Examination over, now it's ganbei to married bliss!

Before my engagement party started, we deposited some paraphernalia in our hotel room (801) - the number eight being symbolic of good luck. For two harrowing hours, I was left alone with my prospective mother-in-law.

Since I am only able to speak a few fragments of Mandarin, I was somewhat apprehensive at first, but it is amazing how far several words, coupled with several hand flourishes, can go. For example, while getting dressed for the party, I asked my fianc's mother whether I should wear socks or pantyhose. I pointed at my feet and asked haishi ("or"), then made a sweeping motion up my legs to signify pantyhose.

My dress was like something out of Piet Mondrian, with red, white, and black stripes. I bought the dress in China expressly for this occasion because my dark velvet gown was considered too somber.