Er mer gerd, Hot Pot!

So tonight I've had one of the greatest nights I have had in my life thus far!

I walked into the kitchen and April, my Chinese roommate, had informed me her friends from her school would be present this night for a party.  April was in the process of cooking something called a Chinese "hotpot".  I decided I wanted to take a few snapshots on my camera.  Then I got out my Hero2 and started taking a few videos here and there.  All of a sudden, her friends show up and I suggest to April that I could take some photos on her nice SLR camera.  She agreed as she is usually taking photos and never in the shots herself.

I was just happy to get to mess around with a REALLY nice camera.

I started snapping shots here and there. Before I know it I'm knee deep in the group snapping photos like a madman.  The "birthday girl", whom this meal was for, showed up and I snapped a perfect reaction shot as she waltzed through the door. I just had an absolute blast taking photos of all these people who were having so much fun.  Their joy transferred to me and I was immensely happy to be part of this particular happen-stance.

Eventually, after my last pictures shuttered to a halt, I sat down and watched.  I was invited to grab from the pot but I hesitated because I wasn't sure how it all went down.

At its core, this particular item was a Chinese fondue.  A boiling pot of ginger, garlic, onion, and magic.  A "sauce consisting of chives, a boat ton of garlic, and some sesame oil.

Anyone can throw whatever they want into the pot.  There were mushrooms, lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, carrots, potatoes and sweet potatoes, tofu...

There was lamb to! There rolls of lamb you just threw in and they were to DIE for.  I ate until I felt like I was going to puke, and then onward still.  I finally had to leave because I had eaten so much and if I stayed I would continue.

The atmosphere, the happiness, the food, and the social environment was absolutely wonderful.  I couldn't stress to you how much fun I had.

On top of all this, the group spoke Chinese, but they we so friendly to me as well when they spoke. I felt so welcome and I was so at peace to somply listen to their language and their laughter.

Nothing could have been better than this meal tonight, and I have to thank my Flatmate April for asking me along.

April, if you read this. I want you to know that tonight was the best thing ever.  Also, just because you are studying to be a lawyer because someone has set this goal for you doesn't mean you need to give up on your own goals.  Being a photographer is not unrealistic.  As far as I know, you've got this one chance to follow what you want and be what you want.  If someone else says otherwise... well, there is always a way to say, in the nicest way possible, "Go fuck yourself".

Follow your dreams, your passions, and your heart and you will have nothing to be upset about when you have reached the end of your career as a human being.

Much love,

Kevin