The beginning of January marked not only the start of a new year but also the start of my winter holiday. Since I work at a college, I have two months between fall and spring semesters. This means January was pretty fun. After the New Year, I headed on my first trip to Thailand! I […]
Live Boldly: January 2019 Read More »
For last year’s words belong to last year’s language And next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning. T.S. Eliot I love reflecting at the end of a year and dreaming about what is to come. While I know it has been a long time since I’ve
Goodbye 2018, Hello 2019 Read More »
Today, Shenzhen celebrates it’s 40th birthday. It’s odd living in a city that is so young while also living in a country that is so old. It reminds me that culture is often hyperlocal and despite the backing of thousands of years of history, Shenzhen often feels devoid of culture, devoid of community. Today is
From the Hospital to a Children’s Party: Despair to Chaos Read More »
China has been the most challenging country to eat in. At least for me. The food here is so different from what I’m familiar with. When I ask “What is it” I’m not just asking what kind of meat is that or what kind of vegetable is that. I’m often asking “Is that food?” And
What I eat in Shenzhen, China Read More »
Our apartment, unlike many of the housing options in Shenzhen, isn’t expensive, isn’t too loud, and isn’t too small. Housing is a common topic of conversation in Shenzhen, mostly because people like to complain about it and in my expat community, someone is always moving. Rent is expensive. Last year, we paid 4800RMB/month for
Our Shenzhen Apartment – Virtual Tour Read More »
When we first moved to China, 11 months ago, I was terrified about falling into a routine and yet I desperately needed a break from the constant motion and change of travel. As humans we crave routine. Our brains are always searching for routines because it is easier. After all, a well worn road is
Martin and I have been living in Shenzhen for almost 10 months. Many people are curious about what it’s like to live here, so I thought I would answer a few common questions about life in Shenzhen. Please keep in mind that everyone’s lives are different and these are simply my experiences. What’s the food
Living in China – FAQs Read More »
Martin and I have been living in China for almost seven months. When I first arrived, I was terrified about falling into a ho-hum routine (check out my first post from China). While I have fallen into a routine, I don’t think it is ho-hum. My life here is pretty good. But living in China
7 Months Living in China: A Retrospective Read More »
Trade your expectations for appreciation and your whole world changes instantly. When I left my home to travel for an indefinite amount of time, I had grand expectations of what I would do. I pictured myself becoming a fearless person, hitchhiking to remote villages, making friends with strangers, cooking with them in their kitchens. I
Trading My Expectations for Appreciation Read More »
I’ve now slept in the same bed for 8 consecutive weeks – the longest period of time in two years. Time flitters by and anxiety creeps in. Am I wasting my life? What do I want? The transition from traveling full time to working full time has been harder than I expected. I work. A
Baffled Daily By Chinese Culture Read More »