Home again, Home again
We have arrived safe, sound and sane back home (here in Taiwan) after our 2 week visit to Texas for Anthony’s work. The flights went remarkably smooth, with Liz being cranky on occasion and Ashley being in a great mood the entire time. We flew American from Austin to Dallas, Dallas to Tokyo and then Cathay from Tokyo to Taipei. I really enjoy the seats and service on Cathay. We had one hour layovers in both Dallas and Tokyo and although it was plenty of time to get to the next plane, it was not enough time to relax and let the girls run around and get some exercise. Despite that, they still did well.
Our trip to Texas was great. We had a some inconveniences dealing with our house, but other than that, Anthony’s training went great at work and I enjoyed running around visiting people and shopping (I bought too many clothes for Ashley, I sure hope it cools down for a few months so she can wear them all! They were just so cheap at places like Target and Old Navy, I just couldn’t resist!). There were a few people we didn’t get a chance to visit with (Grandma Bootsie, Grandma Craig, Aunt Linda and Lauren (along with others)) so I’m hoping we’ll get a chance to on our next visit.
It was nice coming home to our apartment and our stuff. The girls really enjoyed coming back to all their toys. They immediately started playing as soon as we walked in the door. For some reason, our air conditioning is not working, and although it was nice outside, it was quite hot in our apartment (25-26 C). We will have to figure out how to go about getting that fixed but since today is Sunday, I don’t think we’ll be getting it done soon.
The girls slept fairly well last night. I was completely exhausted, having only snoozed for about two hours during the flights. Liz was up around 2 am and Anthony got up with her and he played Xbox games while she played with her toys for a few hours. I’m glad he got some new games that he can play around the girls to help keep him occupied while watching them. Ashley, Liz and I were up at 5:30 this morning. I’m still pretty tired, but it will take a few days to get back on this time schedule. We have already been out to the grocery store this morning to pick up some things and we stopped by one of our local neighborhood parks to let the girls run around. To our surprise, it’s been completely redone and they have planted some beautiful flowers and plants, along with laying down a stepping stone path and a picnic table and they have installed a sandpit. Very cool. I remember going to that park a few weeks ago and although it was nice and the girls had fun, I thought it was dirty and dusty – but not anymore.
A few things to write of since I’m thinking of them. Lots of people have asked about winter weather. It should be getting into the 40’s and 50’s at some point soon. And although that isn’t really cold, most places do not have HEAT here. Apartments usually don’t have heat, stores don’t have heat and some restaurants don’t have heat. So although it’s not really COLD out, the tile and wood floors keep the coolness in and so it’s cold and damp. Luckily, out apartment does have heat. It’s one of the rare ones we found and I have a feeling we’ll be very happy in another month or two to have it.
Airports – Did you know that here in Taiwan – they have luggage carts for you to use FOR FREE! I think it’s about $3 or $4 to rent one of those at the Austin Airport to go from the curb to the counter, which isn’t very far. But, here, they have hundreds of them lined up in the baggage area and you just throw your luggage on it and go. It’s so great. Something small, I know, but I think it’s very cool.
Our trip to Texas was great. We had a some inconveniences dealing with our house, but other than that, Anthony’s training went great at work and I enjoyed running around visiting people and shopping (I bought too many clothes for Ashley, I sure hope it cools down for a few months so she can wear them all! They were just so cheap at places like Target and Old Navy, I just couldn’t resist!). There were a few people we didn’t get a chance to visit with (Grandma Bootsie, Grandma Craig, Aunt Linda and Lauren (along with others)) so I’m hoping we’ll get a chance to on our next visit.
It was nice coming home to our apartment and our stuff. The girls really enjoyed coming back to all their toys. They immediately started playing as soon as we walked in the door. For some reason, our air conditioning is not working, and although it was nice outside, it was quite hot in our apartment (25-26 C). We will have to figure out how to go about getting that fixed but since today is Sunday, I don’t think we’ll be getting it done soon.
The girls slept fairly well last night. I was completely exhausted, having only snoozed for about two hours during the flights. Liz was up around 2 am and Anthony got up with her and he played Xbox games while she played with her toys for a few hours. I’m glad he got some new games that he can play around the girls to help keep him occupied while watching them. Ashley, Liz and I were up at 5:30 this morning. I’m still pretty tired, but it will take a few days to get back on this time schedule. We have already been out to the grocery store this morning to pick up some things and we stopped by one of our local neighborhood parks to let the girls run around. To our surprise, it’s been completely redone and they have planted some beautiful flowers and plants, along with laying down a stepping stone path and a picnic table and they have installed a sandpit. Very cool. I remember going to that park a few weeks ago and although it was nice and the girls had fun, I thought it was dirty and dusty – but not anymore.
A few things to write of since I’m thinking of them. Lots of people have asked about winter weather. It should be getting into the 40’s and 50’s at some point soon. And although that isn’t really cold, most places do not have HEAT here. Apartments usually don’t have heat, stores don’t have heat and some restaurants don’t have heat. So although it’s not really COLD out, the tile and wood floors keep the coolness in and so it’s cold and damp. Luckily, out apartment does have heat. It’s one of the rare ones we found and I have a feeling we’ll be very happy in another month or two to have it.
Airports – Did you know that here in Taiwan – they have luggage carts for you to use FOR FREE! I think it’s about $3 or $4 to rent one of those at the Austin Airport to go from the curb to the counter, which isn’t very far. But, here, they have hundreds of them lined up in the baggage area and you just throw your luggage on it and go. It’s so great. Something small, I know, but I think it’s very cool.
posted by The Armstrongs at
11/07/2004
