Sunday, January 15, 2012

New Friends

Remember last year when my Dad picked up a bunch of Chinese men at Walmart and became their Mormon taxi driver? See this post HERE. Well the CES conference was last week again and the Chinese guys were back in town for it. Jonathan and I went with my Dad to meet them for Chinese food on Thursday. We used an application on Jonathan's phone to translate for us as we don't speak Chinese and they speak limited English.

It was fun. They brought us some lovely gifts from China--tea and a lovely tea set, a beautiful fan and a cool drawing pad that erases when you push a button. Two of them, YY and Cao, had a free day after the conference ended and before they flew back to China so my dad picked them up from their hotel took them to see the Hoover Dam and then we met up with them at Bread and Butter to give them a great American meal.
YY is the one next to Lauren and Cao is by Sabrina.

I ordered one of almost everything on the menu. Their favorite item was the ham and cheese on pretzel roll. :) My favorite too. What can I say? These guys have great taste. Someday I need to get to China to visit them in the city across the river from Hong Kong.

But for now, Jon and I are dreaming and scheming to go to the UK and Denmark this fall. We want to see where our families originate. Any readers out there want to give me some must sees in those areas? I kinda want to drive from London to Denmark. I know it is like a 14 hour drive but I haven't ever been to Belgium or Holland and I would love to spend a day or two seeing the countryside there. Am I crazy? Jon thinks so. He wants to fly or take a train. Anyone been there and done it? Suggestions?

9 comments:

Jen said...

Stephanie - the only way to drive from London to Denmark would be Eurotunnel under the Channel into France then Belgium, Germany and into Denmark. It's not impossible, but it would take up a lot of time you could use seeing more amazing things!

If you can say where in the UK and where in Denmark you want to go, I can try and give you some recommendations. But my greatest recommendation would be to fly between the two countries!

Pol said...

I think it would take a lot longer than 14 hours - and from the motorways you wouldn't see much. I suggest the overnight ferry from Harwich to Esbjerg.

I can help with places to visit in the UK if you can narrow down the area of the country you are interested in!

Katie and Mark said...

I thought I'd comment, and let you know that I'm the one who introduced myself at Bread & Butter on Saturday. I am so glad I was able to meet you and be reintroduced to your parents. Next time I'm at B&B, I'll have to try that ham and cheese pretzel roll you're talking about. :) Take Care!

kathryn said...

When we went to Denmark our favorite was Fredricksburg castle where all the original Carl Bloch paintings are!

Lee said...

I did that route years ago on a train though I can't recall where we crossed the channel. A chocolate tour through Belgium would be highly recommended. Brugges has gotten very touristy but is still so beautiful and interesting. Is it the two of you or with kids?

Karen UK said...

I'd fly too-our roads are tiny and easily congested. I'd say whilst in the UK go to the London Temple which is not actually in London but just south of it. The countryside around it is beautiful and obviously the Temple and grounds are lovely too. There are some cool historical places near it too like Hever Castle.

weavers said...

My advice... When you are in England, try the candy!!! We have family living in England and when they come here they bring us some candy! It's fantastic!!!

bethiepoos said...

my name is beth, and I am from scotland!! I live in az now and travel home every year to see all my family. I say once you get to london FLY anywhere you want to go, we have a super cheap airline there. google "ryan air" or "easy-jet" you can find flights for pennies, but be careful aboout how much luggage you bring cos thats usually where they get you!!! oooh and please go to scotland!!!!

Anonymous said...

We love driving because there's so much to be seen and captured on roadsides, and whenever something catches your eye, you can stop. I would advise that you fly into London, visit Cambridge (a must see, which you can reach easily by train from London), then back to London; take the Eurostar from there to Brussels in Belgium, rent a car and then drive your way up to Denmark. That will take more than 14 hours though. Now if you know where your families are from precisely, I am sure we can help you with a more focused itinerary.
Note : As you see, I am not mentioning my own country, France, which deserves a trip by itself ;-)