DAY 1 continued…

Appropriate music 

Landed in San Jose, CA and what beautiful weather! Sunshine and temperatures of 80 or so :) I love it!

The most interesting part, across the street from my hotel is an Asian strip mall and Asian Market. I had a field day! :D  Every night I’m going to try a new location for dinner and get something new at the store.

Today’s Highlights:

• Taste of Asian cuisine
• Wise words from a Chinese strange
• Cozy hotel

FOOD

Today’s purchase was full of new items I’ve never had before. Corn silk tea, Sweet red bean pastry with a preserved pheasant egg, Spicy Jerky Squid, Sweet and sour prunes, dried mushrooms (delightfully crunchy), and coffee chocolate wavers that melt in your mouth [not pictured: date lotus pastry].

     

Next to try: Taro pastries! Taro, from my experience with it, is a bland, flavorless plant usually eaten as a oatmeal like paste. It was not tasteful at all the first time I had it, but I’ve never tried it in a bread and I’m open to new experiences.




ANCIENT CHINESE WISDOM

Ha the BEST part of the day was the old man that approached me at the market. I was eating dinner checking out the adds when I get tapped on the shoulder. I turn to see this 80 year-old Asian man in a Hawaiian-esc shirt. He tells asks me, “ Do you know what happens to those who eat Chinese food?”

Me: “No what happens?”

Old-man: “They wake up with their eyes slanted” [haha I’m thinking ‘oh boy’]

He proceeds to tell me how not to get fat…

(“The trick is to not over eat. Take a bite and chew with every tooth.”) 
[Ha whether he was trying to tell me directly or indirectly, I picked up the hint and hit the gym ;) ]  

Then goes on tell me to save my virginity for celibacy. [OK….] And tells me about his gigolo past [Awkward!]….

Haha at this point I don’t know what to say and nod my head till he wraps up his story. I politely end the discussion and wish him a good day. He tells me a final joke then walks away. A few minutes later I see him outside the window. He blows me a kiss, waves bye-bye and wonders into the distance. (I got a quick snapshot of the guy as he walked away. I felt too weird taking a photo of him directly).

Hahaha I got to say, it was the most interest and funny way to start of the week. Words of wisdom from a unreserved stranger haha.

To come: Monday is my first day on the job. Wish me luck!