What started as 3 months has now turned into 2 years (plus the option to extend for a 3rd year!) of living in Beijing. Halfway through our second week here, the Girlchild and I have almost made it past jet lag and avoided any intestinal issues. The apartment is even lovelier than the last time and the view is even bigger and better--and yes, as soon as I have better internet access, I'll get the pictures up.
During my short-term stay, I received notes asking about the people, food, and what it was like to be black in China. Having lived a 3 month honeymoon, the people were super nice, food amazing, and I really didn't think about being black--just being. I was just another foreigner. I suspect that, as I get into a daily routine (inserts bouts of homesickness), get exposed to more people, etc., my viewpoint will change. Right now, I'm just excited to be here and blah, blah, blah.
For those who don't know, this adventure is more than just moving to another country for work. Its a career change, and an entire new life, literally from scratch. With the exception of a small amount of items left in storage, we moved with the clothes and crafts (beads, stones, yarn, fiber and related books). So outside of work, our days are filled with turning our apartment into a home. Lucky for us, Ikea and Walmart have planted themselves here.
I have no real direction, no plan for these notes. I made a promise to some of you to keep in touch. Hopefully, you'll find something of merit in the words to come. Even moreso, some of you will love me enough to send care packages (yes, I'm begging!) because some things are just hard to fiind.
Until next time,
