Cats and bats and chicken feet, oh my!

This post is devoted to critters. I finally made it to the zoo last week, which was really cool. Sadly, I don't have any pictures because I failed to take my camera. It had most of the same animals that any zoo has, but with more koalas and other small marsupials.

Those of you who know the love of my life (my cat Dina) are probably wondering how I'm doing with the separation. I miss her terribly *sigh* but have made a new friend. This is Henry, the cat who lives in my apartment complex. He lives outside, but is fed by everyone who lives here.


THESE creepy guys make their homes in the trees in the botanical gardens. I believe they are fruit bats, but if I don't make it back to the U.S. you'll know that got me...


Last week I went to Yum Cha with my Bible study group. Yum Cha is a Chinese meal that is made up of many appetizer-like dishes. You go with a large group in the morning on a weekend and waiters bring by different things to offer you. I made myself eat with chopsticks and I think I've finally got the hang of them! (Although I now know why Chinese people are so skinny--it's hard to eat with those things!) One of the more adventurous dishes served at Yum Cha is chicken feet--yes, chicken feet. They are considered a delicacy (although I'm not sure by whom, as only one of my 9 dining companions was willing to eat them). They are fried first and then boiled and marinated. The only reason I'm smiling in this picture is because it was taken BEFORE I tried the nasty thing!
Classes are winding down and I'm busy writing papers and preparing for an orchestra concert (I'm playing principal on Bartok's The Miraculous Mandarin, which is a booger of a piece). I'm also getting ready for a recital that I'm giving on June 4th. Wish me luck!