Yeah, so, it's been awhile since I've written. Six months, actually. It isn’t for lack of events or stories… because there have been plenty:
I took some cooking classes...
taught a LOT of English...
...including 5 sessions of theater, complete with performances!
went on some beautiful hikes...
and saw some awesome sites...
My Mom came for a visit!
and we had some excellent adventures!
I went "clubbing"
And ate LOTS of weird and delicious food...
Had a giant ad made from my face...
terrorized some kids on Halloween... (she looks horrified, doesn't she??)
And all of that has made for an incredible experience.
BUT, it hasn't all been good... in fact, it's been an incredibly challenging year. My health has frequently been poor...due to abysmal environmental conditions and a stressful employment situation. If you noticed the gloves I was wearing in many of the photos... it's not a fashion statement. I've had eczema for years but generally only a mild case on one finger or toe. My hands and feet exploded this summer and have been blazing to a debilitating degree.
I walked around like this one day
because the smoggy air was irritating my already raw throat and I could barely use my hands. A funny sight for sure... but, not good times.
Perhaps I will go into the details another time ...like a time when I'm no longer living in this country... but in short, this is not the right place for me. The health concerns are a big part of it but there is also a great deal with which I'm just not aligned.
I'm a big fan of Joseph Campbell and the idea of "following one's Bliss." My journeys have always been more about FINDING my bliss. It's clear that it's not hiding in China. I have met some good friends and gained a level of patience and flexibility that I didn't know I was capable of. I thank the People's Republic for inviting me into their fascinating and bizarre world for a glimpse into the machine that is quickly becoming a superpower on this planet.
For as much of a mess as the U.S. is right now I have come to appreciate the simple things I've taken for granted about my home country and it's really appealing right now.
On to the next adventure... and to whichever path lights up the brightest.
再见! Zàijiàn!
