a bit chilly.

I remember we ate so much food.

I remember our hotel was a bit odd (they were very protective of their towels and room keys), but they brought us a cake on New Year's Eve.

I remember FaceTiming Tony from the bar so we could countdown together, Beijing time.

I remember we had a good time.

I remember Paula went for a late-night dip.

I remember feeling proud I crossed the road without being hit ;)

I remember we agreed to eat here because Alanna and Paula wanted pasta and I liked the type on their window.

P.S. Highlights from Hong Kong, Datong, Thailand, Shanghai, Boracay, Vermont, and Montréal.