Ryu2.mind

Yes, I've decided it's time for a brief change of scenery. I'm flying up there tonight, and staying until Tuesday. Thankfully, things have more or less recovered health-wise for me, except for a bit of a cough... thanks everyone so far, and we'll see how it goes!

Things I'm eagerly anticipating:

* Meeting, sharing with, learning from, and enjoying the companionship of friends and mentors, old and new, both visiting from back home as well as those resident there.

* Being in a city with centuries of real Chinese history and culture... as opposed to a one that owes its existence solely to being a trading port for foreigners built in the 19th century.

* Authentic Northern/Northeastern food.

* Sunday at BICF; proof that a thriving international Xtian Community can exist even amidst the restrictions of this country. I've never failed to been tremendously blessed the handful of times I've been there; the one in Shanghai -- and even GrX back home -- could learn a few things from them.

* Dairy Queen -- for those hot summer days, a refreshing middle ground between 1-2 RMB local ice cream and horrendously overpriced 30-70 RMB Haagen Daaz.

* Being uncle to my favorite nephews and niece, Mika, Jeremy, and Benjamin!

Things I'll miss:

* A subway system that's actually somewhat efficent and useful.

* The ability to totally forget you're in China in many places.

* The Shanghaiese surliness and impatience often displayed by folks on the street. Yes, like NY, it grows on you. =)

* Stretching out in my own bed in my own apartment after a long hard, hot day.

* My expat and local friends here in SH.

* The newly-emergent feeling of being a resident and not a visitor.

All in all though, I'm looking forward to the change of pace for a bit, the different variety, some data points for me so I can reflect more critically on SH life, and a refreshing reminder of the most important Reason why I ultimately decided to take a leap of faith in coming to China...

Stay tuned!