Ho ho ho everyone!

I may have mentioned before about the office getting into the xmas spirit this year (can't remember and the stupid slow china connection wont let me view my blog.. only write it!). Well as a result this year they hosted their very first crimbo party!

To be completely honest I was expecting a complete shambles... kind of the equivalent of what would happen if they put me in charge of organising their chinese new year festival. But it has to be said, I was very pleasantly suprised. A tad different to how we would celebrate obviously.. for a start no one getting sozzled in the corner and behaving in a manner in which they should reserve for a more appropriate occassion (ahem, I am of course referring to you Ms L. Bennett !! hehe).

I found it quite amusing that we had a party 'schedule' where we were required to register at 6.30 on the dot to get a name tag (!) and then we had welcome speeches and a carol singing session (the karaoke version of course!), which I was forced to participate in -aghh!! Apparantly people in China are blissfully deaf to my wailings as many told me I sang beautifully, I may just well be talked into public singing after all (is it a sign I am becoming asian already?!).

Next up was the games section, musical chairs followed by a hilarious game where you had to tie two balloons to your foot. In a group of ten of so (men went first, followed by the ladies) you have to try to stamp out other peoples balloons whilst keeping your own intact... winner is last person with a balloon. Little did I know until they announced it that the prize for the men was.... a kiss from me !!!!! Decided to play along and beckon over the lucky young gentleman for a smacker on the cheek (bless, think he was throughly embarassed by the whole situation!).

There was a huge buffet laid out with all manners of food from noodles to chips and chicken wings. This was in addition to the large spreads of cakes/sweets/biscuits !

We also all did a present exchange where we had to purchase a gift each and then at the party each drew a number from the hat. I had been worried all week that my box of beautiful chocolates was a bit of a wash out gift and so at the last minute ran to the shops to buy a nice photo frame to add in.

When it came to my turn, my number revealed I had inherited a small gift wrapped box with a pretty bow on it. Ooooh i was thinking, what could this be, it looks very exciting!! So eagerly I tore open the wrapping to reveal: A pack of fecking cigarettes ?!?!?!

Now who on earth buys a pack of cigarettes as a secret santa gift, I know it is the thought that counts but seriously?! Super lame! teeny bit disappointed at my misfortune, but then I should know by now that you never do seem to recieve just quite what you hoped for in China!

All in all however, a enjoyable evening! Have attached some photos for your viewing pleasure (as a festive treat for you all!)

I finished work today and went for a xmas dinner with a big group of people (chinese food), really lovely and we also drank champagne so now I am back in my apartment in Sz, suposed to be going out but thinking now I cannot be bothered and should probably have a chillaxed start to my week off (woohoo!).

Most probably my next entry will be all about christmas day... which I am really really looking forward to. A group of my friends are getting together and we are going to have a turkey dinner, drink plenty and sing christmas carols... all that is missing is the company of you lovely people.

So signing off with a big santa claus hug for each and every one of you. Glad tidings etc however you choose to celebrate (thanks once again for all those cards that keep coming!!).

Missing you,

love 'in the festive spirit at long last' Tanya xx