My husband woke me up this morning with kisses and presents. Another year gone, a little older and a little wiser. I have a beautiful pair of white gold hoops with tiny diamonds from John’s parents, and a gorgeous gold pendant with multi-colored stones to match the ring that John gave me for Christmas. My family has put some money in my account to go shopping some time later this month. What’s more, a perfectly beautiful warm sunny day – we’re talking T-shirt weather, folks! After the cold snap we’ve been enduring these last two weeks, the sun was a most welcome sight!
John and I set out for Hukou today with our friends, David and Catherine to spend the afternoon with MJ and Hui Chen. We spend quite a bit of time with David and Catherine. Along with Queenie and Jerry, they are our regular date partners here in Taiwan and we always have a great time with them. Thanks for the Burt’s Bees products, guys! John and I would also like to congratulate you both on picking a date for your wedding. Come March, you’ll both be official members of the married club!
We met up with MJ and Hui Chen for a long, leisurely lunch at A-dong’s. I think some of you might remember me writing about a blogger meet-up at A-dong’s in October. We just love the food there, and combined with good friends and nice weather it makes for a terrific Sunday afternoon jaunt.
A-dong’s specialty is gān biān niú ròu ( 干煸牛肉) also know as Dry-Fried Beef. John loves this chewy, crispy beef dish, especially if it’s served with hot sauce. Although we enjoy everything on the menu, he just can’t get enough of this dish. We ate all the beef in the restaurant. I’m not kidding. They had to go out that afternoon to buy more beef so they would have enough for their dinner rush. The food is terrific, and at NT 60 – 100$ a plate, it’s cheap and filling, too.
After lunch, we headed over to MJ’s house to take a look at his new toy, an uber-cool recumbent bike. Whew. Of course, we all had to try it out by taking it for a spin around the block. What a way to ride a bike. It doesn’t even feel like exercise!
John taking a spin around the block.
David’s fianceé Catherine was also eager to join in the fun. I just love this photo of Catherine. Talk about a gorgeous smile!
By the time we had finished riding around, everyone was ready for a rest. Hui-chen pulled out the PS2 for John and David, while MJ brewed some beautiful oolong tea for me and explained the intricacies of drinking tea in Taiwan. I had no idea that MJ was a tea connoisseur and his collection of teapots is beautiful. He seemed very happy to take the time to sit and explain the differences between a good pot and a bad pot, the different kinds of tea that are produced in Taiwan and the art of infusion. What a splendid way to end a beautiful afternoon. Thank you!
We had one last stop to make before we turned in for the evening. Cold Stone Creamery wasn’t even busy, despite the fact that SOGO Department Store was packed to the rafters. Sated on an overload of chocolate ice cream and brownies, I happily headed home with my new husband. Another year gone by and life just keeps getting better.
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it was a fun day, we’re really glad you guys came over! we’ll have to play a ride someday, and we’ll put oolong tea in our water bottles!
We are, too. My friends keep wondering where we disappear to on the weekends. You can’t beat a gorgeous day on the weekend with great food and friends. I’m looking forward to our next tea session. We’ll have to leave John with Hui Chen and your PS2.
Happy Birthday.
LOL Love the first picture
Belated Happy Birthday Carrie. I tried the trike last time I saw MJ. Its fun to ride.
Happy Bday Carrie,
Now I know what Mike’s bike looks like. Hmm, kind of a little bit like a wheel chair. Seems cool definitely worth further investigation.
Happy Birthday Carrie! That bike looks like a blast!
Thanks Todd, Mark and Ashish! If a wheel chair is that much fun, sign me up!
Happy Birthday! Sounds (and looks) like you had a great time.
Thanks Kim. It was a quiet one, but definitely a good one!
Birthday greetings to Carrie from Nashville, TN!
My 54th today … they jest keepa comin’!
Hi David,
This is your first time visiting My Several Worlds. Thanks for stopping by and Happy Birthday to you!
Wow, such a wonderful birthday!
You must have a great time!
Hi Doris,
I’m so happy you left a message! You’re my first student to do so. Thanks for stopping by and see you on Tuesday!
It’s so cool. It’s a good birthday!
Is this Jessica from SW9? Thanks for your birthday wishes and extra thanks for stopping by to say hello!
Happy Birthday!!!
Seems like you had a fun day.
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!
wish we could’ve gone to hukou with you guys.
Hi Andres,
Thanks for your birthday wishes. We wish we could have seen you guys, too. I can’t believe how much Olivia has grown since we last saw you guys!
Happy belated birthday. You’re writing of around Taiwan and Asia is very welcome for this expat in Taiwan.
Where did David find or buy the recumbent?
Hi Michael,
Thanks for the birthday wishes. MJ bought his bike in Taiwan. It’s by TW-Bents. Check out MJ’s blog for more details. Thanks very much for stopping by and commenting.