Before leaving to teach and study for a year in China I decided to gather around some of my closest friends. They are people with whom I have worked with over the past eight years at my previous assignment. We gathered for dinner, wine, and good conversation. Each of them handpicked by myself for various reasons. I was so happy that all of them could make it. I also felt that the Edith Piaf music in the background throughout the evening was a perfect send up to the fact that I am a major Francophile and have an ongoing love affair with a lady known as Paris. The dinner was absolutely amazing. For an appetizer we had hummus. The main course consisted of chicken baked cordon blue style except the ham and cheese were on the outside rather than stuffed inside the chicken. French style green beans and rice were served alongside. I realized that this evening's dinner had food elements that bookmarked my summer. Hummus symbolizing my trek through Egypt this past June and the rice symbolizing my upcoming journey through China and the orient beginning in just a few short weeks. I cannot stress enough how wonderful the food was. For dessert we had Turtle Cheesecake. It was also very good. All in all it was the perfect send off for my upcoming assignment. So with glasses raised we toast to the last eight years and the journey of the upcoming one.
