The National Bird

This country never, and I mean never, seizes to amaze me. Today was the culmination of a two week 3,000 year history whirlwind, and to think it started off with me sleeping through an earthquake. My very first earthquake occurred this morning as some got ready and while I dreamed of 10 Chinese Dynasties, dozens of emperors and 3,000 years without fortune cookies and wonton soup. What has this world come to?

We did in fact have our history final today which know frees us for a week tour through Beijing and Shanghai and a 4 week internship and Xiamen delight. I must say, it is a great feeling. I am reminded everyday that surprises lay behind every corner in this country. Honestly, the bottom-less kids’ clothes for ease of access on sidewalk toilets are epic. I am contemplating buying a pair for myself so that I can share every aspect of my life with the world. The constant array of people never gets old either. It is true, when you put 1.3 billion people on a postage stamp they tend to be everywhere. At first I was uncomfortable with the 250 lb man sitting on my lap on the bus but now I am used to having a few visitors sharing seats on public transportation. Sharing is caring.

While we are on the not about sharing, I want to proudly announce a new addition in my life. I have decided to get married and will be bringing home a beautiful Chinese woman with me. I am told that she comes with a 30 day trial period and manual is included. Mom, Dad I introduce to you the love of my life…..Ming.

Happiest Day of my life!

The weather has been cold here which is a nice break. The 85 degrees it still is in Xiamen must be calling me, but how can I miss dog season. It is finally cold enough for dog to be on menus. As I walk down the street and see fifi after fifi I wonder….will they be my dinner tonight? I have yet to indulge on this delightful treat…I guess my stomach has had plenty to overcome with all the street food gracing our inner lining with msg and who knows what. Yes mom, Imodium was a plus. . .and no Phil…I did not take the wrong pills.

Want to buy a puppy or Kitten?

There are some things about China, or at least this area that boggle my mind. For starters, the smog. Here I am…wake up and pull back the blinds to gaze on the beautiful……grey smog filling the air. How pleasant I know, but this is life for these people every day. Smog, Smog and more smog. Yes, it is a sign of advancement and industrialization, but it is also a reminder that China is a developing country. Another sign of this is the national bird….the crane. Crane after crane line the sky!

All of us have come to the realization that life is just different here. Right down to walking down the street and being stopped by a complete stranger who learned a new word from “American Movie” and wants to know what it means. Though there are differences we still enjoy every day. These are the things that help us to grow and they are the memories we will tell for years to come.

Life is good!