An Appetite for Adventure

“祝我生日快乐!” That’s the birthday song in Chinese — set of course to that most international of birthday song melodies. “Zhu wo sheng ri kuai le” to be exact. I heard those words, along with the American version, in class today. There was a cake: Chinese-style with lots of fruit and whipped cream. There was an awesome pin that says, “I <3 China!” There was even a bright pink cardboard birthday crown. I shared my special day with another classmate, who just so happened to be turning 10 years younger than me. Man, I feel old.

This marks my first birthday outside of the US. And amidst the birthday calls, emails and Facebook postings — I love how the internet has helped make countless people’s special days more special because of the friendly social app birthday reminders — I took time to reflect on how lucky I am that I’m not only able to have this grand adventure, but that I have so many wonderful people in my life everywhere around the global. And more so than any certain locale, those friends and family are my “home.”

A special shoutout to my honey who surprised me not once but twice today. This is especially hard, as I use my wily ways to spoil most surprises; I’m a glutton for punishment and have little patience. I awoke to a gigantic American-style (read: fantastically fatty and of gigantic portions) breakfast and then, upon returning home, walked in to a huge bouquet of the most stunning bouquet of gorgeously fragrant roses I’ve ever seen and a set of hand picked and strung pearls (necklace, earrings and bracelet) from the Hongqiao Pearl Market. Sean researched the best places to go and bought them at a boutique known for selling to heads of state and diplomats. Apparently Condoleeza Rice also bought pearls there. Eat your heart out, Condi!

I’m off to trivia at Lush, a local bar, then perhaps KTV (karaoke) or a girls’ night out at China Doll or Bling, two clubs. But before I go, I want to give you all a birthday present: I’ll be updating every day for the next couple weeks. I’ve been chided — rightly so — for not updating more frequently. And there’s lots to tell. So it’s the least I can do to try to connect with all of you back home and abroad. So stay tuned … in the next few days I’ll recap my wild Halloween night, blog on Obama’s victory and what it was like in China, take you hiking at Xiang Shan, ask you out for a dance at Digweed and more.