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Check out our latest travel updates! The older posts are in the categories labeled by countries.


Birthday Boy
Birthday Boy Steve

We arrived in ShenZhen about 9AM, after an overnight flight from Goa to Delhi to Hong Kong. But that lack of sleep didn't get in the way of a dinner celebrating Xinhua's birthday with a group of his friends. He was born in 1970, meaning he is legally 49 years old this year; however, many Chinese start the count 1 year earlier, during the time in the womb - meaning he is now 50 - that is a big deal!! Loads of delicious food and way too much to drink made for a great time; the only casualty was Xinhua's memory - he remembers nothing of the later part of the evening, hahaha. And since he drove us to the restaurant we had to hire a driver to get us all back home. 

Xiahua, Nanqi, and Little Three
Xiahua, Nanqi, and Little Three Steve
Birthday Cake
Birthday Cake Steve
Friends having a great time
Friends having a great time Steve
Lobster and Salmon. The lobster meat, served raw, is almost clear and served on the pedestal of crushed ice. Absolutely the best lobster I've ever had. And the salmon was also outstanding.
Lobster and Salmon. The lobster meat, served raw, is almost clear and served on the pedestal of crushed ice. Absolutely the best lobster I've ever had. And the salmon was also outstanding. Steve
Wonderful whole fish
Wonderful whole fish Steve
Excellent wine - we drank 5 bottle of this wine, plus another bottle brought by a friend. We then had one of these left after the party and drank it as a nightcap when we got home. Xinhua missed the nightcap...LOL
Excellent wine - we drank 5 bottle of this wine, plus another bottle brought by a friend. We then had one of these left after the party and drank it as a nightcap when we got home. Xinhua missed the nightcap...LOL Steve
Maotai, a famous Chinese white liquor, is loved by many here - don't really work for me. But in addition to the 6 total bottles of wine consumed, 2 bottles of this were consumed.
Maotai, a famous Chinese white liquor, is loved by many here - don't really work for me. But in addition to the 6 total bottles of wine consumed, 2 bottles of this were consumed. Steve
Xinhau and friends singing us a song.
Xinhau and friends singing us a song. Steve
Xinhau a bit messy with the cake - and some help from a friend.
Xinhau a bit messy with the cake - and some help from a friend. Steve
Xinhua and I as the evening was winding down.
Xinhua and I as the evening was winding down. Steve
Xinhua was about done by this time - I think I am mostly holding him up...hahaha
Xinhua was about done by this time - I think I am mostly holding him up...hahaha Steve
At Little Three and Xinhua's House in ShenZhen, eating snakes...
At Little Three and Xinhua's House in ShenZhen, eating snakes... Nanqi You

We flew into Hong Kong very early on March 10th. My brother-in-law Xinhua picked us up and started our 10 day whirlwind visit in China.

  • Mar 10-12: Shenzhen visiting my little sister (Little Three - yes that is her name) and her husband Xinhua who celebrated his 49th birthday (details in the post "XinHua's Birthday Celebration). They just became empty nested a few months ago when their daughter went to college in the US. We ate ourselves silly.
  • Mar 12 - 13: we were in YiWu, 2 hours flight from ShenZhen. This is where I imported my jewelry kits into a jewelry club a few years ago. Jacky, my contact and liaison, has since gotten married and has 2 children. We were there to visit Jacky and his family while we checked out some potential products for imports. We were overwhelmed just like last time, but opportunities are endless. Pictures below.
  • Mar 13 - 15: HangZhou, visiting my dear friend ZhouJing, whose Walla Walla house we have been living in for the last few years. She impresses me every single time I visit her work place. She is currently a consultant for this top ranked company Nong Fu Spring which is ranked top 10 food and beverage companies in China and is expected to go public in 2 years, wathc this one. Her specialty is setting up HR systems for companies so they can operate at the tightest and crack proof level. She is currently full-time there and occupies a very important slot. IMPRESSIVE.
  • Mar 15 - 20: Xian, visiting my mom and my middle sister (Little Cloud and yes, that is her name). More to come. 
Jacky's 2 Children and wife DuPing
Jacky's 2 Children and wife DuPing
ZhouJing and Steve at Nong Fu Spring Head Quarters
ZhouJing and Steve at Nong Fu Spring Head Quarters Nanqi You
This is a tiny fraction of the supplies
This is a tiny fraction of the supplies Nanqi You
New shopping bags and package
New shopping bags and package Nanqi You
Lighters are revolutionary: flame less USB type, torch with tapper, spoon, etc. The cheapest is 0.18 cents
Lighters are revolutionary: flame less USB type, torch with tapper, spoon, etc. The cheapest is 0.18 cents Nanqi You
Storage and lighter combo
Storage and lighter combo Nanqi You
Grinders for $2 to $3. All sizes and materials
Grinders for $2 to $3. All sizes and materials Nanqi You
Home cooked meal at Zhou Jing's House. So nice.
Home cooked meal at Zhou Jing's House. So nice.

Visit my sisters, my MAMA and buy stuff in YIWU...

Karma Candidasa - View from our balcony
Karma Candidasa - View from our balcony

This round, we came to Karma Candidasa.  It is in a small village near Candidasa which by itself is a slightly larger village.  This is the 4th trip to Bali and 3rd Karma resort we stayed in after Karma Kandara and Karma Mayura.  Despite the stunning beauties of Kandara and the rich cultures and shopping in Myyura, this is our favorite resort so far.  Our unit opens to the ocean and overlooks the resort pool.  Village is small with excellent massages and food.  We met the resort manager Rafik and his girl friend Marie in Borgo de Coleoli in Italy last October.  We reunited here in Candidasa Bali.  We feel extremely comfortable here, and will be back for 2 weeks stay next time.  

We took a snorkeling trip to the nearby Blue Lagoon.  Abundant colorful fishes and calm water.  This is our first snorkeling after years of break.  We still love it.  

Pool at Karma Candidasa
Pool at Karma Candidasa
Karma Candidasa
Karma Candidasa
Karma Candidasa - quiet and sufficient
Karma Candidasa - quiet and sufficient
A nearby trail
A nearby trail
A typical Balinese residence
A typical Balinese residence
Girls at the resort
Girls at the resort
South Pacific EXC cruise itinerary
South Pacific EXC cruise itinerary Nanqi

We flew from Bali to Brisbain Australia to start our back to back cruises with Holland America for a total of 41 days. 

The first one is South Pacific EXC:

March 28th 2019 from Brisbain Australia to April 14th 2019 from Aukland New Zealand. Vessel: Maasdam.

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