OFFICE CELEBRATION OF THE HOLIDAYS with HOT POT

We wanted to celebrate the US and Chinese holidays with my office with style.  I decided to order (well, Yuki ordered since my Mandarin is not the best) hot pot.  Hot pot is a great social gathering.  It starts with a giant pot of boiling broth that is placed in the center of the group.  You then get various veggies, meats, noodles, tofu, seafood, etc to drop in the pot.  Once in the pot, it cooks and then bon appetit!

A special thing about China, is you can get pretty much anything delivered to you.  Even hot pot!

CALIFORNIA HOLIDAY VACATION

The best part of going home is doing things with family and friends, especially things I normally cannot do in Shanghai.  I had an amazing time with everyone and I already miss them dearly.

Had sushi with my friends at my local sushi restaurant... about five times!

Had wine with my friend from Utah in Walnut Creek

Played late night games with friends and family

 Volunteered at Christmas for Everyone in Concord

White Elephant with my family

Ate Mexican food and drank Roth Cab with my girls

Watched college football... GO CAL!

Met my friend's new baby, Penny

Had a few San Francisco days

Got my hair done, three times.  Great thing my best friend does hair.

In-N-Out burger... obviously!

And a few days in Napa

Thanks for the great time California!!!

MY FIRST CHINESE NEW YEAR GIFT!!!

BYE CALIFORNIA!

I am heading back to Shanghai tomorrow.  I will be posting about the adventures I had in California upon my return to Shanghai. Here is a little glimpse of how I spent my last day here. 

I also got to watch the assistant wine maker at work!

Played games

AND tasted some amazing wine!

Oh Napa, how I love you. Thanks to Cliff Lede, Paraduxx and Duckhorn's staff for everything!