I was thinking about calling this blog “Dealing with the LASTS” like I did on my 3rd blog entry (out of the current number of 166) but I keep pondering on whether it will really be the “LASTS”. I really have enjoyed my year here and even though I am READY to come home, I still feel like I have so much more to learn and see over here. Do I want to do this again? There were lots of unforeseen problems that arose this time with the house/dog that would have to be handled. Zac and Nicole took care of the house for part of the year but after they left my neighbor Rosie got stuck with the job of taking care of the Marigold homestead. She WILL get a nice China gift but that doesn’t begin to pay her back for all the little things she did for me like mailing my magazines and Twizzlers and forging my checks. I am also eternally grateful to Cathy and Joel for picking up the dog sitting duty. Sadie has been spoiled and played with so much she will probably go thru doggie depression when I bring her home to her “single dog” house. I know I haven’t answered the question yet. Would I consider doing this again? It would be a lot easier if I had a friend to do this with because the loneliness does get to you and it really would be a lot more fun if I had someone to eat and travel with. (And it is a LOT easier being stared at if you have someone to talk to). And finally, I can’t answer the question until all the other “If’s” are OK like health, family, house, dog, and finances. So, this might NOT be the last time for some of the things (good and bad) listed below…….
What I will miss
Weekly Foot massages
Noodle bowls in the winter
My favorite Oolong and Green Teas & the hot water dispensers on every floor of the school buildings
Shopping
Fresh cut Pineapple on a stick
Popcorn ‘old maid’ snack (sort of like semi popped pop corn with seasoning)
Pineapple popsicles
Fireworks almost every NIGHT
Shopping
Less salt on the potato chips
Playing pool with Ricky – and beating him – score is currently 14 to 6 – I am the 14 !
Shopping
The great students
The always helpful, Nathan and the delicious pancakes, soup and brownies by Elizabeth
Milk Peanuts (hard to explain but they have a really good strange flavor)
English Corner at West Lake
All the Chinese food I have learned to really like (it is not like American Chinese food)
The walking – yes I will actually miss “having” to walk everywhere – it sort of gave you time to ponder things a little. I am pretty sure I didn’t ponder any real solutions but it slowed life down a little.
What I won’t miss
The staring
The lint
The traffic
The car/bus/truck horns
The air
The cold classrooms and teaching with your coat, scarf, and gloves on
The hot classrooms and teaching while sweat is rolling off of you
Chalkboards and chalk dust
Bones in the meat
The noise
Trying to teach over the fireworks that are being shot off during the day
Not being able to plan any trips more than a week in advance
Not being able to tell the difference between shampoo and conditioner without a student translator
Not being able to mail anything without a student translator
Not knowing what I picked to eat for lunch or dinner
Never being able to buy clothes or womens’ shoes here – too big – somebody size 2-8 would love it!
