life of the street food vendors

[L]: This evening, after getting out from our evening classes, we decided to go look for street food. Our friend was craving this cold noodle dish that is sold on the street, and convinced us to go with him. So our friend, edwin, and I all biked to the area where street food vendors are at. Well, who knew we would be greeted with a mob. There were the "security guards" or cops of some sort. They were surrounding the street vendors. They tried to pull on the carts and tell the street vendors to put away their stuff or get their stuff taken away. It was so sad to see street vendors beg and asked that their stuff not be confiscated, as their "cart" is their livelihood. (Who knows, maybe the location was not supposed to have the vendors there?). After a big scene, the area was cleared. Well, turns out they just moved to the other side of the lot. So then the guards followed them to that side, so they scurried all away. We just waited and waited. Finally, the street vendors all cleared away. We were sad because there went our "food". But we knew well enough that we should just wait around some more... because around here, things are so random and you just never know what's going to happen. Well, it turns out that as the guards leave, all the street vendors came out again from their hiding places. [???] And there they were, back in business.... Life is confusing here. But at least we got our food. And edwin bought some more squid on a stick. Seems to be his cravings of choice recently.

Happy Easter

L]: Hello friends!

Happy Belated Easter!

Sorry that it really has been so long since we've last posted. Don't worry, we are still alive and well! Besides the fact that we have bags under our eyes from not sleeping enough, we are doing okay. This month has whizzed by so quickly!

Some recent changes:

* The weather -- Ick! It's now hot and humid. Well, it can't seem to make up its mind. One day it's cold, and the next day it's hot. I think I've always been afraid of cold weather, but now, I am prefering cold than feeling like I am melting in class from the heat. I believe that there is no spring here. It's winter, and the next thing you know, it's hot. Wowsers.
* I am not so afraid of the butcher anymore. Well, not quite. The other day I was purchasing some meat and produce, and as I was paying on the counter in the little shop, lo and behold, there is an animal liver on counter next to the money box. The owner just casually pushed aside the liver, and plop down the rest of my change onto the counter. Ugh. What was I supposed to do, except cooly take my money and say thank you.
* I have new appreciation for automatic-flush squatty potties. I never knew squatties had automatic flushing capabilities. But now I know. Yeah! =P

One BIG highlight is that some of our beloved friends from home (PB, AR, GL) came here to this side of the world to visit and do some work here. It was so good to see them!!! Seeing them reminds us so much of home & I just started crying seeing them and thinking of everyone. Their visit brought us great memories and it was huge time of encouragement for us! And they brought with them so much love from home. =)

As we reflect on the family and friends we miss so much, other things started coming to mind about home too:

* I miss my pharmacy back at home!! Check out my "other" home where I spent most of my time at before I came here: http://www.bcpvetpharm.com/about_team_pharmacists.htm
* I miss Jason's Deli, Taco Cabana, Taco Bell... oooh, that's quality fast food right there....
* I miss microwave dinners. Lean Cuisine. Healthy Choice. Night Hawk. Kid's Cuisine. Yumm... I guess one good thing is that since there are no such things here, I actually have to go to the market and buy "real" food. And cook it.
* We miss driving our cars! There's something about driving on the freeway and listening to the radio to decompress after a hard day's work. I thought H-town traffic was bad and full of bad drivers... WELL, I stand corrected. The way that people drive HERE makes H-town traffic look so peaceful. I will devote another post about the way people drive here another day... or wait, did I already do that! =)

Anyhow, one funny sign I recently saw, and it made me laugh. I thought I'd post it to share my recent find with you. I blacked out the original native language "to protect the innocent", but I left the English there for you to ponder and reflect...