Goodbye Jim!

Photos by MJ Klein

We had another grill party get-together this weekend, to say goodbye to long time Taiwan blogger, Jim Boyden, aka Sponge Bear, aka Kaminoge, aka A Curmudgeon Abroad.  Jim and his family are leaving Taiwan rather suddenly because of an unexpected job offer in the USA.  The truth is, I’ve never met Jim before (even though we’ve both been here for some time) and I didn’t want him to leave without meeting at least once.  Our friend Michael Turton drove up with Jim and we met at Xiao-hui’s place for some grilled fare.

Let me introduce everyone, L to R: Hui-chen, Michael Turton, Rashmi, and Jim.

Our friend Van dropped by a little later (seen here on the left).  I had procured a bottle of Manila rum for this occasion, and it went down a little too smoothly I think!

Xiao-hui made some marinated pork, reminiscent of times past.  But being perfectly honest here, this marinade didn’t hold a candle to the ones Xiao-hui did back in the day.  I was very disappointed by the flavor of the marinade this time, but grilling the meat did impart a nice grilled flavor, so it’s not like it tasted bad.  Just not as good as we remember.  Of course, we also got some Thai dishes.

Awhile later, Joanna came by with her family (seen in the background).  Van and I took turns on the guitar.  It was fun belting out some 80’s songs that Jim knew.

Rashmi puts a question to Michael Turton.  Rum tends to bring out the best in conversation!

Xiao-hui came out to join us (seen behind Rashmi)

It was a great time, but everyone agreed that we waited too long – it was only after Jim told us he was leaving that we got together.  I just wish the other bloggers I know could have made it, but honestly this was all put together at the very last minute.

I have one last shot for you: Michael Turton playing guitar!  Who knew?!  I had no idea he could play but here is the proof!  So it just goes to show you – there are talented people all around us!

Thanks for reading.  We welcome your comments below.  Please feel free to use the icons for sharing.  Thanks to everyone who came by and our special thanks to Jim for coming down.  It was great meeting you Jim.  We wish you well on your new adventure!