All good things must come to an end. I hate this saying. I dunno why – I guess it just seems so patronizing. But I suppose it’s true, whoever said it first must’ve known something…Anyways, as all good things do, my time in China has ended. It’s time for me to move on in my life and take a different path. Although I’m back in Canada as I write this, my mind and heart are still back in Guangzhou. They haven’t caught up with me yet. I’m not sure if they ever will. I had such a fantastic time in China; it’s going to take a long time to accept the fact that it’s no longer my home…
My last weeks in GZ were pretty busy. It was the Chinese Spring Festival (Lunar New Year) so I had some holiday time. Tony and I packed up and head North to Beijing for a few days and then to Shanghai for a couple more. The trip was a lot of fun and I really enjoyed the Big BJ as it’s become known. Despite the chilly temperature the weather couldn’t have been better – big blue sky and a bright sun-shiny sky. We arrived around noon on New Years Eve Day and took a taxi to our hotel. The first thing on our agenda – an afternoon nap. Haha, sad, but true… We had gotten up at 4:00 to catch the shuttle to the airport, since it was the first official day of the holiday we didn’t want to risk missing our flight because of long lines.
After our cat nap we set out to explore the city. We walked from our hotel to Tiananmen Square. Took a while but it was a nice walk – the streets were deserted. I figured one of two things was happening, either; A) everyone was at home enjoying family time; or B) there had been some kind of terrorist attack threat that we’d missed. Either way it was a cool experience seeing BJ so… underpopulated. We arrived at the Square just in time for the lowering of the National Flag. Just a coincidence, but glad it happened. We got to watch some guards march across the street from the Forbidden City and then ceremoniously lower the flag down. After that we continued walking as the sun was setting to the pedestrian street Wangfujing. There we found a restaurant that specializes in Peking Duck (there were a lot of choices, actually) and stopped for dinner. It’s probably blasphemous to say, but the Peking Duck in Guangzhou was better. Even the Peking Duck I had back in Calgary was better. Not to say that it was bad – I just expected more. After dinner we went to Hou Hai for some drinks and to watch the fireworks. And of fireworks there were plenty! I seriously felt like I was in a warzone. The constant exploding noises from the firecrackers at street level and the bursts from the fireworks overhead – so relentless and so loud! At midnight they went crazy and the display went hard for at least an hour. After that it died down but not out. I heard that overall that night there were 75 fires in Beijing and 45 injuries. I guess all in all, not bad statistics LOL.
The following day we woke up late and then took a bus ride out to the Great Wall. I seriously underestimated its size in my head. It’s huge! And the view from on top is beautiful. Although steep and a little tiring to climb up, it’s definitely worth it! I’m going to have those images in my head for a long long time. After the Great Wall we went and took a trip out to the Olympic Park and saw the Bird’s Nest Stadium and the Aquatics Centre. Definitely cool examples of modern architecture.
We took some time out of the regular tourist attracts the next day and just wandered around aimlessly. Well, not entirely aimlessly. We went to the Temple Fair which is basically the same as the Flower Streets in Guangzhou minus the fresh flowers. It was sooo crowded! I didn’t buy anything, well aside from the candied fruit on a stick, but it was interesting walk around and people watch.
Our last morning in BJ we woke up early to go and see the flag being raised at sunrise and then walked across the street for the Forbidden City to open. Those of you who know me are aware that I’m not exactly the morning type, but if you want to walk through the Forbidden City with any sense of personal space first thing in the morning is the time to do it. We walked by the day before in the afternoon to go check it out but the line up out side was seriously ridiculous! Like many things in China, the Forbidden City was huge! It just kept going and going. Over 9000 rooms total. We obviously didn’t stop to look at them all, but the ones we did look at were pretty remarkable. So much history.
At noon we left for the airport and took a plane to Shanghai. I was really excited to go but once we got there I realized that, well, it really wasn’t all that special. We met up with a friend of Tony’s and went our for some local Shanghainese cuisine. Then we went to the beach to look at the famous Pudong skyline. The next day was rainy but we spend the day walking around Nanjing Pedestrian Street. By the evening we were back in a taxi and on our way to the airport again.
Back in Guangzhou I only had 4 days left before my departure. And how time flied! I worked for two days and then had my good bye party on my second-last night. It was bittersweet. I was happy to have all my friends gathered under one roof, but sad knowing it would be for the last time. The spirits were high at the party and I managed to make it through the night without breaking down and crying haha.
I’ve cried more tears than I’d like to admit over the past few days. I’m trying to be strong but it’s not always that easy. Most of the time I’m fine it’s just whenever go over the events of the past several days that my emotions get the better of me; especially when I think back to the airport when Tony and a small group of friends – Steven, Hehe, Olivia and Vicky – came to see me off. It was teary farewell but I’m so glad to have friends like you guys who would wake up so early to come and say goodbye. No, not “goodbye”, just “see you later”.
And so it is… I’m now back on (frozen) Canadian soil. My memories are keeping me warm. I’m going to miss you all but I hope to see you all again soon. And hey, there’s always Facebook right? ;)
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
China - Day 289
So after re-reading my last note under the light of day I’m thinking that it may have come across a lot more... depressive... than I originally intended. To be fair, realizing that I only have two weeks left here hit me pretty hard, so you’ll have to excuse the melodrama. But let me try and explain myself again now that I’m back treading above water.
I’ve really enjoyed my time here in China - a lot more than I expected to before I arrived in April. Since then it seems like I’ve been on a whirlwind adventure - it really has come and gone so quickly!
I’ve met so many incredible people here that have touched my life in ways I didn’t think they would. I’m so happy to have met each and every one of you and it’s going to be very difficult for me to say goodbye. (But fortunately I don’t have to do that quite yet). I’ve been to some pretty amazing places both in and out of China while living in GZ, and I’ve experienced some fairly... interesting food, to say the least... Luckily I’m managing to leave without having had any dog or cat. To the best of my knowledge anyways. Haha...ha? Aiya, not good to think about.
So even though I hate the idea of leaving my life in China behind, I’m really excited (albeit terrified) to be heading back to school soon! Even more excited about the fact that I’ll be doing that in Australia! I’ve wanted to visit there for years and years and just haven’t had the opportunity. My parents have been there on several occasions, but each time they didn’t feel the need to bring their children along (tsk tsk). I blame it partially (read: wholly) on them that I don’t actually know a whole lot about my future country. I’ve been trying to research the country, and Sydney specifically, lately on Wikipedia (gotta love the Wiki) to try and get a better idea for what I’m in for. So far I’ve got to say, it’s looking pretty good!
Looks like there are lots of things to do in and around Sydney, not to mention the rest of the country! I definitely wanna try scuba diving while I’m there and perhaps even a little surfing. Guess that means I’m going to have to try and get over my rather large, irrational, deep-seated fear of sharks. Well hey, if I don’t actually make it in the water at least there are tons of beach options where I can work on my tan. (These past two years in Asian countries have made my skin eerily pale - in fact, I’m pretty sure it glows now).
Before I finally realize my dream of visiting the Land Down Under, I gotta make a pit stop back in the Great White North. Definitely a short stay this time around - 8 days. Gotta get a lot in in that amount of time. New York Fries and Pita Pit are high on my list (not that I’m only thinking about food lol). Also gotta hit up the local Old Navy, H & M, and other such shops to get some “back to school” clothing. It’s gonna be nice to be able to shop and not have to worry about whether or not they’ll have my size. Hallelujah! Haha.
Well this one was a short entry but hey, you guys get two in two days - that’s got to be some kind of record for me. Just wanted to let you all know that I’m sane and in no danger of harming myself ;) I’ll be sure to write at least one more after I get back from Beijing. Take care guys and 恭喜发财!
I’ve really enjoyed my time here in China - a lot more than I expected to before I arrived in April. Since then it seems like I’ve been on a whirlwind adventure - it really has come and gone so quickly!
I’ve met so many incredible people here that have touched my life in ways I didn’t think they would. I’m so happy to have met each and every one of you and it’s going to be very difficult for me to say goodbye. (But fortunately I don’t have to do that quite yet). I’ve been to some pretty amazing places both in and out of China while living in GZ, and I’ve experienced some fairly... interesting food, to say the least... Luckily I’m managing to leave without having had any dog or cat. To the best of my knowledge anyways. Haha...ha? Aiya, not good to think about.
So even though I hate the idea of leaving my life in China behind, I’m really excited (albeit terrified) to be heading back to school soon! Even more excited about the fact that I’ll be doing that in Australia! I’ve wanted to visit there for years and years and just haven’t had the opportunity. My parents have been there on several occasions, but each time they didn’t feel the need to bring their children along (tsk tsk). I blame it partially (read: wholly) on them that I don’t actually know a whole lot about my future country. I’ve been trying to research the country, and Sydney specifically, lately on Wikipedia (gotta love the Wiki) to try and get a better idea for what I’m in for. So far I’ve got to say, it’s looking pretty good!
Looks like there are lots of things to do in and around Sydney, not to mention the rest of the country! I definitely wanna try scuba diving while I’m there and perhaps even a little surfing. Guess that means I’m going to have to try and get over my rather large, irrational, deep-seated fear of sharks. Well hey, if I don’t actually make it in the water at least there are tons of beach options where I can work on my tan. (These past two years in Asian countries have made my skin eerily pale - in fact, I’m pretty sure it glows now).
Before I finally realize my dream of visiting the Land Down Under, I gotta make a pit stop back in the Great White North. Definitely a short stay this time around - 8 days. Gotta get a lot in in that amount of time. New York Fries and Pita Pit are high on my list (not that I’m only thinking about food lol). Also gotta hit up the local Old Navy, H & M, and other such shops to get some “back to school” clothing. It’s gonna be nice to be able to shop and not have to worry about whether or not they’ll have my size. Hallelujah! Haha.
Well this one was a short entry but hey, you guys get two in two days - that’s got to be some kind of record for me. Just wanted to let you all know that I’m sane and in no danger of harming myself ;) I’ll be sure to write at least one more after I get back from Beijing. Take care guys and 恭喜发财!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
China - Day 288
I walked in the door tonight to see Amy’s bags packed and waiting in the living room. She’s heading back home to Canada soon for a short holiday over the Chinese Spring festival. The sight of her luggage triggered something in my brain, and it made me realize how little time I have left in this country - I too will be making the same journey in another two weeks time. As I looked at her bags stacked neatly by the sofa I thought quietly to myself about how excited she is to return to her friends and family who miss her, and about how it’ll be nice for her to spend some time out of China, but more so I thought about how she’ll be returning to Guangzhou at the end of it all. And it was with this thought that I was hit with a surge of jealousy - because, when I leave, it’ll be for good. My ticket’s one-way.
When I left Japan last year after the same amount of time, I was ready. I was prepared. I knew my time was up and it was time to move on.
But now, I can’t say the same thing. I’m not ready. It’s too soon. I’m completely unprepared. Please don’t make me leave. I’m hoping someone will read this and make me stay. They’ll tell I can’t leave China, there’s been a terrible misunderstanding; a mistake; a misconception of what’s going on. I can’t leave. I have to stay. Sorry, but that’s how it has to be...
I’m convinced Time is toying with my head. It’s going by too fast. It’s not fair. I don’t want to say good bye, but Time is putting me in a situation where that sad scenario is approaching at rapid pace.
I don’t want to say good bye. I don’t want to pack up all my things. I don’t want to get on a plane. I don’t want leave Guangzhou. Not yet. It’s not the right time. I don’t know if there will ever be a “right time,” but I know it’s definitely not now. Now I’m not ready to say good bye to all my friends that I’ve made here. Now I’m not ready to try and fit all my stuff back into my suitcases. Now I’m not ready to make the lonely hour-long trip to the airport. Now I’m not ready to part ways with this city that I have a special love-hate relationship with. But most of all, more than anything else - I don’t want to leave *you*. I’m not ready to look you in the eyes and say goodbye. I’m not ready for your last kiss. I’m not ready to walk away - because I’m scared to death of what that means - of what will happen after I do. I should probably be saying this in person, but I don’t know how. I’m too afraid. So now everyone else gets to read it too, go figure that I’m not frightened of that haha. But there it is. It’s said and done. I wish I could stay longer, if only for you.
I have less than two weeks left in China and the whole process feels like I’m slowly ripping off a bandage before my wound is fully healed. A strange metaphor perhaps...?
Less than two weeks and there’s so much of this huge country that I have yet to see and experience. I’m going to Beijing and Shanghai with Tony later this week, so I can cross that off my list... But what about Tibet and Sanya and Lijiang and Xian...? Hmm... Well, maybe that means I’m not gone for good. Maybe that means I will have to come back. The flight to/from Australia isn’t so long from here. Who knows? Maybe I’ll be back sooner than I realize?
When I left Japan last year after the same amount of time, I was ready. I was prepared. I knew my time was up and it was time to move on.
But now, I can’t say the same thing. I’m not ready. It’s too soon. I’m completely unprepared. Please don’t make me leave. I’m hoping someone will read this and make me stay. They’ll tell I can’t leave China, there’s been a terrible misunderstanding; a mistake; a misconception of what’s going on. I can’t leave. I have to stay. Sorry, but that’s how it has to be...
I’m convinced Time is toying with my head. It’s going by too fast. It’s not fair. I don’t want to say good bye, but Time is putting me in a situation where that sad scenario is approaching at rapid pace.
I don’t want to say good bye. I don’t want to pack up all my things. I don’t want to get on a plane. I don’t want leave Guangzhou. Not yet. It’s not the right time. I don’t know if there will ever be a “right time,” but I know it’s definitely not now. Now I’m not ready to say good bye to all my friends that I’ve made here. Now I’m not ready to try and fit all my stuff back into my suitcases. Now I’m not ready to make the lonely hour-long trip to the airport. Now I’m not ready to part ways with this city that I have a special love-hate relationship with. But most of all, more than anything else - I don’t want to leave *you*. I’m not ready to look you in the eyes and say goodbye. I’m not ready for your last kiss. I’m not ready to walk away - because I’m scared to death of what that means - of what will happen after I do. I should probably be saying this in person, but I don’t know how. I’m too afraid. So now everyone else gets to read it too, go figure that I’m not frightened of that haha. But there it is. It’s said and done. I wish I could stay longer, if only for you.
I have less than two weeks left in China and the whole process feels like I’m slowly ripping off a bandage before my wound is fully healed. A strange metaphor perhaps...?
Less than two weeks and there’s so much of this huge country that I have yet to see and experience. I’m going to Beijing and Shanghai with Tony later this week, so I can cross that off my list... But what about Tibet and Sanya and Lijiang and Xian...? Hmm... Well, maybe that means I’m not gone for good. Maybe that means I will have to come back. The flight to/from Australia isn’t so long from here. Who knows? Maybe I’ll be back sooner than I realize?
Sunday, January 4, 2009
China - Day 272
Reflections and Resolutions. These are words commonly heard around this time of year, for *they* (whoever "they" may be...) say the New Year is a time to look back on what you've done and what you're proud of. (And, well, let's face it - what you're not so proud of...). It's also a time to look forward to what you hope to change and accomplish in your life - at least in the coming 365 days...
Over the past year, while I've been in China, I've been (not so) regularly updating my blog and sharing my experiences with you all, so I guess it's not necessary to recap every event 2008 held for me. But I will fill you in on what's happened since my last pre-birthday post.
In the past couple of months I've done and seen a lot... I traveled to the hot springs in Huizhou for the weekend of my birthday and had a wonderful time there. The hot spring resort we stayed at was like nothing I've ever seen. It had probably near 100 different spring pools, all in different shapes and themes. Some even had special herbal remedies mixed in, and one had a mixture of Chinese wine and beer - apparently good for the skin. After returning to GZ after a relaxing two days, I went out for a birthday dinner at a local Turkish BBQ restaurant with 20 good friends and then on to a nearby bar for some drinks with about half of them. It was a blast! Thanks guys for making it one of my most memorable birthdays!!!
More recently though I took a week-long vacation to Thailand to celebrate the Christmas holiday with Amy and my brother, Graham, who met up with us in Bangkok. We spent two days in Bangkok where we went shopping at a huge night market, tasted some local cuisine (as well as some Western cuisine unavailable in China - like Auntie Ann's Pretzels - so good!), and saw a Cabaret (translation: Lady-Boy/tranny show). It was definitely interesting, but not exactly what I was expecting. It was definitely a PG-13 show, families were seated all around us, but it was still entertaining... After Bangkok we took an early morning flight out to Koh Samui, an island off the SW coast.
The airport in Koh Samui was pretty amazing, definitely introduces you to the island lifestyle immediately off the plane. (Take a look at my photos from the trip for a visual). Unfortunately though the skies were grey and cloudy, and much to our dismay stayed that way pretty much the entire four days we were there. Bad weather aside, our time in Koh Samui was enjoyable. We did a lot of different activities like getting massages on the beach, elephant trekking, renting motorbikes, watching Muay Thai boxing, and snorkeling off the shores of Koh Tao - another Thai island about an hour boat's ride away from Samui. Not to mention shopping on a daily basis. It was a packed holiday and it flew by way too quickly! I definitely want to return to Thailand again in the future, but definitely not during their rainy season!
The three of us, my brother included, arrived back to Guangzhou just in time for New Years (with a few days to spare). The first couple of days I showed my brother around the city, which was much colder but equally as rainy as Thailand. Then New Year's Eve I threw a big party at my house. I'm not entirely sure how many people showed up, but I think somewhere around 25-30. Always fun cramming that many people in a small space! Haha. It was cozy to say the least. But we had a great time and I'm truly happy to have had the chance to ring in the New Year with all of them. (Although I kinda regret buying those noise-makers LOL). The festivities continued well past midnight and the last of partiers left around 3:00, leaving me and a couple others to clean. Not my most favorite part of the night ;)
So that pretty much brings us up to today... My brother is still in town but is leaving in about 24 hours... I decided that no trip to China would be complete without a night of karaoke so I called up some friends and we had a KTV party at Music Box down the street from my apartment. Not exactly the cheapest of KTV bars but it was a lot of fun! We got there just after 5PM and left around midnight - definitely the longest night of karaoke of my life, but undeniably a blast! You never get that kind of experience back home...
And what pray-tell will the future hold? Well in about a month I'll be leaving China (kicking and screaming mind you) to head back to Canada for about a week to visit my family before flying off to Australia to go back to school. I can't believe how fast time is flying and how soon I'm going to have to take on the student role again. Not sure I'm ready for that! I'm excited and terrified in equal measures! I'm sure everything will be fine, but I can't stop the butterflies in my stomach from popping up every time I think about it~
Well I guess this was a bit more reflection-oriented than resolution, but I'm still working those out... They're in my head but I can't quite put them into words yet. And, well, even if I could I'm not sure that I would haha. That's all for now, I'll try to update more in the coming weeks!
Over the past year, while I've been in China, I've been (not so) regularly updating my blog and sharing my experiences with you all, so I guess it's not necessary to recap every event 2008 held for me. But I will fill you in on what's happened since my last pre-birthday post.
In the past couple of months I've done and seen a lot... I traveled to the hot springs in Huizhou for the weekend of my birthday and had a wonderful time there. The hot spring resort we stayed at was like nothing I've ever seen. It had probably near 100 different spring pools, all in different shapes and themes. Some even had special herbal remedies mixed in, and one had a mixture of Chinese wine and beer - apparently good for the skin. After returning to GZ after a relaxing two days, I went out for a birthday dinner at a local Turkish BBQ restaurant with 20 good friends and then on to a nearby bar for some drinks with about half of them. It was a blast! Thanks guys for making it one of my most memorable birthdays!!!
More recently though I took a week-long vacation to Thailand to celebrate the Christmas holiday with Amy and my brother, Graham, who met up with us in Bangkok. We spent two days in Bangkok where we went shopping at a huge night market, tasted some local cuisine (as well as some Western cuisine unavailable in China - like Auntie Ann's Pretzels - so good!), and saw a Cabaret (translation: Lady-Boy/tranny show). It was definitely interesting, but not exactly what I was expecting. It was definitely a PG-13 show, families were seated all around us, but it was still entertaining... After Bangkok we took an early morning flight out to Koh Samui, an island off the SW coast.
The airport in Koh Samui was pretty amazing, definitely introduces you to the island lifestyle immediately off the plane. (Take a look at my photos from the trip for a visual). Unfortunately though the skies were grey and cloudy, and much to our dismay stayed that way pretty much the entire four days we were there. Bad weather aside, our time in Koh Samui was enjoyable. We did a lot of different activities like getting massages on the beach, elephant trekking, renting motorbikes, watching Muay Thai boxing, and snorkeling off the shores of Koh Tao - another Thai island about an hour boat's ride away from Samui. Not to mention shopping on a daily basis. It was a packed holiday and it flew by way too quickly! I definitely want to return to Thailand again in the future, but definitely not during their rainy season!
The three of us, my brother included, arrived back to Guangzhou just in time for New Years (with a few days to spare). The first couple of days I showed my brother around the city, which was much colder but equally as rainy as Thailand. Then New Year's Eve I threw a big party at my house. I'm not entirely sure how many people showed up, but I think somewhere around 25-30. Always fun cramming that many people in a small space! Haha. It was cozy to say the least. But we had a great time and I'm truly happy to have had the chance to ring in the New Year with all of them. (Although I kinda regret buying those noise-makers LOL). The festivities continued well past midnight and the last of partiers left around 3:00, leaving me and a couple others to clean. Not my most favorite part of the night ;)
So that pretty much brings us up to today... My brother is still in town but is leaving in about 24 hours... I decided that no trip to China would be complete without a night of karaoke so I called up some friends and we had a KTV party at Music Box down the street from my apartment. Not exactly the cheapest of KTV bars but it was a lot of fun! We got there just after 5PM and left around midnight - definitely the longest night of karaoke of my life, but undeniably a blast! You never get that kind of experience back home...
And what pray-tell will the future hold? Well in about a month I'll be leaving China (kicking and screaming mind you) to head back to Canada for about a week to visit my family before flying off to Australia to go back to school. I can't believe how fast time is flying and how soon I'm going to have to take on the student role again. Not sure I'm ready for that! I'm excited and terrified in equal measures! I'm sure everything will be fine, but I can't stop the butterflies in my stomach from popping up every time I think about it~
Well I guess this was a bit more reflection-oriented than resolution, but I'm still working those out... They're in my head but I can't quite put them into words yet. And, well, even if I could I'm not sure that I would haha. That's all for now, I'll try to update more in the coming weeks!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)