Glassware Challenge...

Last summer, a bunch of Concordians accepted a challenge: find vintage glassware at North American thrift shops and bring it back to Shanghai to compete in a cocktail competition. Find the most beautiful glass for the cheapest price and then create a cocktail to match your glass. There are three rounds to this competition and this Friday we hosted round #2 at our place featuring stemware. Both Brian and I competed, with Brian taking first place and my glass taking third. Woo hoo! We both carry on to the final round! We love that so many of our friends here care about food and cocktails!

Stunning Kathmandu...

I wish we'd had more than 2 days to explore this fascinating city. Kathmandu is noisy and gritty and awesome, full of fascinating architecture, delicious food and stunning temples. While there, we managed to visit 3 Unesco World Heritage sites: Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Buddhist Stupa and Pashupatinath Hindu Temple. All amazing.

Fall break in Nepal... hiking in the Himalayas...

We have dreamt of hiking in the Himalayas for some time, and were so excited to spend our fall break tackling the Mardi Himal trek with Hannah and some of our wonderful friends, the Turners, the Beckmans, Anne and Deb. It was a beautiful 5-day trek in the shadow of the Machupucchare peak, with views of Annapurna South, Annapurna 2 and 3. Fabulous! Here are some highlights from the trail...