Our last visitor

Pam was here for a week, and we kept her busy! Michael worked every day, so I played tour-guide and tried to pack in as much in as we could. I didn't take too many pictures, and most of the ones of the 2 of us are on her camera, but here are some shots around town. 

Man Mo Temple.

 We each lit an incense in honor of Gene. 

Buying vases. 

 Peel Street. 

 Wet market. 

 Des Voeux Road. 

 Jade Market.

 Kowloon.

We hosted about 35 people on KC's roof for Thanksgiving.

 It was such a fun night, and I'm so glad Pam got to meet so many of our friends!

We ended her trip with a ride on the Aqua Luna Junk, which I think is a must for all visitors!

 I will miss this city so, so much. 

 We hopped in a cab after dinner....this man was working SEVEN phones!

 I had to snap a picture.

We did pack in more...Stanley, lunch at the Mandarin, Ladies Market, IFC, a tour of the Center, Din Tai Fung, and lots more yummy meals. I hope she had a great visit.

****

We're now trying to wrap-up life as we know it, and are busy organizing Dudley's move, selling furniture, and spending as much time with friends as we can. 

I can't believe this is coming to an end. 

xx,

Lauren

Packing it in!

Michael's mom arrived on Saturday, and we've been so busy! I have lots to catch you up on...

We celebrated Thanksgiving last night atop KC's roof. It was beautiful and the roof was filled with such amazing friends. I started to get really sad last night, as this will be the last holiday with all of them. When living abroad, our friends really do become our families, as many holidays are spent away from "home".  The friends we've made here have been such a gift to us.

We've had a bit of a rough year, but we have so, so much to be thankful for! What a blessing to have Pam here to celebrate with us. Hoping you and your family had a wonderful day together. Happy Thanksgiving from the Phipps!

xx,

Lauren

A little catch up

I'm finally pulling myself back to my little space on the Internet, after dragging my feet all week. 

This blog been such a fun way to document our lives over these past 27 months, but it hasn't been completely honest either. I haven't been willing to share our struggles, daily hurdles, and stresses that creep into our lives in such a public forum. Maybe that hasn't been fair, but I preferred to have this be a place for me to come and remember what an amazing experience living abroad has been. And that it has been! 

Pretty soon, "Long Gone..." will be back in the U.S. of A., and I'll close the chapter on it. Until then, I want to make these last few weeks one for the books :)

***

I have been wanting to check out a furniture warehouse in Zhuhai, China, so Bethany traveled with me across the border this week.

So much eye candy. I really could have gone crazy, but my budget (and MP's voice in my ear) deterred me from lots of purchases.

These 2 beauties are coming home with me though. 

Such cute little his/her chairs, huh?

After a little white lacquer paint, I can't wait to see what they'll look like! It really was such a fun day. If you're in HK, I think it's worth checking out. They have a small shop on Hollywood Road, but Zhuhai has 4 large warehouses...finished and unfinished pieces. Truth be told though, it's not really warehouse prices. 

MP left today to go back to the US for work. Poor guy has really been flying the friendly skies lately. While he was in the air, I went to my first Chinese wedding. 

One of my colleagues got married and I was so honored to be invited. The wedding was held at the Happy Valley Racecourse. 

The bride and groom are members of an acapella group here in Hong Kong. 2 minutes after walking down the aisle, she was serenading him. I couldn't believe it!

There was seating for about 30 guests, and the rest of us stood as they ceremony took place. It was obviously in Cantonese, so I'm not sure exactly what was said, but it was really neat to experience how a different culture celebrates marriage. After the ceremony, there was a luncheon and then the guests left. No dancing! Tonight, there will be a banquet and 12 course dinner with close family and friends. 

Thanks for being patient with me as I enter back into blog-land. 

xx,

Lauren

Mr. P.

We flew back to HK last Wednesday after a wonderful 2 weeks in Charlotte. By Sunday we were on the plane again heading back to the US, as Michael's dear dad, lost his battle with cancer. No one should lose a father at such a young age. We are heartbroken. 

Gene was an incredible man and to say we'll miss him would be an understatement. 

Thanks again for all your support.

xx,

Lauren