Something about Budhgaya....

We came back to HK a week ago from Bodhgaya.  India is actually more friendlier than expected despite there were no real 'hot' water, most of the time it was just luke warm as the solar heating system did not work as well on cloudy days. But it was not the letdown of the trip. It was still the best and most unforgettable place I have ever visited.

We stayed at the Root Institute, a semi monastery that offers a great shelter for people who come in for retreats. We were really lucky to request a double room with self contained bathroom. It made it a lot easier to take care of a three year old and made sure we would not disturb others. 

At Root, they offer delicious Indian style international vegetarian food. It's very nutritionally balanced and with great taste. Some dishes might be too proactive or experimental for kids as they put a lot of spices in...but most of the days, my girl likes the food, especially the bread, yummy veggie soups and pasta.

My girl seem to naturally like the atmosphere of the little town and shown extreme excitement as I did when we landed at Gaya airport. I wonder why....she didn't know the last minute ups and downs I went through when father in law strongly stopping her from going the midnight before our early morning departure.

She picked the flowers freely, walked around the monastery freely, rang the bells freely as if she knew the place. Becoming friends with the goats and lamas there...She really surprised me on the first day when she picked a flower and tipped it in the mud while humming 'karma cheno'. I didn't teach her anything about that. And I do not hold such practice either....It's just amazing...

Perhaps she heard from other people. And love just flows naturally there...

New year eve of 2014

I'm so excited today because the great challenge to India is tomorrow. Can you believe I'm bringing a three year old alone to India? With companion of a Indian speaking friend of course. Without her support and encouragement, I would probably never be there myself, not to mention with a child.

The process of getting India visa was full of obstacles. I visited shanghai visa office thrice and HK office twice. Finally We got it. During the whole procedure I was in rather peaceful mood , because I have faith in its plan. I'd be there if I am supposed to. I almost believe I'm just the messenger and my child is the one needs to be there to be blessed by HH 17th Karmapa.

I just simply believe the trip will run smoothly. There must be a reason for this fortunate child to travel so much. She will have broader vision of the world and so much love to give. Even though people always say it's a waste if money to bring kids to travel because they won't remember it when older. Deeply inside I believe, every trips or even any incidents to the child will stimulate a child's mind or brain somehow. Any trips is worth it and no one can buy the precious memories we created together.

In Buddha's blessing,
Seri

The touching beats

My poor girl is recovering from a seasonal flu. Just got out of the hospital a few days ago, during the return visit to the doctor, she found some noise in YL's heart. Straight away she put us to the list for next day heart ultra sound.

That night was hard. YL was suspected to have PDA and I recovered I have MVP when I was 16. I could not sleep but googled all night on PDA.

The next day YL seem nervous after I told her we were going to the hospital for a further check up on her heart. However she acted brave and followed all instructions by the nurse. No tears and no nos. I could not be less proud. The result came out immediately. She is perfectly normal!!

The ultra sound made her heart so clear in my sights. For a moment I felt like crying. The valves move like waving hands with the heartbeat as if they are celebrating life. Seeing this reminds me of the first time I saw YL in the ultrasound. The same touch has come back alive. Thank the almighty Buddha or whoever it is for this healthy darling girl in my life. She brings so much love and laughters to the family and fulfills me as a woman.

I'm so grateful.

To celebrate good news, we went out for high tea!! Every moment with you is golden.

[Veggie Kitchen] Spinach Sushi Roll

Try my girl's favorite dish. This dish is vegetarian with spinach, sesame sauce, egg and mock crab stick. If you don't like this combination, you may also try avocado, egg, cucumber and mayo or simply any veggies at your preference.

Pearl rice with rice vinegar. 

Water boiled Asian spinach drained with splash of sesame sauce

Spread rice and filling evenly with a strip of Japanese mayo.

Enjoy the sunset 

Happy Snake Year

Work by H.H. 17th Karmapa.

Hello everyone! We spent our annual CNY family gathering this year at Macau. The hotel this time is the newly opened Sheraton at the Sands.

A very nice and clean hotel with airy space which doesnt recall the bad impression of traditional Chinese casinos. The smell of money and lust are less obvious there so it's perfect for the kids. With the connected bridge to four seasons and the venetians make it super easy to the shoppes and shows.

One hr away by ferry, during my girl's sweet nap we were in a complete different world. Delicious buffet at 'grand orbit' offered a great variety of food. It's worth the price especially for their desert selections. Italian and Portuguese food are very tasty and impressive there at an affordable price.

They also provide the kids playing area now with large jumping castles at the Sands and the Venetian. So parents do not worry where to keep the kids while playing a few bets.

Shoppes of the four season. love the lights.

Snapshot from La Bene 

Deserts from the Grand Orbit @ Sheraton Macau