A disappointing turn of events

Despite having already booked our flight and paid for the hotel, we did not go to Hong Kong this weekend. Why? The simple answer is that we had to update our visa's and it took longer than expected.  Although I was really disappointed I wasn't totally surprised.  After living in China for a little over a year I've come to learn that nothing is as easy as it sounds and rules can change quickly with no explanation.  Along those same lines I have learned something about "face".  Chinese don't like to lose face.  What do I mean by that?  Well for one thing, they don't want to ever tell you they can't do something.  They would rather tell you yes and then not deliver.  I think they even do this with their children.  It makes for a very distrusting society.  Of course many of our friends don't follow this tradition.  But, I have learned that in any business arrangement if something sounds like a good deal then its a good chance it won't happen as planned.  It's good if you're an easy going person who deals well with disappointment and doesn't hold a grudge.  I'm glad I've got Sam here to keep my spirits up.  We had a nice anniversary dinner last night at our favorite Indian food restaurant.  I also consoled myself by looking at the weather forecast in Hong Kong.  Thunderstorms were predicted.  The weather here has been nice and sunny.  Looking on the bright side.......