UNEMPLOYED

I am officially finished with my job at the hotel! My last day was Friday. I had a dinner with my coworkers from the Front Office Department. The Human Resources Dept gave me a gift on behalf of the hotel. That's what the picture is. At first I thought it was just a bag, which would have been a good gift. Then I opened it. It's a picnic set. 2 plates, 2 cloth napkins, 2 sets of cutlery, and 2 glasses. I realize this isn't funny or surprising to those of you in America. However, the only people I have ever heard of having a picnic here were other foreigners. And, the set is complete with Western silverware, which is also not easy to come by here. I truly do like the gift, I just thought it was odd for them to find it and give it. I have no idea where one would purchase such a gift here.

The ending of my job at the hotel also means that I am unemployed with no job prospects. I am looking and applying and trust that something will happen in the next month. Let me know if you hear of something.

And to be honest, not having a job has some great advantages. Like not having to be anywhere at any certain time. I am really excited to have this month just to hang out with friends. I'm going back out to a village to visit a friend on Wednesday. (I think I'll take my picnic bag with snacks for the road) I have a friend getting married and another having a baby (today maybe!) and am so thankful that I can be here for both of those events.

I am still having some issues with my visa even after 6 trips to the visa office. The process has made me want to write multiple letters to Hu Jintao but I haven't followed through on that emotional impulse yet.