Recap: Si-Yu's visit

This Christmas, my parents brought along my "nephew" Si-Yu, a graduate student at the University of Houston.

Si-Yu's grandfather is my dad's brother but in Chinese culture, names like "uncle" and "grandpa" are more loosely defined than here in America.

Si-Yu was impressed that we handed him an itinerary for his stay. I think he said we were very "formal."

Those good feelings lasted throughout Christmas and New Year's.

Having hailed from the southern part of mainland China, Si-Yu experienced many firsts during his visit with us, including:

+Sledding
+Eating steak
+Playing games
+Volleyball
+Eating Chinese buffet

Actually, the last bullet was a lie. Americans don't have a monopoly on gluttony. However, Chinese buffets are classier. The presentation of the meals are finer and there is a wider selection.

What impressed Si-Yu the most? Volleyball. We first played at the church.

Then we went to the Chicago Sports Fest held at the McCormick Center in Chicago and he saw how good people played. He vowed to play volleyball back at the University of Houston.

We also benefited from the Si-Yu experience. Having discovered that Si-Yu plays badminton, we renewed our love affair with the feathery sport.

We played for four hours in the gym, first doubles with a friend, Dave Mendez, then some grueling singles play. Ginger's knees began to get sore again.

One "lowlight" came when I ordered sirloin tips at the Texas Roadhouse in Orland Park. Then I tasted my dad's fine medium rare prime rib.

Si-Yu ordered steak. Then he tried my dad's juicy, tender medium rare prime rib.

We both knew we had chosen poorly.

Here are some of the highlights of Si-Yu's time in Homewood: