Too Much Fun! Salsa Lessons, Dinner and a Day at the Office

Paco - this one is for you! I hosted an impromptu "Mexican" Salsa class in my apartment a couple weeks back. Jacquee and the French connection were intent on learning every step. We danced and danced, had an amazing meal prepared by Nydia, and had TOO MUCH FUN!!!!
The other photos are from dinner in SoHo a few weeks back with Joyce, Angie, Derek, John, Grace and Rick... lesson learned... please be cautious of the candle wax!
And lastly...just another day at the office! Ken and I trying to figure out how we're going to get everything done before Sept 10th!

Welcome Ava Durruthy to the World!

Speaking of things I've missed while away.... Ava Durruthy was born on Thursday, August 25th -- at least I think it was Thursday... the time difference has me a bit confused. I'm happy to report all is fine and well... both mother and "princess in waiting" are home and doing just fine. I spoke to Jacquie from the hospital... it was after her epidural and she doesn't remember a thing. Can't wait to get home to see Ava. Actually can't wait to get home to see lots of things... including my family... little Mo and all of you!

Hong Kong Update: Douglas arrived last week. We've already put him to work and I've even managed to get him to Richard the Tailor! Sorry, I haven't added any pictures of life here in Hong Kong... it's been way to hectic, and I'll have even less time to post as we get closer to opening day.
See you all soon!

Steven's 1st Hurricane

It's been a rough week at work -- I'd say overwhelming is a better word to describe what we're going through. We've been pushed to places we've never had to go before, and forced to look at what we do in completely different ways. We've been challenged, and then challenged again and have definitely grown both professionally and personally. Many of us are physically and emotionally drained, but we're helping each other get through the days.
I think we're all looking forward to getting back to the states and our families, our pets and our homes. As the days continue to pass us by we have grown to enjoy the little reminders of home. The simple emails saying hello...we miss you, those random voicemails asking how we're doing... and especially the pictures of what we've left back home.
While I've been away my godson has taken his first steps, sprung a few inches, grown a few teeth and experienced his 1st hurricane without his parents fleeing the storm. Although South Florida was hit with heavy rain and strong winds, Steven could care less! I can't believe how big he is... and I can't wait to see him again!
We miss you all... thanks for checking in!

Laetitia and the Bona's Visit and a 30th Birthday Celebration in Asia

It's been busy couple of weeks. We're getting down to the wire with the Grand Opening about 20 days away.
We’ve had nothing but rain… rain… and more rain here for the last week. This weekend we had amber rain watches… mudslide watches… and monsoon rain watches.
My ray of sunshine this month was the long awaited arrival of my wife and my in-laws. Laetitia, PB and JJ arrived on August 4th just in time to celebrate Laetitia's August 5th birthday at my favorite Russian Restaurant in Lan Kwai Fong-Balalaika. We celebrated her birthday for 4 days in Hong Kong --- showing them the sights like a local before they headed to Beijing, China.
I met up with them in Beijing a few days later. Beijing was interesting... lots of history --- we managed to squeeze in time for the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Beijeal Gardens, Ming Tombs, Imperial Gardens, The Jade Market and Silk Market-- but take away the history and Beijing is nothing more than, pollution, smog, not so great food, nasty toilets, traffic, bicycles, spitting, and pushy vendors. It's hard to believe the city will be hosting the Olympics in 3 years. Glad I experienced it... will I be back? Probably NOT! After our weekend in Beijing I headed back to Hong Kong to finalize our plans for the our first rehearsal day media event, while Laetitia and her parents headed to Shanghai for a few days.
About 30 Hong Kong media outlets were invited to cover the first guests entering our first rehearsal day. It was a rainy start to the day and after a few adjustments and a navy seal rescue of Mickey and Minnie, by Arnaud and I, we got the media in and out just as planned… and they got what they needed.
By midweek, Laetitia and her parents finished their tour of Mainland China and were happy to be back to civilization here in Hong Kong. After two great nights at the Peninsula -- and some of the best food I've had here so far -- It was time to say our goodbye to Laetitia --- although her visit was short – it was great to see her and get to show her around – she arrived a year younger and left with a sense of what life has been like here over the last couple of months. She met some of my new friends, saw where I lived, and encountered some of the great people who make Hong Kong special.
After my sad goodbye it was time to focus on work… so much to do… so little time to get it all done – the stress and tension continue to build – and the finish line is just around the corner.