One of my closest friends and brothers here in Shanghai, chieworld, will be bidding us a fond farewell rather soon as he starts a new adventure in Hong Kong.
I met him over Chinese New Year a few days after I set foot in Shanghai, and he was my first new guy friend that I really bonded with here. Since then, over many a meal of sushi or Element Fresh, through adventures in Shanghai to Hong Kong to Kuala Lumpur, we've talked about everything from women to games, and he's showed me around, given me many a lift, told me the ins and outs of life here, and all around provided a encouragement and sounding board during those times when I needed it the most.
Farewell, J, this city will miss you, and life won't be the same.
I've said quite a few goodbyes in this transient city, but his departure has driven home this lesson for me much more clearer than anyone else... that people come and go here -- often by surprise it seems, and while networking, relationships, and guanxi is almost a second form of currency in this society, ultimately, there is one Relationship that we ought to be clinging on the most. graceyc probably said it best... fellowship in this city and country is like manna; it has to be enjoyed day by day and it can't be hoarded for the future or be viewed more importantly than the Creator who gave it to us.
And while we're on that note... I just found out that I'll almost certainly be going to Montreal, Canada for at least two months for work -- I'll be tentatively leaving Shanghai mid May. If anyone knows anything to do apart from the standard tourist stuff or anyone there, feel free to hook me up. While it's not home sweet home, at least it's North America, and hopefully a welcome break from China. Plus, hopefully I can make some hops across the border down to the US East Coast as well and see friends I'd never see otherwise. =)
Time to polish up on my French...
How will everything change once I come back? Who'll be here, who'll be gone? Such is life in this wild and crazy adventure...
Comments (6)
Well...I'll be here while you're gone! :P Enjoy your furlough...
Posted by ShanghaiRon | April 27, 2006 10:33 PM
Posted on April 27, 2006 22:33
My food recommendations for Montreal:Eggspectation: It's a chain with more egg dishes than you thought existed.Rockaberry: Some of the best pies I've ever had.Fairmount or St-Viateur bakery: Originators of Montreal-style bagels (very different from New York-style bagels)
Posted by esyu | April 27, 2006 10:46 PM
Posted on April 27, 2006 22:46
Wow...that is an interesting opportunity :) Hope you enjoy your time in the land of milk and maple syrup =D
Posted by AndreaZ | April 27, 2006 10:46 PM
Posted on April 27, 2006 22:46
don't worry.. i'll be back and forth so I won't completely disappear
Posted by chieworld | April 28, 2006 12:15 AM
Posted on April 28, 2006 00:15
do u reely live in china?i love china.i see u have tidus.ff10.c/b
Posted by avenged7fold_cool | April 28, 2006 7:32 AM
Posted on April 28, 2006 07:32
oh no! i was just going to tell you that i'll be in shanghai in june! too bad we can't meet up!
Posted by aliceawei | May 1, 2006 9:40 AM
Posted on May 1, 2006 09:40