Zai jian from China

Final Blog entry

I know you have all endured much pain in trudging through these blog entries. I want to begin with acknowledging that pain, and thanking all of you for indulging in my somewhat warped perspective on China in 2007. This might probably be my last entry as I am scheduled to head back to the US next weekend. While there is some talk about another rotation, I think the US State Dept may intervene to prevent an international incident on any level. I am truly grateful for the opportunity that I have received to have spent the last 6 months here. It has been a rewarding experience that I will always remember.

The people, the culture, and the wonderful experiences are something that will stay with me always.

While I have many sappy things I might like to say, I thought it may be more fitting, and more appropriate to what you would expect from me, to bring closure by listing the top 10 things I will miss, and those things that I might be OK without. Here goes:

Things I will miss very much:
10 The Chinese food really is better here
9 The parks and mountains
8 The driver I have been using Ben-if I could afford one in the states-would definitely get one…while I do have a best friend Ben-he doesn’t drive for me
7 Foot massages at any time of day or night
6 It’s Cheap-really cheap, -did I mention it was inexpensive…
5 Little children running up and saying HALLLLOOOO-
4 Tai Chi in the parks at Sunrise
3 Golfing with 2 caddies to help find my balls, and paying less than Putt-Putt in the US
2 People stopping me to take my picture
1.The People: So many, vibrant, beyond friendly, helpful, and generally happy you are visiting their home. So many very special people.

Things I might not miss as much:

10. Spitting
9. The sound that comes prior to the spitting
8. Crowds, and lots of them everywhere
7. Traffic- and lots of it everywhere
6. The way everyone drives in that traffic-no rules, just road, just right
5. Smog
4. The way the smog obscures otherwise beautiful views
3. Men in Speedos-they still think it’s fashionable in China
2. Men without Speedos or anything else beside me in the Sauna…
1. Being away from my family and friends at home.


Thanks again to all of you for your support to me and the family during this time. I hope you have found a little of a glimpse into a truly fascinating country, with even more fascinating people. I look forward to seeing you all.