The morning started off ok. I had all of my things for class, but as soon as I got to the college, I realized I forgot one of my materials. So, I had to run back to the apartments, shoot up the stairs, race back down, and jump on my e-bike to get back to class within the ten minute break. As I was turning the last corner to the building, I leaned a little too far and the bike slid out from underneath me. I scraped up my knee, but I still had to get to class. I made it through both morning classes and then came back to the apartments to assess the damage. It is enough to say that my knee will not look pretty anytime in the near future. My concern is about travelling around Qingdao with a scraped knee. I think it will be ok, but wading in the water is pretty much out of the question now. Too bad, since that would be nice to do that. Perhaps I will return to Qingdao in the spring or go to another coastal city later in the year.
After dressing my wound, I rested for all of the afternoon. At six, I met up with Makenzi, Jason, Shawn, Nancy, Jenny, Delia, and Cindy to celebrate Jenny and Nancy's birthdays. We went to a restaurant downtown and enjoyed lots of delicious foods. For her birthday, Nancy had birthday wishes for all of us. Makenzi had to sing "Happy Birthday" in English, I was supposed to sing it in Japanese, but since I do not know it, she took a raincheck whilst I learn. Jason has to draw something, and Shawn has to write a story for Nancy. Jason and I had brought presents for both Jenny and Nancy, so we gave those and I think they enjoyed them.
After dressing my wound, I rested for all of the afternoon. At six, I met up with Makenzi, Jason, Shawn, Nancy, Jenny, Delia, and Cindy to celebrate Jenny and Nancy's birthdays. We went to a restaurant downtown and enjoyed lots of delicious foods. For her birthday, Nancy had birthday wishes for all of us. Makenzi had to sing "Happy Birthday" in English, I was supposed to sing it in Japanese, but since I do not know it, she took a raincheck whilst I learn. Jason has to draw something, and Shawn has to write a story for Nancy. Jason and I had brought presents for both Jenny and Nancy, so we gave those and I think they enjoyed them.
After dinner, we went to the grocery store in the basement of the mall. I bought a couple things...WHICH INCLUDED CHEESE!!! Out of all the things that I could miss from home (food-wise), I have missed cheese the most. I did not get cheese at KFC, and Makenzi said hers was American cheese (meh). If I get desperate enough, I think going to KFC will have to do. Unless this cheese tastes ok. I also miss Italian food, Tex-Mex, steak, and Dr. Pepper.
The concert in Jining has been cancelled, which means Makenzi and I could have left on Sunday for Qingdao, but I think having an extra day to prepare and get some things done, like grading, will be beneficial.
Overall, an interesting day that started off painful and hectic, but ended with good company and good food. And cheese.
Overall, an interesting day that started off painful and hectic, but ended with good company and good food. And cheese.