Watching news about Russia invasion Ukraine… A lady playing piano in a busy transportation hub to bring people joy. Polish open arms to its neighbor, welcoming refugees People around the world book Airbnb in Ukraine with no intention to travel there but get money into people’s hands quickly Ukraine men get on train from Poland …
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Beijing Olympics
Beijing is the 1st city in the world to host summer and Winter Olympics. Opening ceremony countdown started from 24 instead of 10 and I learned that it’s not only 24th Winter Olympics but also there are 24 solar terms in Chinese calendar. Quite a difference for the opening ceremony, 2008 showed in volume, performances …
Trust
I ordered several things from Amazon for a friend when she came to NYC. However, the goods arrived earlier than estimated and before her arrival. She told me she didn’t see the packages at (Airbnb) apartment. I called the Amazon customer service and explained the situation. The staff said they will resend the goods, free …
Special Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year’s (CNY) Eve, aunt asked me if I want to go to dim sum with her and her good friend. Normally, I’d be working yet there was server connection issue, I couldn’t do much at the moment so I joined them. We chatted and laughed over 蝦餃(shrimp dumpling), 鳳爪(chicken feet), 蘿蔔糕(turnip cake), 螃蟹球(fried …
Blizzard, Blessing
I watched the snow falling and wind blowing outside, what a blessing to be able to admire the beautiful white world from a safe and warm home… Aunt made ‘Buddha jump over the wall’ 佛跳牆 soup*, cabbage with gong maru 貢丸, and fried mini bao. What a blessing for the food and company to celebrate …
Feliz Cumpleaños, Mamá!
I returned Costa Rica to celebrate ‘mama*’ 70 birthday. We took a weekend getaway to Rio Celeste. We spent 1st afternoon in the ‘tree’ maze (interesting culture difference, in US, maze is usually seasonal, made of dried corn after harvest in the fall yet in CR, the maze are green trees, I guess year-round?). We …
Happy New Year and I’m Lucky!
Happy new year! Welcome 2022 with mom, dad, sister, and niece; due to pandemic, we stayed home and enjoyed the best “mom” food. After dinner, we walked to a nearby department store to see the holiday decoration then counted down virtually watching celebration parties on TV. Chinese New Year has brought more travelers home, shorter …
Simple Blessing
After 2 weeks quarantine in the hotel and 1 week self-care at home, finally I can get out…Saturday, first lunch out with mom and dad, I’m surprised to see the restaurant is packed. Later at a super market, I saw waves of people and heard familiar shouting to attract customers to buy and taste food. …
Go Home II
Saturday, I stepped outside after 2 weeks quarantine, the sun was shining and air was refreshing… I noticed new buildings, flat road (removed bridge), remodeled park on the way home and new TV, fridge, air conditioner at home. After lunch, mom took me to where we used to walk after meal. The wall and railroad …
Go Home I
Due to covid-19, I’ve not visited home for over 2 years. All visitors to Taiwan need to quarantine at designated hotels for 2 weeks, straight from airport. I leaned upon arrival that you need a local cell number for contact. I had to buy a temporary #/ cell plan though there is phone at hotel …