Catching Up #10: Hilton Mini Vacation

 Soon after I got back from Taiwan, we were given two free nights at the Hilton in Waikiki by some very generous people. We swam, watched movies, and relaxed to our hearts' content.

Catching Up #9: Economy, What's That?

My stay in Dreamland had finally come to an end. Gone are the days of being served a hot breakfast as soon as I got out of bed. Gone are the days of having clean and folded clothes without having to do laundry. Thanks for seriously spoiling me, family!

 I was pleasantly surprised when my seat in Economy got upgraded to one in Business Class with empty seats all around me! Never before was I so distraught that my flight was a mere six hours (TPE-HNL) rather than the usual nine+ hours from TPE to LAX. All I can say is that I never want to fly Economy again. Ever.

oh, and yes there are pictures of food. I did say it was a New Year Resolution.

Catching Up #8: Just Another Day

 Parked on the crosswalk so we could eat lunch. Then went biking in a park. I'd say it was a good day.

Catching Up #7: Vacation Within a Vacation

Can you say enough food pictures already?! Seriously. I think I have issues. My last 4 or 5 posts have mostly been centered around...you guessed it...FOOD. New Year's resolution--stop taking so many dang pictures of food! I promise my life doesn't really revolve around eating. Promise.

Another thing I look forward to when visiting my family is our mini-vacation. My parents usually plan a weekend getaway where we visit some historical/scenic sites around Taiwan, stay at a posh hotel, try new things to eat, and relax. This year, we went to Miao Li and stayed at the Onsen Papawaqa Spa Resort. Needless to say, the place was definitely the highlight of our trip. We soaked in the relaxing hot springs until our fingers and toes were all prune-y. 

Catching Up #6: Early Christmas

Since we weren't able to spend Christmas with my family this year, we gave them their presents and had them open them early. It was like celebrating Christmas twice this year!

Our daily walk/run downstairs.

Peking duck for dinner! Robby was in heaven.

My two Hunger Game weirdos (:

Catching Up #5: Housewarming Party

My parents recently sold their apartment in Shanghai and bought a new one in Taiwan. In celebration, they invited 30 somewhat friends over to the new place for dinner. Something I did not know--my parents sure know how to throw one heck of a party.

We started the party by watching Total Recall (great movie by the way) in the home theater downstairs. Did I mention that those seats recline?!

Then my parents hired a caterer for dinner...

And I got to see Tiiiina! We've been friends since kindergarten and I haven't seen her since we both graduated from high school. She's currently working at Yahoo in Taipei. Glad I got to see her and her Mom!