After a "normal" day - which included school, work, playdates, brunch with my friend and shopping, we were tonight a quiet, unassuming family of four. We spent our Thanksgiving dinner (sans MGJ who's away on her first over night soccer tourney) at the Crowne Plaza Qingdao. As we greeted other Americans at the buffet, I asked one woman, who was clutching chopsticks, if it was her first time to have shashimi on Thanksgiving. She laughed and said it was, but then playfully added that it probably wouldn't be her last!
Mr. Johnson and I feasted on all the traditional trimmings, and sampled a few international items as well @ the fusion Buffet. Bei Bei however, passed all together on the American fare, opting instead for a steaming bowl of jiao zi (Chinese dumplings, boiled Northern style) and a naan bread from the Indian corner. She greated the Italian chef with a cheerful "Ciao", then loudly whispered in my ear that she wanted to say hello in "Indian". By contrast, EHJ feasted exclusively on turkey and Brazilian BBQ (our seven year old might be svelte, but she's far from being a vegetarian!)
We finished our meal with a slice of pumpkin tart each, and a dollop of vanilla ice cream. Again, the girls departed from the traditional, opting instead for a chocolate covered banana and ice cream. Three hours away in Yantai, Shandong, MGJ joined her team for a meal of fried chicken @ KFC (her principal felt so bad when he realized she'd be away on Thanksgiving-- she's the only American on a team comprised of Brits, Koreans, HKers, and French-- that he promised he get her an American meal!)
Today I went grocery shopping for everything I need to prepare Old fashioned bread stuffing with apples and raisins, and Holiday sweet potatoes. On Saturday we will gather with several other families from Mr. Johnson's company, and have a Thanksgiving feast all over again.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
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