Night out

Last night, Mark and I went out without the girls! That was the second time just the two of us have gone anywhere since moving here on Feb. 1. One of the guys, Philip, stayed with the girls. He brought a friend, Kerri, with him. The girls fell in love with her instantly! She is a teacher from Canada, just graduated from college. She is teaching English in a local school for the next year. Being able to talk to her was great. I only know one other "western" woman over here. Talking to someone that understands your language and your culture is a luxury. Chit-chat is highly underrated!! So, Mark and I picked up Jay, another American here, and went to dinner first. We ran into another foreign couple there, so we weren't the only ones getting stared at. Then we hit the bars! They were unlike anything back home. Of course, it has been awhile since I've been to a bar. That said, it was like the show Cheers only not nearly as nicely decorated. Everyone was just hanging out and really knew everyones' names. They even knew my name before I introduced myself. Most everyone at EPD from America has hung out there, including Mark. I guess he talked about me while I was back home for summer. There were other people from America, three guys from Romania, a family from Moldova with their 4 year old girl. My first thought about a couple and little girl in a bar was, your kidding, right? After going, I completely understand. In fact, I would be comfortable taking my girls after seeing for myself. The owner of the place is Alice. She is a native of Yangzhou, and dating Beau, who is one of our guys from the US. I met several other locals, who know all the Americans. All the while the little girl is running around and everyone is doting on her and playing with her. It was like a get together at a friends house without good food!! Next time I will take my camera, it is a very different life here.