Friday, April 1, 2011

Play Time!

We have officially moved to the city! Ping Deng Li was just too cold, too moldy and too far away from the doctor! My mom’s roommate at her apt in TianMu moved gave notice so we took her spare room. Neither of us has been sick since we moved down here (knock on wood) and without the hour commute to town each way, we have much more time to play. Here are some shots I’ve taken around town, having fun with my favorite new toy – my iPhone! :D

First order of business, we need to furnish our room in town. New bedroom set courtesy a 7hr shopping spree at IKEA. Phew!


Enjoying a peaceful stroll along the river. This great walking path goes all the way from my mom's house down to Zhishan MRT Sta.


Our room adjoins the small balcony where the washing machine is. This is where we hang out the wash to dry (no dryers in town either). It's also a lovely place to relax and enjoy the view of the river with a nice cold beer.


I've been 'teaching English' to this sweet girl named McKenzie three times a week. Mostly we draw and sing songs...and play Angry Birds on the iPad. Hehehe



McKenzie loves posing me with her favorite stuffed animal 'Ying Ying' the panda. I have literally hundreds of photos just...like...this.




This is me enjoying an afternoon painting and eating dragon eyes!



Jeremy and I found a pizza place called Alley Cats that actually has passable pizza...and a full bar! Jeremy was able to explain to them to make me a cape cod! Hurrah! Oh, and that's my new cat purse.



And this is a real cat. Sara rescued this tiny tabby boy from the park. We kitten sat for her when she had to be gone long hours at work.



Here's Jeremy with the new kitten. He was soooo tiny!





And here's our dear old buddy 'Stop That' giving me the stink eye. My favorite crazy kitty.

We've been partying it up in town too. We met some very cool people here at a celebration for my mom's friend who just finished his dissertation! It was one wild party. I pretty much had to carry Jeremy home, which luckily isn't far at all anymore.



Me and my new bestie in Taiwan - Jackie! We were up till 3am drinking wine, talking motorcycles and comparing cat photos. Yup. Love her!

After a hard day of teaching, I like to unwind at the park! McKenzie's house is just a few blocks away from one of the city's few outdoor skate rinks so I bring my gear with me most days. Sometimes her grandma lets me take her skating too.




Stretching after a good skate work out. It's getting pretty hot here already. When I get done teaching at noon it's usually nearly 90 degrees and muggy!



Rehydrating with a Belgium beer at a cute outdoor cafe near the park. Jeremy was having fun with my phone here too. I love this shot.