December 27, 2007

Happy new year, friends! :)

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Hi everyone! I know I said I'd try and finish my Beijing posts before the year ends but it doesn't look like it's gonna happen. I have about 3 more posts to go but I'll be away from the computer from today until the 30th. I'm leaving in a couple of hours for the city of Xiamen in China with a girl friend of mine. I'm really excited about this trip because we're venturing slightly off the beaten path, by choosing this city over HongKong, Singapore and Laos - some of our options. I don't know very much about it, only know maybe two people who have been there, and that just makes it all the more intriguing to me.

One of my friends who has not only been there recently, but also spent some time studying there some years ago, was kind enough to send me an envelope of maps and guides to Xiamen. She even thoughtfully added her own tips and comments on sticky notes, how sweet is she? :) Thanks so much, M! These will definitely come in handy for sure. :)

On another note; I am truly blessed and grateful for the family and friends that I have and for the time I was given to spend with almost all of them this Christmas. All those dinner parties and get-together made my holidays that much more special.

I hope everyone's holidays has been filled with warmth and lots of love, laughter and good food. I'm sending each of you a wish that the new year brings with it even more blessings for you and your family, and that it be your grandest year yet!. :)

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

Aww...how very sweet and helpful that map is, with all the Post-its! What a thoughtful friend M really is. :-) Enjoy your trip to Xiamen! I can't wait to read all about it.

Have a fantastic new year, Nena!

Christina said...

Glad to see you posting again Christine. I relate all to well to being behind on posts....

I'm so lucky to have met you this year and count you as a friend. I hope we get to hang out in Manila again -- or Brooklyn -- sometime in the near future.

Manigong Bagong Taon, peace.

docemdy said...

I'll eagerly await your posts about Xiamen.

My sister and I considered visiting it in 2005 when Cathay Pacific launched their flights (with a good deal) but we backed off because of the seeming limited things to do. We chose instead Bangkok and Singapore. The destination is once again on my mind because of Cebu Pacific, a couple friend has traveled there and now, you.

I hope you have a happy trip. Enjoy the new year.

Anonymous said...

And a VerY Happy New Year to you girl.


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wysgal said...

Wowee going to China again? Have a good trip! I have a bunch of posts to write on my quick Manila visit as well ... but I'm really exhausted and have been too busy seeing a million and one people. Happy new year! =)

christine said...

Thanks Katrina, happy new year to you too! Hope it's filled with even more blessings for you and your loved ones. :)

Hi Christina! Meeting you this year is truly one of my highlights and I hope this year finds us meeting up again somewhere around the world if not here. Thank you for being such a sweet person to me, happy new year to you and your family! :)

Hi Em! I just arrived and let me tell you, we did quite a bit in Xiamen. We had a nice time, and I hope to be writing about it soon before I forget everything! :) Happy new year to you!

Happy new year twebdonny!

Hi wysgal!! I can imagine how you must be running around seeing all your friends and family and eating here and there and everywhere and having a grand time! :) Wish we had time to see each other but I know how difficult it would have been to schedule with everyone. Happy new year to you and your family, wysgal! :) BTW, when do you head back?

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year, Christine! Hope 2008 is great for you too.

princess_dyanie said...

Happy New Year Christine! :) Cheers for more adventures in 2008! ;)

Dromedarius said...

Loved the blog. I've been reading it to get some ideas on how to set up and promote my own blog ( http://whereoldbackpackersgotodie.blogspot.com/ ) which I've just started. Any chance we could blogroll each other? In any case I've subscribed to your feed ... it gets me hungry for travel..

Anonymous said...

happy new year... Nice weather there in Xiamen now, went ther last May...

bearbricklove.com said...

Enjoy your Xiamen adventure, Christine! Have a blessed new year! :-)

christine said...

Thank you, Julie!! I wish you the same. :)

Happy New Year Princess Dyanie!! I toast to that! :)

Thank you, Dromedarius! I love the name of your blog. I'm excited to check it out and will do so soon! :)

Happy new year, Docchef! The weather was BEAUTIFUL!! Couldn't have been better! I kept wishing we could have the same weather here.

Thank you, BBL! Happy new year to you too. :)

Anonymous said...

Hope Xiamen was a blast! Although I'm sure it was knowing you :) All the best and most wonderful new year wishes to you! Looking forward to reading all about your adventure :)

Oggi said...

Happy New Year Christine!

Jen Tan said...

Happy New Year Christine!!!!!!!! =)

christine said...

Jo, it was indeed a blast! But more because of the company than anything else. A is a HOOT!! to say the least. :) You'll have a blast in Ilocos with her! I can't wait! Yay! Anj - Jo - Anj - Jo, it's not gonna matter anymore! haha :)

Thank you, Oggi and Jen! Best wishes for the new year for you and your family! :)

Rowena said...

This is so not fair! Hurry back so you can tell us all about it. The suspense is building here.... ;-)

christine said...

Rowena!! Happy new year. ;) Ok ok I will rush my Beijing posts, I also don't wanna wait too long lest I forget small details - a problem I'm having with Beijing. Sigh, I'm really getting older.

Ruy said...

Happy new year!!!

Rasa Malaysia said...

Great choice (better than Singapore I have to say!) ;).

I had been to Xiamen and love it...they have really good seafood...and it's just a very beautiful and relaxing city. When are you coming to Malaysia next? Or have you been there?

Happy New Year!

christine said...

Happy new year to you too, Ruy! :)

Happy new year, Bee! Oh wow so you've been to Xiamen too? Can you believe we never had seafood? It was all over the place on Gulangyu but we enjoyed walking around so much we never stopped to eat lunch. We relaxed on the beach with some chips and Diet Coke, but that was it. :o

christine said...

Oh and yes, I've been to Malaysia. I wrote about Kota Kinabalu here http://gypsysoul73.blogspot.com/search/label/kota%20kinabalu . I haven't been to KL since 1999 when I went for work. I want to explore Sabah more though, and when I do I'll come to you for recommendations. :)