As my daughter posted at Sacred Stones and Pebbles, we are on the other side of a summer break and I (mom & Oma) am back in Beijing.  It was tough going back this time.  Really tough, and I almost didn’t.  Well, I would have gone back to pick up my stuff  and say good bye – but I am here

And at the beginning of this second year of the adventure, I can tell you this….Leaving was much harder and arriving much easier than last time!

Last year it was a grand adventure.  People, especially my family, were surprised that I actually followed through on my talk of teaching English overseas – and were betting that I wouldn’t.  This year they are pleasantly surprised that I am going back.

Last year, I arrived at night after a long flight with a pleasant layover at Seattle.  This year, I arrived at 4:30 pm with the sun shining.  Definitely plan to arrive in Beijing during the day!  The weather was sunny, the sky blue and I could see where I was going.  This made an incredible difference.  Just being able to see things is uplifting.

Last year I arrived to a bare empty apartment with very little in the way of foodstuffs, linens etc.  I couldn’t see the view from the window (which was and still is gloriously green!) and I was discouraged and lost.  This year, I came home! My plants were growing, the bed freshly made (before I left) pictures on the wall and some food in the fridge.  I knew where to get milk for my morning coffee – as well as water and fruit.  I could simply settle in.

Of course there were little things that needed to be done – topping up the electricity , water and phone.  Realizing that I had no internet which has now been remedied, thank goodness! But I knew where to do these things, and I knew how!  And I know where the grocery stores are.  That makes a huge difference!

So…all is well here in Beijing and as this picture from my trip to Europe several years ago reminds me, “My adventure has already begun!”

Enjoy your day.  Miss my family, my friends and my country, but it is also good to be back!

Marcia