Dad & Sister Sick

RB went to visit his dad for the 3rd time since coming back.  Today, both his father and sister were sick with the flu.  He stayed at his father's house to help out.

Mulling First Venture

RB is considering investing $100 000 rmb into the bamboo business.  MM asks some very tough questions.  RB is going back to find out the details to this potential partnership.

RB needs to find out what protection, if any is offered foreign investors.

RB also needs to continue to make it clear he is not flush with cash.

Great Conference Call with Ant & Clay

RB give a surprise call to MM & his friends in scarb.  They were very happy to receive the call and had a lovely long chat.  Clay claimed it was "one of the best" calls he ever had! 

Exploring Shenzhen's Poor Pockets

RB had a free day and explored the city.  He came across little old villages, and they were filled with new migrants from other provinces.  The housing was old and poor.  An interesting contrast with the glass condos surrounding them.

New Sign

RB's mom finally felt it was the right time and finished putting up her new store sign.

High Security Credit Card...

After much convincing and phone time, RB finally persuaded his credit card company to mail him his new card to MM's address.  It will then be hand delivered to RB in Hawaii.

Happy Birthday!

Today was RB's birthday.  He awoke with a nice long call with MM.  They chat about random things, and soon a common theme of how messed up and crazy and drama-filled both families were emerged.  MM's old bedroom was being occupied by her cousin's family of 3!

Any ways, they confirmed some details about their upcoming trip to Hawaii in January and RB resolved to speak with his bro about future directions.  As well, he was going to give a call to his buddy Clay and his uncle.

RB was meeting his family to celebrate. His aunt & cousin "kery"also brought cake all the way from HK!  They went to an organic place that served chicken cooked in dirt, in an oven dug in the ground.  It tasted delicious...a little bit like salt-bake chicken.

Home, a Dental Sign, & GPSs

RB returned to his mom's home and was helping to put up an additional new sign for her dental clinic.  However, after the holes were drilled into the wall, his mother postponed the installation due to a unfavourable "calendar" day.

RB then spent the rest of the day with his brother, visiting a friend that manufactured GPS devices that fit into the stereo slot of cars.  These devices allowed the driver to control the radio as well.

Taiwanese Night Market

RB visited an authentic asian night market, full of delicious street foods.  It was many times better than the pale imitations in Toronto.  Sigh...no wonder he's gained a good 10 pounds! Yum.

Tea Farm

RB is visiting a tea farm in Taiwan. It's "fantastic". The clouds float just below the hilltops, looking like a piece of heaven.

On the way up the mountain

Notice faint white patches on the trees.  They were giant spider webs!  Ewwwww

Lower tea farm.  Lesser quality.

Bamboo forest

                                   

Rows of tea plants

RB smiling smugly to himself because he knows how jealous this would make MM feel. Hmmph!

This track is how they transport stuff up and down the fields.

Close up of a pot of lilies and lily pads

Friend's tea shop

Traveling friend, with whom RB shared a bedroom, is the lady on the bottom.

Tea comparison - the professional way.  First, soak in hot water for 30 secs.  Dump it.  Good tea is best by the 3rd soak.  Quality tea should last up to 10 resoaks!

You must consider the colour, the smell, the taste.  Using spoons, everyone gets a sample to try. 

You must also compare the leaves themselves.

The nicer leaves are whole, smoother, thinner.

RB is bewildered about which one is better.  Tea sommoliers take years of training, clearly.

Friend (left), her son and daughter.

Drying racks

Tumbler to dry leaves

Close up of tea plant

MM is supremely jealous. >.<