Happy birthday!

In China, turning 50 is not such a big deal as it is in western countries, 60 is the big number here. So, my birthday party was a modest affair at one of the many open-air grill restaurants on Nongyuan Lu.
I had invited about 30 people, an international mix of former classmates, Chinese student friends, and other local acquaintances. Almost all showed up, and some brought more friends, so in the end there where more than 40 people attending. More people than I ever attracted in Amsterdam!
The long row of tables had to be extended a few times by restaurant staff, as more people showed up. They served grilled fish topped with herbs and peanuts, kept warm on little table stoves filled with charcoal, and side dishes of grilled aubergine and green veggies. I had ordered two big birthday cakes from a nearby cake shop, and Yanyan had also brought a nice birthday cake, so there was plenty to make everybody happy.