Edlin's first and only debut!

Yesterday was the start of the new expat season. This is the time of year when the monthly luncheons begin, as many expats are returning from their summer vacations back home, or not returning at all, while the new expats are looking to make friends and get some advice on living here in Xiamen.

As expats leave, many times they have more than their share of stuff to dispose of. Edlin and Jose are no exception. Before the luncheon a few of us stopped by Edlin's little mini mart to do a little shopping.

Edlin's grocery store

As for these luncheons, I generally don't go to them, however, since Edlin became the President of this organization, and it was the first and only luncheon that she was to plan, I promised her that I would support her.

Edlin's debut as President

We had the luncheon along with some speeches, particularly, Edlin asking if anyone wanted to become president of this gig. As you can imagine, not a lot of takers.

Later, the dice game, was followed by lunch.


Again, I left with tissues, notebooks, lotions, etc. This is like Christmas, except I don't have to spend any money.

After the stress of planning this luncheon, Edlin, Siew and I decided to go for a foot massage. We figure this may be the last one before Edlin departs, and it just so happened to be at the same hotel, the Millenium, where we we had the luncheon.

Edlin enjoying possibly one of her last foot massages in China

Siew enjoying her foot massage, though not her last

We chatted for about 20 minutes, and the next thing you know the three of us were sound asleep, until one of us starting snoring...

..and no it wasn't me!