If ever there was a need to learn a language, it’d be now. I started the Rosetta Stone Mandarin course and can now recognize a little boy on a horse or under an airplane. I can’t imagine too many situations where I would have to ask (or yell out!) “There is a little boy under the airplane!”, but one can never be too sure! Yes, that is right…I have the arduous task of learning the language basics for communication for our travels to China. For those that know me, learning Chinese has been a goal since high school…for those that don’t know me very well…I’m a procrastinator. So, like many other things, this adventure has pushed me to achieve another goal that has been waiting patiently on the back burner for several years. I should say, however, that Andrew did make a valiant attempt to learn Mandarin. He began the Rosetta Stone program, clicked through two slides, and then convincingly told me how much it scared him. He will be learning French…in case we are lucky enough to get a layover in Paris en route to Latin America (still to be determined).

Aside from the butchered attempts to speak Mandarin, Andrew and I have been busy driving north and south and north and south. Since our arrival to Albany last Friday, I have met some great new friends and incredible new family members. Andrew also managed to take me to LI for my first time. Only after spending an entire day in LI did I realize that it is in fact an abbreviation for “Long Island” – Blond moment! We had a wonderful visit with Uncle Steven, Grandma and Grandpa Zampella, which included the Price is Right, dinner a la neighbor Mary, and great stories of times past. We were also fortunate enough to stay with Susan and Michael. The relaxing conversations over delicious pie were much appreciated and photography 101 with Michael will be such a huge help during our travels. To both of you....Thank you so much. It was truly a pleasure.

Right now, we are back in Albany staying with Rocco. There is a swarm of exciting events approaching fast: bachelorette party, football game, drum circle, a wedding...All of which require energy, so until then…..Zài jiàn!