This mantra was running through my head all day. It's something Jay used to say while dungeon crawling back in our D&D playing days. However, today I had it in mind because I was trying to remember to drive on the left side of the road. And for the most part I succeeded! I turned the wrong way down a one-way street at one point, but it was a tiny one in laid-back Coloane Village, so it was easy to whip around once I realized my error. For the most part the signage was good and everyone in Macau drives in a chaotic, try-not-to-hit-anyone fashion, so it was not too hard to manage. A few taxis got annoyed at being stuck behind me at my max speed of 65km/hour, but most of the time it was fine.
A scooter is a step down compared to my Rebel, but fun all the same.
Initially, I picked the bike up at the Venetian - one of the enormous casino/hotels in Taipa, which is just like the one in Vegas, right down to the fake Ponte Rialto and the bell tower. I did this so I could avoid having to cross any bridges, because I wanted to ride in Coloane where it's chill and beautiful and somewhat difficult to get around.
I live on the Peninsula, and I took the bus to the area between Taipa and Coloane (Cotai). The Venetian is in the gray area to the right of where it says "Lotus Bridge". I met the delivery guy in the lobby and then he led me through the casino and down into the parking garage. He gave me a quick explanation of the features and I gave it a test run and then he took off. After getting situated, I drove around trying to find the exit. All of them had electronic arms with keycards! Crap! Luckily, I finally saw another biker exiting and just followed him up a little ramp off to the side. heehee!
It was funny to see these extra gondolas down in the parking garage. I guess people would rather shop and gamble than get paddled around in a fake canal.
Once I made it out of the garage and down to Coloane Village, I gave rides to Beth and Angie, who took the bus there to meet me. It was fun, but a little challenging since I'm not used to maneuvering with the extra weight, and it's difficult when you're a weakling. (No offense ladies, this was also a problem when I took my 95 pound Filipina friend around in NY.) It was Beth's first scooter ride, which was exciting, but I felt a little extra pressure to not scare her. Also exciting was my ride with Angie, because we got doused with water (or some liquid) from a balcony we passed under. Gross! I bet they were lying in wait for us.
We also walked around the village and checked out some of the tourist attractions. Here's a vid of the dirty but somehow still pleasant waterfront.
And here's the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier and surrounding area.
This painting was inside the chapel. It's the first Chinese-looking Madonna and Christchild image I've seen here. Pretty cool - I'd be interested to learn more about it. Too bad my phone couldn't seem to get a decent focus.
The rest of the chapel was unusual too. I like the cloudy sky in the apse.
Another great thing about our adventure was that I finally figured out where all of the Coloane trailheads are. Our tourbook was not very helpful, and the first time Beth and I tried to find them we had a lot of problems. I think I've got it down now, thanks to this map - just in time for Becky's visit!
At last it was time to head back, and I managed to find my way back into the Venetian parking lot with 9 minutes to spare. On my way out I stopped at a baccarat table to watch for a bit to try to learn how it works. As a government employee, I am only allowed to gamble at the casinos on the first three days of Chinese New Year, so I've set aside a little cash to play with. I'd like to try baccarat, but it seems really confusing. Guess I better search for a YouTube tutorial. Or find a gambler to escort me.
After my ride I came home, heated up my leftover Indian food and checked up on my FB and emails. I just discovered a FB app called Words With Friends, which is essentially Scrabble, but you can play it in any country. Beth started a game against me and it's neck-and-neck. It gets pretty serious when English teachers face off in Scrabble. I thought I was doing well with my 55 point word, QUEER, until she countered with a well-placed SNAKE for 62. Ouch! We're very near the end, so place your bets now!
Finally, I headed out for a late night and much needed pedicure and I brought along my new collection of short stories. I've never read any F. Scott Fitzgerald, but the first story fit my general impression of short stories - interesting, but outlandish and kind of disturbing. :) I'm looking forward to checking out the rest of them though - thanks again Anne!
I had another fun/productive day today. Got up and ran some errands and then met up with Beth and two of her teacher friends from Beijing. Angie came too, and we went to a Macanese place (Chinese/Portuguese fusion that is exclusively Macau) for lunch. The atmosphere was nothing special, but Carol had recommended it, and she's never steered us wrong. After a quick rundown of the specials, I knew what I wanted - minchi.
Beth, Angie, Jessica, and Andrew
I had to try it because of Anthony Bourdain. When I was getting ready to come to Macau, his tv show "No Reservations" did an episode on Macau, and in it he talks about minchi. Here's a segment from it below. The minchi part comes about 50 seconds in, right after the milk pudding. (If you'd like to watch the whole thing, YouTube should give you the options for segments 1 and 2 in the sidebar.)
Minchi is a classic Macanese food and is made of seasoned ground beef or pork with minimal added veggies. Mine was mostly ground beef with onions and maybe some other small additions chopped too small to see, and it was served over rice. Tasty! The other dishes we ordered were good too. Thanks Carol!
Afterward we went up to the park at the top of Guia Hill. There are two walking paths there and I'd been to the lower one with Beth at the beginning of last semester. It is completely unacceptable that it's taken me so long to get back, since it's right in our hood. I will have to try to make more regular visits next semester.
Aren't these pretty? I love poinsettias, for obvious reasons.
I think it's really funny that they felt the need to post a sign to explain how to use this.
Creepy topiary.
This is some kind of warning system for typhoons. They hang these huge metal structures outside to indicate the level of danger, with the cross being the highest - 10. Is it really wise to hang large metal objects outside on top of a hill when there are gale force winds?
Perhaps not.
It's always a funny contrast to be in a "wild" part of Macau and then look out from a viewpoint and see enormous buildings or casinos. Such a stark contrast so nearby.
These signs are everywhere. Macau is supposedly outlawing smoking in public places and buildings as of the first of the year. I'll believe it when I see it. Or don't see it, rather.
Beth enjoying the last rays of the sun.
I liked how the sun made this plant look all fiery.
These poor birds. See all the white shapes? They are covered cages. All the free birds were singing and darting down to visit them - like visiting inmates. Somehow I don't think taking your bird to the park is like taking your dog.
Like many parks in Macau, this one had free foot massage beds, to go with all the free exercise equipment. I didn't dare record her, but there was an old lady near us who walked back and forth on this stuff for like 20 minutes. Old Chinese people are so hard core.
Beth made a breakfast casserole with cheese and sausage and eggs and hashbrowns, so that was a lovely way to start the day.
Then her dad, Marshall, read us the Cajun Night Before Christmas over Skype, which is a family tradition in the Neely home. Here's the cover and the intro. As you can see, Santa rides a skiff pulled by alligators.
Twas the night before Christmas
an' all t'ru de house,
Dey don't a ting pass
Not even a mouse.
After breakfast and storytime, I joined Beth at her church service so I could listen to her sing in the choir. They sang some traditional Christmas songs with the rest of the congregation too and everyone sang in their language of choice, so I got to hear Hark the Herald Angels Sing, O Come all Ye Faithful and other favorites in Cantonese. It was pretty cool.
Then we came home and took a nap and talked to our families some more. In the late afternoon we watched It's a Wonderful Life. I love it every year, especially this scene.
Afterward Beth and I went out to get Indian for dinner, and it was delicious as always.
I got up early this morning to open gifts with my family over Skype. It was fun and I love watching my niece and nephew perform.
And below are pictures of all my gifts. In addition to these great items, my folks gave me shopping money that I intend to use on some more shoes. :) My sisters still have packages coming as well. Yay!
A couple things to make my desk more fun - an LED tree that plugs into my computer, and a sand art maker.
I always love jewelry - and these "re-purposed" pieces will go nicely with my copper ring.
Mom knitted these fingerless gloves for me - aren't they great?
I've been looking all over for nice wool socks to wear inside my doc martins. Mom sent me two pairs! Also, Beth gave me these ankle socks so I could join the Lego Che Guevara madness.
And, finally, some fleece jammies. Warm pajamas are always nice - especially red ones.
For dinner we went out with Yeow-Tong, our downstairs neighbor, and his girlfriend Joie. This Shanghai-style place is always really good. Everything was delish!
We're glad to have Angie back from Taiwan - the house was pretty quiet without her. She brought us back these souvenirs!
A nice Christmas in all - I hope yours was too.
p.s. If you haven't tried it already, google "let it snow". :)
I would like to begin this year's Christmas letter by admitting to an omission from last year's letter. I failed to mention two very important friends of mine, who in retrospect probably should have been listed first in recognition of the part they played in maintaining my sanity. If it were not for the dark humor and camaraderie of Drs. Severson and Farboud (aka Aaron and Bobby, or as my mom calls them, Honey and Bunches) I probably would not have lasted six years in the Meyer Lab. For this, I greatly owe them something, although I'm not sure what. Here they are, with my apologies for the extreme lateness of my acknowledgement. (Hopefully this will finally get them off my case.)
Dr. Farboud/Bobby/Bunches
Dr. Severson/Aaron/Honey
All right, now on to the recap of my year.
The year started off in memorable fashion - on New Year's Day, in the middle of a blizzard that shut down most of Fargo, Rachel and Becky and I got matching tattoos. Awesome idea Rachy, I still totally love mine.
Jared's work in progress
Finished product
The very next day I became a godmother again, to my darling nephew Oscar.
I also had the pleasure of celebrating my goddaughter's 5th birthday with a sleepover, as is our custom. Alaina is a very fabulous child, and so I was only mildly surprised when she announced that she wanted to go out for dinner in her giraffe costume. It was great. She's pictured here at an Italian restaurant in Berkeley that makes custom breads. We had a fun time, as always.
The latter part of January was less fun though, because I was extremely discouraged about my job prospects in the Bay Area. After an especially dismal visit to the NorCal Community College job fair, I decided to start looking online for work overseas. I found the position at the University of Macau and the wheels started turning from there.
I was working hard most of February, trying to finish my thesis and find a job while continuing to work at the Meyer Lab. I did find time for a few fun things though, and when my friend Lisa put the call out for a Prince concert I jumped at the chance. Amazing. Words can't describe. Who knew that a 52 year old man in high heels could be so attractive? Thanks Lisa!
In March, I got the opportunity to travel to New Orleans for a TESOL conference because my thesis handbook won an award that paid for my registration and airfare. It's a beautiful city and I wish I could have stayed longer. As it was, I spent a couple of days sightseeing and eating a ton of delicious food. I would love the chance to go back.
In April, I attended the California TESOL conference with Lisa, and while I was there I got the news that I had been accepted for the position in Macau. It was exciting and scary and made it really difficult to focus on the conference. We were in Long Beach and went out to 555 East, an expensive steakhouse, to celebrate with drinks and dinner.
I also got the chance to celebrate Easter with some of my favorite kids (and their parents). Pictured L to R are Marco, Katia, Maia, Robert, Alaina, and Tulio. The girls are Alison's, and the boys are their friends. We hid eggs and candy in Golden Gate park for them and had a delicious meal. This was the do-whatever-you-want shot.
Finally, graduation came in May. Here I'm pictured with my thesis chair, Dr. Heidimarie Rambo, and Lisa.
The ceremony was nice and a few of my besties (Alison, Cat and Jay) came to celebrate with me.
At the end of the month my six years with the Meyer Lab came to an end and I put away my crown for good. (Bobby made this to mock my organizational system.)
I spent all of June and the first half of July in MN with my family. It was great and long enough that I got the chance for some quality time with each person.
Fishing with Dad off the end of the dock. Missed a big one.
Mom and I spent many hours working on crossword puzzles and tanning. She can take way more than I can though, and I inadvertently got the worst burn I've had in years and consequently spent a couple of weeks in my sweatpants and softest shirts until I was done peeling.
I spent a week in Moorhead with Rachel and her family. It was nice to hang out there and we got an evening to go out kid-free and wander in the warm summer evening together.
I spent a week with Becky too, in Minnetonka, and we had a number of great adventures. One was a Segway tour all over Minneapolis. It was really fun!
I also had fun with my fabulous niece, Elloise. One highlight was a treasure hunt at the lake! (I used to make these for Rach and Becky when we were kids, so it was really great to have another opportunity to put on the mustache and bandana.)
We went on an outing alone too - to a make-your-own-craft place for kids. I always have a great time with this girl. Right after she finished painting this helicopter she painted both our fingernails with glaze. :)
I got to enjoy some alone time with Oscar too, at least as much as he could stand. He's still kind of a Momma's boy, but who can blame him? We're pictured here trying to have fun in the lake while avoiding the sun. He's very fair complected, and I'm still burned.
Toward the end of my visit, Rachel and I went down to stay with Becky and we did some fun stuff - just the three of us. We went to a Twin's game, enjoyed Lake Calhoun, and went to our first Eddie Vedder concert all together. It was awesome.
It was also nice to just relax at my parents' house and hang out. They have a beautiful home on the lake and it's like going to a retreat. A retreat where I get to bake pies.
It was a great long visit and something I hope to make a regular part of my summers.
I went back to California mid-July to finish packing, take care of business, and spend time with all my friends before leaving for Macau.
I managed one last sleepover with Alaina while I was dogsitting for Cat. Here is Lains taking her doggie soul-mate, Magic, for a walk. (Isn't her shirt great? Alison got it for me as a joke and I passed it on.)
I also spent a day with Jay and Cat at the California Academy of Sciences. We had a really nice time together enjoying all the plants and animals.
I also went on a camping trip with the Luke girls and their mother to Del Valle park. We rented a pontoon one day and had a great time exploring the lake and swimming.
The three little queens of performance: Alaina, Maia, and Katia.
And the source of it all, their mother, Alison.
At the very end of July I had a sendoff party at The Mallard and a lot of my friends came, including these two who I rarely get to see because they're so busy - Lisa and Anne. It was great to see everyone, but hard to say goodbye.
On August 2nd I left for Macau and thus began my adventures here, as many of you have already read about on this site. A few highlights have been:
My surprise birthday party
UMAC's 30th anniversary gala dinner
Thanksgiving dinner
Baking Christmas cookies
Getting to know my students: This is Ray, one of the ones who asked to take a photo with me on the last day of class. He later forwarded it to me with regrets that he was not able to take my class again next semester. So sweet!
Hotpot dinner with Angie's family in Hong Kong
Christmas Eve mass with Beth
It's been a great year and I'm excited to see what 2012 will bring.
Chinese New Year will begin "my" year in the Chinese zodiac - the year of the dragon!
Should be good luck.
I'll leave you with one of my favorite Christmas carols - Ave Maria sung by Chris Cornell.
I found this video on YouTube where someone has combined his version with this footage from The Nativity Story. It's quite lovely if you have six minutes to spare.
Merry Christmas and best wishes for the coming year. Love to you all. - Jess
