Big holiday approaches
I spent my entire adult life in central Texas until April 2010. I never imagined that a move out of Austin would suit me as well as it has done so far. With my unique job I find it unnecessary to call any one place home. This week I call Beijing my home. With my regular hiking group, regular Mandarin lessons, and regular coffee shop visits I have routine. Routine allows me to feel “normal.” Friends come and go. In Beijing as in Austin, making friends takes time, effort, and openness. I enjoy challenges. I have the time, I enjoy putting in the effort, and I am open when I need to be. The cold weather creates larger challenges (to me) than the language barrier. I prepare for the language differences. Sure, I prepare for the cold weather but it differs so much from my central Texas climate. When the temperature drops to freezing and below back in Texas, I get in the car and then go into a building. Here, I bike or walk for half an hour or more, then walk some more. With that kind of activity I must prepare accordingly. It’s very different.
With the approaching holiday, folks (200 million of them) plan to move around the country. Traditionally, ( I am learning) folks go back to see their families for a solid week or more during the lunar new year. Businesses close down for weeks at a time. This will be my first Chinese new year in China so I have been instructed to stay in Beijing to experience it once. Next year I imagine I’ll leave the country for a few weeks along with many other people.
I have been dancing a bit lately. I really enjoy dancing. It’s great exercise and it’s f-u-n fun. I am also trying to get out and swim on a regular basis.
Greg you are a true nomad, also a comical James Bond of the 21st Century. We need video of you and your friends dancing.