*Everything that was 2014. Entries below were drafted in Shanghai, China – where internet connection is restricted and can drain happiness off you even from merely trying to get online.
*Currently fluttering somewhere in the District of Columbia, Land of the Free
I just realized that I have not updated this blog for the last n months years. Here are special random highlights of the year that was.
Starting you off with some classy Bling Bling Holiday greetings from a mall next to Jing’An Temple.
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| 2013 Bling Bling Holiday Greetings from Jing’An, Shanghai, China |
(1) New Job
I moved to a new job to teach MYP/Pre-IGCSE Science somewhere in Minhang District, Shanghai.
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| View of the hallway from the Science and Math Block |
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My work corner when I started. I was transitioning into the Macbook life here.
Also, there’s more clutter on my desk when school is in progress. |
(2) New Home
Michael and I moved to a new apartment in June 2014. Our landlady is an interior designer / architect and her place was one of her early projects. Photos taken below during our 1st tour of the house with our property agent.
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Entry area reminds me of the ocean.
Bamboo ladder was kept as part of the house interior.
Property agent’s pair of shoes not included. |
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Intricate detail on the dining table stand – lovingly hand-crafted
by my landlady and her daughter. |
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| Hallway to the guest bedroom and bathroom |
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Living room zen area – where we spent most of our times appreciating how awesome life is.
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(3) New Adventure: Gourmet Home Cooking
We tried out xinwei to guide us in the kitchen. Proportioned ingredients for gourmet dishes with user-friendly instructions. Mackerel and Ratatouille and Mushroom Risotto were our favorites. Michael took charge of this at the kitchen. My OCD was put to good use during preparation stage.
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| Michael being a pro at the kitchen |
The dishes did not make it to the pictures – they disappeared too quickly.
(4) Annual Homecoming Faves
Next to my family…..
the reasons I come home can be summarized below
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| Boiled Saba Banana in Bagoóng (Fermented Krill or Anchovies) |
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| Singkamas with Suka’t Toyo with Sili (Turnip in Spicy vinegar sauce) |
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| Paksiw na Isda (Fish cooked in vinegar and spices) and Kinilaw na Isda (Ceviche Filipino Style) |
(5) Hosting our 1st Shanghai Thanksgiving Dinner November 2014
Michael and I hosted our first Shanghai Thanksgiving Dinner. Food was catered from Mr. Harry’s .
Captured moments from Michael’s time-lapsed video coverage here.
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| Table details courtesy of Michael and Pinay. |
(6) 2014 Christmas Dinners Snippets
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At PauPatri Boracay
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| At Argonauta Boracay Boutique Hotel’s dinner spread |
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| At Argonauta Boracay Boutique Hotel’s dinner spread |
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| At Mergrande Resort with Davao Family |
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| At Shanghai Filipino Family Dinner |
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| At Mr. Harry’s Shanghai for Bashers’ Christmas Dinner |
Here’s to more posts for 2015. I know it’s already halfway across the year but I will work on catching up.
