I can’t believe its here. My last day in China. (But I’ll be back.)
7 days ago (last role of toilet paper)… And now here we are…
I went on a run this morning around the neighborhood so I could see all my little spots one last time: the restaurant I ate at my first night at CET, the park where I hung out and saw old people dancing (a very Chinese past time for the retired), and my roommate’s university.
My time here has been truly incredible. From the Great Wall to Yunnan, from sleeper trains to subway cars, it’s been the ride of a lifetime.
Sleeper train on the way to Yunnan. (I won second place in CET’s photo contest with this photo!)
On the great wall with Allie.
I’ve made great friends and great memories.
China night performances where we all got together to show off our Mandarin skills;)
My roommate and I!
筱筱 cooking for me
Me cooking for 筱筱
I already miss everyone I’ve gotten to know this semester. We’ve been through a great adventure together. One that I know none of us will forget. But I’m also very excited to be heading home soon. My time here has made me so thankful for the many things I have waiting for me back home. I have a loving family who is always there for me, I have a wonderful circle of close friends who I have missed dearly, and I have two homes. One in upstate New York where I grew up, and one in Wellesley Massachusetts. I miss both my homes dearly and I know I’m so fortunate to have such beautiful places to return to.
But now, I believe I have gained a third home. A place I will miss no matter where I go or what I do. Somewhere I grew and changed and learned about myself. Somewhere I will always have friends, no matter how long I am away.
Beijing is my third home. 北京是我第三个家乡。