Coming up on a week. . .

And I can guarantee you that I am not China's biggest fan at the moment.  I probably just need to eat, but let me tell you. . .the moment comes when one has had just about enough.  

And it's really quite silly.  Expectations are the downfall of everything.  I really believe that.  

I had expected to be able to plug my computer in and get online and skype and work and blog and do all the things I was "expecting" to be able to do.  In my own space, because the time change really prohibits me standing outside an internet cafe at 6 in the morning or 10 at night to skype.  Here's the kicker.  The internet cafe doesn't even open till after 9.  What kind of coffee shop doesn't open till after 9?  One in a country where drinking coffee is something only foreigners and social climbers do.

so, Jetlag. . .

Jetlag for me seems to consistently equal something that mimics Malaria or a severe case of the Flu.  Body Aches, stomach complaints, utter despondancy. . .you know.

The tricky bit it that, like Malaria, this malady comes and goes.  It is clearly coincidental with the depth and breadth of tiredness I am feeling at any given moment, but it sneaks up on me.  

And then smacks me in the face (and head, and back of the neck, and stomach, and feet, and eyeballs, and left ear.)

I do not appreciate this.

I also do not approve.

Call somebody.

Poop.

Alright, racefans…

I have finally made it home. All the way. Or at least physically. I alternate between feeling on top of the world and feeling as though I have a god-awful case of the flu. Apparently, I had this same condition when returning from Kenya, remember. We thought it was malaria. ;)

At any rate, I am currently also vacillating between euphoria at being home and utter despair at the complete and total disorientation that I feel. My house has changed. Not drastically and for the better, but still a bit of a shock.
I have to go back to work almost immediately. Again. Shocking to the system.
Still experiencing some jet lag. Lame.
For me, return from traveling is like new years day. A moment in time ripe for resolutions. I am trepidatious. I have a bevy of excellent intentions (time management, cost savings, exercise, money management, etc.) and really really don't want to fail. Any and all suggestions are welcome.

Pardon the brevity, this message was sent from my iPhone.

Home again, home again…

Actually, it's a bit disturbing to hear so much English spoken. There is a sort of restful silence in only being able to understand every 20th word. This (Metro Airport) is sensory overload.

Shush, people.

Pardon the brevity, this message was sent from my iPhone.

Last night in China…

And we are going out with a bang, folks. Killer shopping today. Art, museums and silk!!!! Yeah, baby!

Massage, and hot spring to follow.

The whiskey coffee helped, too.

This whole excursion may have been smoother with a whiskey coffee nightcap daily.

Notes for next time.

Peace,
C

Pardon the brevity, this message was sent from my iPhone.

And the beat goes on…

It's weird to be surrounded by so many non-Chinese people. Unsettling. I actually feel more silenced than it feels to know so little functional Chinese.

Pardon the brevity, this message was sent from my iPhone.

OK. . .

I'm in Beijing. It's raining and I LOVE it.  I have a delicious hotel room, it's cool and beautiful. No more refugee status.  Clearly Feeling a bit world weary.  But Things are looking up.  So let's here it for good old American Tourism.  No holds barred. Normally, I'd be embarrassed to be so blatantly Western, but Clearly, I've had enough.  The next few days are going to be wonderful.  REALLY REALLY wonderful!  

Ok, Off to take a bath.  HAven't had one since early June.  Do with that what you wish.

Hugs and kisses

C

China…I mean, seriously!

Ok. Every electronic on the planet comes out of China, but I have not yet seen a more incongruous technological infrastructure. This place is like a wireless vacuum. And what hard wired internet they do have is molasses slow.

Makes no sense. None at all.

Now, remember, I am your resident travel maven. If I can go, I will go. But after this summer of jet setting, I want to go home and stay home. I've had enough culture for one year (maybe one lifetime).

Pardon the brevity, this message was sent from my iPhone.