This past weekend, it was our final weekend with our host families. It was a major blast, but at the same time emotional. Before Saturday and Sunday, I want to talk about Friday. Friday we had a crab feast at my host, William's house. William's dad bought so many crabs that we were so full. He even cooked many other dishes that were delicious as well. Why I want to talk about Friday is also because I was a full-time translator. I had to go back and forth eating and translating. It was really fun, and I got to know some words in the Wuhan dialect as well. During dinner we made many toasts (cheers) and different sayings. It was exciting and we all made toasts to our well-being. Also, William and Mike made a toast saying thank you for coming to our school and our homes we are truly honored. It touched all of us and it came to me and Justin. For what he said in English, I translated and I also made a toast for Mr. Kern, and Ms. Frank for selecting us to become the first International envoys of Maryknoll.
On Saturday, Justin and I went to a flea market. I thought it was gonna be inside the school where there are many different stands, but it was a small area. They sold interesting things like: used cell phones, one dirty soccer ball, basketballs, stuffed animal dolls, clothing, flower bags, graphic novels, and even fans. All the items were sold and everybody working cleaned up very fast. That was my first experience at a flea market and I am glad I went. Because in the afternoon, it was raining and being inside Justin's host, Mike, we stayed in his home. Justin and I played chess, and watched Chinese television. While William and Mike went to do their homework. Mike's parents were busy in the kitchen and prepared another grand feast for us. Later in the evening, all of the dishes came out. There were many dishes like: pig thigh, pig feet, eel soup, chicken soup (there was a foot in there), vegetables, and to my surprise homemade stinky tofu. I had to work as a part-time translator while eating, but I had help from Mike's dad as well. What was special about the dinner was Mike's dad made it. He only cooks dinner once a year and he made dinner for everyone along with his wife. Both families, and Mr. Kern, Ms. Frank, Justin, and I all shared laughs and enjoyed each others company.
On Sunday, our final weekend day with our families we did many things together. We went to a Temple and prayed first and went inside a hall of monk statues. To my surprise I was told there were 500 statues, that is a high amount in a building. After, we went back to our favorite food joint, Hubu Alley! It did not disappoint, and I tried something new, frog. William's dad bought a fried frog and he said to be careful since it is too spicy it will make me jump. So I ate a small piece and nothing happened. Then he wanted me to eat this big piece and boy did I pay for it. At first, nothing happened, but the spiciness kicked in and I jumped and I drank so much water. It was burning and I was sweating even in the cold weather. My face turned so red and I felt that the burning sensation would not go away. In the end though, it went away. After lunch we hiked up to Yellow Crane Tower and I could see all of Wuhan. The view was spectacular words could not describe what I saw in Wuhan. After hiking came, movie time! We watched the Hunger Games 2: Catching Fire and boy it was intense. After was dinner and to say good night for there was school the day after. I enjoyed the weekend with everyone because not only was it our last, but it was really fun to be with each other. We went on many different excursions and it was exciting. I could not have asked for a better weekend and I am glad i spent it with everyone.
On Saturday, Justin and I went to a flea market. I thought it was gonna be inside the school where there are many different stands, but it was a small area. They sold interesting things like: used cell phones, one dirty soccer ball, basketballs, stuffed animal dolls, clothing, flower bags, graphic novels, and even fans. All the items were sold and everybody working cleaned up very fast. That was my first experience at a flea market and I am glad I went. Because in the afternoon, it was raining and being inside Justin's host, Mike, we stayed in his home. Justin and I played chess, and watched Chinese television. While William and Mike went to do their homework. Mike's parents were busy in the kitchen and prepared another grand feast for us. Later in the evening, all of the dishes came out. There were many dishes like: pig thigh, pig feet, eel soup, chicken soup (there was a foot in there), vegetables, and to my surprise homemade stinky tofu. I had to work as a part-time translator while eating, but I had help from Mike's dad as well. What was special about the dinner was Mike's dad made it. He only cooks dinner once a year and he made dinner for everyone along with his wife. Both families, and Mr. Kern, Ms. Frank, Justin, and I all shared laughs and enjoyed each others company.
On Sunday, our final weekend day with our families we did many things together. We went to a Temple and prayed first and went inside a hall of monk statues. To my surprise I was told there were 500 statues, that is a high amount in a building. After, we went back to our favorite food joint, Hubu Alley! It did not disappoint, and I tried something new, frog. William's dad bought a fried frog and he said to be careful since it is too spicy it will make me jump. So I ate a small piece and nothing happened. Then he wanted me to eat this big piece and boy did I pay for it. At first, nothing happened, but the spiciness kicked in and I jumped and I drank so much water. It was burning and I was sweating even in the cold weather. My face turned so red and I felt that the burning sensation would not go away. In the end though, it went away. After lunch we hiked up to Yellow Crane Tower and I could see all of Wuhan. The view was spectacular words could not describe what I saw in Wuhan. After hiking came, movie time! We watched the Hunger Games 2: Catching Fire and boy it was intense. After was dinner and to say good night for there was school the day after. I enjoyed the weekend with everyone because not only was it our last, but it was really fun to be with each other. We went on many different excursions and it was exciting. I could not have asked for a better weekend and I am glad i spent it with everyone.