I had two firsts last night – watching the Amazing Race and eating peking duck. It’s ironic that I’ve seen a ton of reality shows, yet I have always passed up the one about international travel where the contestants carry all their stuff all on their backs. The only reason I decided to start watching this all star season is that I got to know Rob and Amber, a popular married couple who have been on Survivor, through another show they shot last year. Ok, I admit that I mostly watch for Amber because she’s hot! Rob makes a good sidekick. At any rate, they came in first on the leg last shown last night from Miami to Ecuador. I can appreciate their competitiveness, and think I’m in for the full race.
The peking duck was enjoyed at Peking Gourmet Inn, a chinese restaurant frequented by Presidents Bush Sr, Bush Jr, the Clintons, and tons of other politicians and foreign leaders. You can tell because ther are a few hundred framed and signed photos on the wall, taken with the restaurant owners. It’s located in northern Virginina, about 5 miles from me. I went out with my parents for the Chinese New Year. The place was packed, and as we were leaving around 7pm, about 20+ people were weaving along the tight hall and lobby all the way out the front door. I had a chef’s special, the garlic sprouts with chicken and rice. The peking duck was my parent’s dinner, of which I partook of course. I also used the occasion to let my parents know I wanted to move in with them this November, during the few weeks after my apartment lease is up, and before I leave for New Zealand.

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